The Former Spy

Chapter 40

It was a quiet afternoon at Kris Jenner's house. The Kardashian-Jenner family was gathered for a cozy and informal gathering, enjoying a rare moment of free time. Tom was sitting on the couch next to Kim, feeling a warm sense of belonging.

Around them were Kendall, Kylie, Kourtney and Khloe, all comfortably stretched out on the couches, taking up cushions and pillows scattered around the living room. Kris was carrying a tray with some snacks and drinks, while they discussed which movie they were going to watch.

Kendall was the first to break the silence and, with a mischievous smile, turned to Tom:

"Tom, what do you think about watching Skyfall? We want to know what the real James Bond thinks of the movie."

The other sisters laughed, and Kim gently elbowed Tom, amused by the idea.

Tom laughed, understanding the joking tone.

— "So you want me to do a professional review of Skyfall? I can do that," he said, smiling charmingly. "But I'll warn you, if you want a technical review, it might ruin the experience a little."

— "No problem!" Kylie said, laughing. "We want to know what you really think, so you can criticize all you want."

— "Perfect!" Khloe said. "Let's see what our 'James Bond' really thinks."

As soon as the movie started, the room went silent. Right from the beginning, Tom watched attentively, maintaining a slight smile as he watched the action sequence in which Bond chased a criminal on a motorcycle across the rooftops of Istanbul. The sisters were completely immersed in the plot, but every now and then they glanced at Tom to see his reaction.

Kourtney was the first to break the silence, whispering to him:

— "Does it all really happen like that? I mean, motorcycle chases and everything?"

Tom smiled, shrugging.

— "There are chases, of course, but not always like this," he replied. "The reality is that we have to be more discreet. But that's the fun of James Bond, right? Poetic license is part of the charm."

The sisters laughed, and Tom turned his attention back to the screen, not failing to notice how each of them seemed more fascinated by the film precisely because he was there.

As the film continued, Tom couldn't resist making some discreet observations, which made everyone even more amusing. In a scene where Bond faces several opponents at once, Tom smiled, shaking his head.

— "Of course he defeats five guys in a matter of seconds, without a single scratch," Tom commented, laughing. "Now that's a good dose of fiction."

Kim chuckled and commented:

— "Are you saying you've never been through something like that? Defeating several opponents at the same time?"

— "Let's just say that movies make things simple. What Bond does in a few seconds would probably take much longer in real life. And most of the time, the mission doesn't involve direct combat like that," Tom explained with a smile. "In real work, the strategy is to avoid unnecessary fighting."

Kendall looked surprised and admiring. — "So, you think you can do what he does, but without making such a mess?"

— "That's the idea," Tom replied, winking. "But I have to admit, it's much more fun to watch him do things this way."

The sisters laughed, and even Kris, who was watching with them, couldn't hide her smile when she saw the relaxed way Tom commented on the scenes.

As the movie approached its climax, Tom became more focused, especially in the scenes that took place in Scotland. The sisters noticed his interest and the silence he maintained during the most tense scenes. In a particularly moving moment, when Bond fights for survival alongside M, Kris commented:

— "It's so interesting to see a character like Bond shown in a more human way."

Tom nodded thoughtfully.

— "That's one of the things I like most about Skyfall. Bond isn't just an infallible hero; he has a human side, with flaws, scars and limitations. The real life of an agent is much like that. There's no such perfection, no such glamour. You carry scars, both physical and emotional."

Kylie looked at him, interested.

— "So would you say this is one of the most realistic films?"

Tom smiled and shrugged.

— "Within the Bond universe, yes. But still, it's a film. Reality always has less glamour and much more bureaucracy."

Kendall then asked curiously:

— "And do you miss that life, Tom? I mean, the moments of action?"

He paused, thinking.

— "I do miss some things, yes. The camaraderie, the sense of purpose… But I did my part, you know? I'm happy now, living a quieter life with you guys. Action, these days, is reserved for very special occasions."

The sisters smiled, admiring him even more. To them, he was truly an intriguing figure, someone who had lived in a world they had only imagined in movies, but which was now part of the family circle in a genuine way.

When the movie ended, everyone applauded, enjoying the experience. Tom sighed, satisfied, and commented:

— "Well, I have to admit, it's a great movie, especially for the way it humanizes Bond. Of course, with poetic freedom in several action scenes, but that's the beauty of movies."

Khloe crossed her arms, still smiling.

— "So, what's your final verdict, Mr. James Bond?"

Tom laughed and looked at everyone.

— "I give Skyfall a 9. It maintains the style and intensity, but it's good to remember that the life of an agent, in reality, is much more complex and tiring than the two hours of the movie."

Kylie joked:

— "Oh, come on, Tom, we know you have a suit just like Bond's stored somewhere."

He laughed, winking.

— "I may have even used one on a few occasions. But don't expect me to race motorcycles on rooftops."

Everyone laughed, and Tom realized that this was one of the moments he valued most in the life he had now: a relaxed afternoon, surrounded by people he loved, far from missions and dangers. For him, these little moments were the most precious.

Kim, proud and happy, intertwined her fingers with his and looked at him fondly.

— "Thank you for being here, Tom. And for entertaining us with your 'professional analysis'," she said, laughing.

He pulled her close and kissed her forehead.

— "It's a pleasure, love. You're my new mission now."

The sisters sighed, delighted, while Kim and Tom exchanged a knowing smile, knowing that this mission, as simple as it was, was the most important of all.

Chapter 41

The day after movie night, Kris's house was alive with laughter and conversation during family lunch. Everyone was gathered around the table, enjoying a typical, carefully prepared lunch full of delicious dishes. Tom sat next to Kim, and his sisters-in-law, as well as Kris, surrounded him with questions and comments about the previous day's movie.

Kylie, with her usual curiosity, looked at Tom with a slight smile on her lips, as if she were about to ask something serious, but at the same time bold. She straightened her posture, cleared her throat and said:

"Tom, I have a question for you." She giggled. "But it's a very... intimate question."

Tom raised his eyebrow, intrigued, while the other sisters watched him with interest.

"Tell me, Kylie," he said, with a smile, even though he had no idea what was coming next.

Kylie then looked at him, crossing her arms and leaning forward slightly.

— "In yesterday's movie, James Bond... well, he has a lot of moments with women to get information, right? And... in real life, do spies really... 'sleep' with their targets to get information?"

The question hung in the air, and the table fell into an attentive silence. Kim raised her head, visibly surprised by her sister's curiosity. Tom, taken aback by the direct question, blinked a few times before giving a tense smile, trying to think of the best way to answer. The atmosphere was clearly relaxed, but he could feel Kim's gaze on him, waiting for his answer.

— "Well...", he began, choosing his words carefully. "That's an interesting question, Kylie. The answer is... it depends. In real life, there is a practice called a 'honeypot mission'. It's when the agent, on some rare occasions, uses charm or tries to create a more personal connection to get information." He paused, gauging the reactions of everyone around the table, especially Kim.

Kourtney's eyes widened and she laughed in surprise.

"So you mean this actually happens?" she asked, with a mix of curiosity and amusement. "Have you... ever had to do this?"

Tom looked away, a little uncomfortable. He didn't want to jeopardize either his relationship with Kim or the security principles he had always taken seriously.

"Well, let's just say that I have, I've had to go on a few dates and use a little charm to get information," he admitted with a half smile. "But don't think it's like in the movies, with all that over-the-top seduction."

Kim watched Tom thoughtfully, clearly curious to know more.

"And these dates... how exactly do they work?" she asked, with a mix of interest and caution.

Tom took a deep breath, knowing this was delicate territory, and tried to explain honestly, but without going into too much detail.

— "To be honest, the decision to go beyond a certain point is always up to the agent. It's not something an agency necessarily requires," he said, keeping his eyes on Kim. "There was one situation where I had to gain someone's trust at a dinner party… we even shared a few kisses. It was part of the role I had to play."

He noticed a slight tension in the air, especially on Kim's part. Tom continued calmly:

— "But I never crossed the line. There's a line that, for me, was clear. My priority was to maintain the integrity of the mission without compromising who I am. If someone decides to cross that line on a mission, it's usually a personal choice, not a requirement of the operation."

Kylie, who seemed curious as always, let out a sigh of relief, and said with a laugh:

— "Phew! Okay, that makes a lot more sense. I was starting to think it was a common thing, like mandatory!"

Khloe shook her head, smiling, and added:

— "And I don't know, but this spy job doesn't sound so glamorous now that I know all this. It seems more like a lot of drama and uncomfortable situations."

Tom laughed, agreeing with her.

— "You're right, there's a lot more bureaucracy and drama than what you see in the movies."

At this point, Kim visibly relaxed. She seemed relieved, as if she understood a little more of the complexity Tom faced without losing sight of the values ​​and boundaries he maintained.

Kendall, who had been listening attentively until then, decided to comment:

— "You know, Tom, I respect you even more for being honest about this. It seems like you've maintained your integrity in everything you've done, even on risky missions."

Tom smiled at Kendall, feeling grateful for her support.

— "Thank you, Kendall. I've always believed that even in a difficult job, you should follow certain personal values. Giving up who you are for the sake of the mission can have difficult emotional consequences."

Kris, who had been listening in silence until then, commented:

"You know, Tom, I'm glad you've been through these experiences and are still such a solid person. Kim and the kids deserve someone with character by their side."

He smiled at Kris, touched by her words.

— "Thank you so much, Kris. This means a lot to me," he said, before looking at Kim. "And I'm really grateful to be here, with people I respect and love."

Kim smiled at him, and from the way her eyes sparkled, it was clear that she was also proud to have him in her life. Then she intertwined her hand with his, conveying her support without needing words.

Lunch continued with lighter conversation, and the atmosphere became relaxed again.

Chapter 42

It was a relaxed Saturday at Kim's house, and Tom had become an increasingly integrated presence in the Kardashian family's routine. After the success of "James Bond night," Kim's sisters-in-law were interested in learning more about the world of spies and how it compared to the movies.

During a conversation in the living room, while watching TV, Kendall had an idea and proposed something unusual.

— "Tom, would you watch 'Jason Bourne' with us?" she asked, a defiant smile appearing on her face.

Kylie and Khloe, who were on the couch next to them, were excited by the idea.

— "Yes! We want to see if all that would really be possible," Kylie said, her eyes shining with curiosity.

Tom laughed and agreed, already anticipating the questions that would come.

— "Sure! Jason Bourne, then. Let's find out what's 'real' and what's not," he replied, pulling up a pillow and settling down next to them.

The movie started and, as expected, the action scenes didn't take long to appear. Tom watched intently, sometimes frowning, sometimes smiling amusedly as the sisters asked questions and gave him curious glances.

When they reached a scene where Bourne pulls off an elaborate escape from the CIA, Kendall turned to him in disbelief.

"Tom, could that really happen? I mean, could someone really escape from an agency like the CIA like that?" she asked.

Tom smiled thoughtfully and replied:

"Well, the first thing to understand is that, in real life, an agency like the CIA has a lot of resources and means to monitor people. It's not impossible to escape from an agency, but it's much more complicated and risky than it's portrayed in the movies. Technology and surveillance methods have advanced so much that even someone well trained would have an almost impossible task."

Kylie interrupted, visibly intrigued:

— "But what about someone like Jason Bourne, who has incredible skills and is practically unstoppable? Could someone like that really exist?"

Tom paused, thinking, before answering.

— "There are, indeed, highly trained agents in the world, capable of doing extraordinary things, especially special forces operators and intelligence agents with years of experience. But the idea of ​​a 'super agent' who knows everything, fights perfectly, drives like a rally pro and survives any situation is more of a Hollywood construct. The reality is that each agent has specific skills. Some of these skills are incredible, but no one is that good at everything."

Kourtney, who until then had been listening attentively, also wanted to know more.

— "What if someone wanted to fake their own death, Tom? Is that really possible or just something from movies?"

Tom laughed, but soon took on a more serious tone.

— "Look, faking one's own death is possible in theory, but it's extremely difficult to do without leaving a trace. It would require perfect coordination and a new identity, and even then, the agency might still get suspicious and continue the search. In the case of an experienced agent, the surveillance protocols and tracking capabilities are very robust."

Kim's sisters were thoughtful. In the film, Jason Bourne seemed to have all these skills and was able to get out of every situation without any apparent difficulty. It was a new perspective to understand that, off-screen, things would be much more difficult.

Khloe then asked:

— "But what about fighting? Could you fight like that, Tom? Take someone down in seconds?"

Tom gave a modest smile.

— "In a combat situation, we learn to neutralize the threat quickly, yes. But the reality is that fighting is not something we want or seek. The priority is always to avoid unnecessary confrontations. We only use force as a last resort. And... maybe some of the fight scenes are a little exaggerated."

Everyone laughed, imagining Tom in situations like Bourne's, and realized that the life of an agent was, in many ways, different from what was shown in the movies.

The film continued, and the sisters' curiosity grew with each scene.

In the famous sequence in which Bourne makes an unlikely escape, escaping from agents in a chaotic scenario and using objects from the environment as improvised weapons, Kendall nudged Tom lightly.

— "Okay, now I have to ask... have you ever used a book to disarm someone?", she asked, laughing, upon seeing one of the most iconic scenes in the film.

Tom laughed along and shook his head.

— "Look, I've never used a book, but I've had to improvise with some things that were around. An agent is trained to adapt to the environment, so we use what we have to protect ourselves and whoever we're protecting. But honestly, Hollywood loves to add these creative ideas. Most of the time, we just want to avoid a fight."

The sisters seemed fascinated and continued to watch, now with a critical eye. For them, understanding what was "real" and what was "movie" made the experience more interesting.

When the movie ended, Khloe sighed and looked at Tom, clearly impressed.

— "Well, Tom, you may not be Jason Bourne, but I think that makes you a lot more… real. I can see that it's a lot harder work than it seems, and not just adventures and action scenes."

Tom smiled, appreciating Khloe's sincerity.

— "Thank you, Khloe. And yes, it's a complicated life, full of challenges. But I'm grateful for where I am today, for being able to leave all that in the past and move on to something more peaceful now."

Kim, who also watched everything next to Tom, squeezed his hand, showing her support.

— "And I'm glad you're here, Tom," she said, with a warm smile.

Kylie finished, still laughing a little at the conversation:

— "Okay, then, the next time we watch another spy movie, you'll have to be there to give your opinion."

— "Deal," he replied with a smile. "And who knows, maybe I'll teach you some techniques, in a less 'Jason Bourne' style."

The sisters laughed, and the mood became lighter. The night was marked by a new understanding of Tom's work and how he truly was an example of professionalism, without the excesses of Hollywood.

The film showed them that Tom's past was complex and full of stories, but it also brought a more human view of him, and each of the Kardashian sisters felt a little more admiration for this man who was now part of Kim's life.

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