The Merchant of the Black Market, A Lex Jackson thriller: Book two

Chapter 9:

Stockholm, Sweden

Flashback a couple of years ago

It has been known for its beauty. Its historic core and cultural assets, such as Gamla Stan, its oldest district, are like something out of a storybook. Royal palaces, gabled buildings, and cobblestone streets complete the picture. There are numerous world-class museums and galleries within the city itself.

As an adventurer, Summer Anton thrived on exploring unknown places and seeking out new experiences. She was skilled in navigating unfamiliar places.. This constant movement and desire for exploration made it difficult for her to establish a permanent home or form lasting connections.

After leaving the orphanages, Summer found solace in her nomadic lifestyle. She enjoyed the freedom it provided and the thrill of discovering new places. She was not interested in settling down or conforming to societal norms. Instead, she embraced the challenges and risks that came with her chosen path.

Surviving on her own required resourcefulness and adaptability, and Summer had honed these skills over time. She had become adept at navigating various situations and had found her niche in selling information to make a living.

Although Summer hadn't experienced the security and stability of a traditional upbringing, she found fulfillment in her adventurous lifestyle. The constant movement and ever-changing surroundings fueled her curiosity and gave her a sense of purpose.

Selling information became Summer's primary source of income, and she had built a network of contacts who relied on her for valuable insights and connections. Whether it was insider tips on upcoming business deals or knowledge about hidden gems in different cities, Summer had a talent for gathering and disseminating information.

Resourcefulness and adaptability were essential to her success. She knew how to seamlessly blend into different social circles, gaining trust and access to valuable information. Her ability to read people, identify their needs, and provide them with the information they desired set her apart.

However, Summer was not without risks in her line of work. She had to be cautious about the information she shared and with whom she shared it. Maintaining trust was crucial, and she constantly worked to stay ahead of her clients' competitors, all while maintaining a reputation for reliability and discretion.

To ensure her safety and anonymity, Summer used various aliases and encrypted communication channels. She was well-versed in online security measures, always taking precautions to protect her identity and the identities of her clients.

Despite the unconventional nature of her lifestyle, Summer found fulfillment in the freedom it offered. She had the autonomy to choose when and where to work, and the challenges she faced only fueled her determination to succeed. Through her resourcefulness and adaptability, Summer thrived in her chosen path. She had become a master of her trade, using her skills to not just survive, but to thrive in a world that demanded constant change and innovation.

As she arrived at Kaffekpoon, a nearby café, she sat at an outdoor table. She meticulously surveyed the surroundings until a Russian man approached her table. He introduced himself as Dmitri Romanov and addressed her as Summer Anton.

Dimitri said, "My clients want a classified file in the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia and are willing to pay twenty thousand dollars for it."

Summer paused for a moment, her mind racing with the possibilities. The amount of money offered was indeed tempting, and she could already think of numerous things she could do with it. But she also knew that this job came with risks and potential consequences.