Burke wandered through the city wishing he could be oblivious like the rest of the pedestrians. Instead, he carefully assessed each person that walked by, always aware, constantly paranoid.

As if admiring the view, he leaned against an old monument, his impassive gaze directed toward the fountain in the center of the square. The constant drizzle of rain made his lowered hood inconspicuous as he waited.

Despite the prior weeks’ events, a familiar face stepped into the rain at 9:05. Same as always. Burke hadn’t even noticed extra security. Was this guy that cocky? Or did he actually have a death wish.

Waiting until the man was nearly out of sight, Burke casually checked his watch before strolling after him.

Was three days really enough for him to feel safe again? He must know it hadn’t been an accident.

The man stopped in front of an office, tapping a code into the door lock. Burke kept his pace steady as he prepared to pass by.

“Good morning.”

Glancing over automatically, Burke almost paused mid-step as he made eye contact with his target.

He ducked his head, moving quickly on his way as his mind tangled itself into knots. Was his cover blown? He had been tailing this guy for months and he’d never acknowledged him before.

Analyzing the situation from every angle, images of intense, blue eyes kept flashing in his memory. Eyes that seemed to peer straight into his soul. Warm, friendly, curious eyes.

Realizing his focus had slipped, Burke returned his attention to the people walking nearby as he made his way toward his temporary office. With precise movements, he hung his dripping coat by the door. Closing his eyes, he took a deep, cleansing breath to re-center.

Flipping the power switch on, electronics hummed to life around the room, various screens showing the surveillance cameras that had been planted for months. Scanning over the feeds, Burke zoomed in toward the man at his desk. After studying him for months, he’d never noticed him before today. He’d always been just another job.

Reviewing the video footage he had already memorized, Burke was still baffled by his target’s strange behavior.

One day.

He’d altered his schedule for one day before returning to his normal habits. That wasn’t a normal response. How could he just... carry on?

Burke groaned, dropping his head into his hands. His life - at least professionally - had been orderly and somewhat predictable until three days ago. But now... nothing made sense. Walt would dispose of him immediately if he ever found out he was struggling.

Eyes flickering up to check the time, Burke heaved a sigh while watching the active video feed. Like clockwork, the target briskly walked toward a coffee cart a block away.

Burke hesitated, unsure about the best course of action. He’d been lurking out of sight for weeks during these coffee runs. Had learned the man’s order, accent, small talk, views on the weather, and even some of his basic political leanings. But today seemed like a risk. More of a risk than usual, at least. Something about today just felt... off.

Jumping to his feet, Burke snatched his jacket, pulling it on as he rushed out of the building. Shivering at the temperature change, he reached down to button his coat. In a desperate attempt to focus, he repeated a simple mantra.

You have a job to do. Stop overthinking. You have a job to do. Stop overthinking.

“Hello, again.”

Startled out of his mental chanting, Burke was horrified at the situation he’d put himself in. With no thoughts beyond self-preservation, he shouldered passed the target, away from the most dangerous man on earth.

Anyone with eyes that beautiful had to be deadly.