"White Mask…"
That name couldn't be more familiar to Owen. Avril and Zheng Anshun were burned into his memory. He'd captured Zheng Anshun once, only to fail at the last moment—letting him slip through his fingers.
CTU had conducted a thorough investigation into the White Mask organization. It remained shrouded in secrecy. They didn't like the spotlight and preferred to operate from the shadows—strategizing, orchestrating, and planning from behind the scenes.
Their last encounter had been the bombing at the Los Angeles film premiere, where CTU and White Mask clashed directly. Several engagements later, most of White Mask's operatives were wiped out—except their leader Avril and the elusive Zheng Anshun.
Even so, intelligence on them remained scarce. All they knew was that Avril had a CIA background, and Zheng Anshun was formerly part of Korea's elite 707th Special Mission Group. Beyond that, it was a total blank.
"You don't have to worry about White Mask for now," Jack said. "I'll assign someone else to that. For now, I'm giving you all five days off. Take a break, travel somewhere nice. And just so you know, the White House sent over some checks. Each of you has a hefty bonus. Spend it however you want."
"Whoa~~"
Owen whistled in delight. Now that was real good news—much more exciting than receiving a medal. This operation would bring in significantly more income than usual.
For field agents like him, CTU provided not only a fixed salary but also action-related bonuses. Successfully completed missions earned special stipends. And since the Rapid Response Team held a high clearance level, their allowances and bonuses far surpassed regular agents'. Add in the White House bonus and… Owen took one glance at the figure on his check and let out another appreciative whistle.
He was itching to tell Monica the good news—he could barely wait. But Jack, catching his look, smiled and waved a hand.
"Don't get ahead of yourself. You're the last to know. They've had theirs for a while now."
"Those traitors…"
Owen muttered a few words about his teammates' lack of loyalty, then asked casually, "So what's next for us? I mean, after the break."
"Hahaha..."
Jack burst out laughing, then shook his head. "Don't worry. You'll get the full five days off. Even if a nuke goes off in D.C., I'm not calling you back early."
He knew his own reputation—breaks were hard to get approved, and even when they were, urgent situations often cut them short.
"As for future assignments, nothing planned yet. You'll resume training, get more familiar with each other. Oh, right—you said Swagg had agreed to join. Why hasn't he reported in yet?"
Hearing the question, Owen scratched his head. He wasn't sure what was going on. Swagg should've arrived by now, but there was still no sign of him. No calls, no updates. They usually communicated by email, and Owen had sent him one earlier—but still no reply.
"Probably soon."
That was the best answer Owen could give, since he didn't know anything either. Jack didn't press further but seemed to remember something.
"By the way, our anti-hijacking op was so successful that it caught the interest of several foreign governments. Israel, Germany, and Russia have all requested exchanges. They want to send personnel here to learn from us."
Owen shrugged. Hijack responses were a global headache—no one had a perfect solution. Usually, you could only act during mid-flight refueling stops. America's airborne infiltration was a first, and it was no wonder others were curious.
Especially since the White House spokesman had talked it up like it was a miracle. And since only the U.S. currently possessed the necessary tech, no one could call their bluff.
Owen was sure that among the so-called exchange students, there would be legitimate counterterror agents—but also spies. They'd gather as much intel on the Flying Fish system as they could, analyzing every action detail to deduce the real process. Even if CTU tried to hide things, some pros could reverse-engineer the truth from tiny clues.
…
After the party, Owen and Monica returned to their shared rental apartment. When they relocated from L.A. to D.C., housing stipends were part of the relocation benefits—not just for CTU agents, but also for FBI and local law enforcement.
They decided to rent a full apartment together. As a couple, it made perfect sense. The place was more spacious than if they'd each gotten separate rooms—and more importantly, it gave them privacy.
"Honey, how about we go to Hawaii?" Monica asked.
"Absolutely. I've been dying to see you in a bikini…"
Owen's response made Monica's eyes go sultry. "I can wear one for you right now. Close your eyes and give me a few minutes."
She blew him a kiss and dashed off to the bedroom. Owen, full of anticipation, imagined all sorts of scenarios—tonight was looking very promising.
Just then, his phone rang.
It was his mother.
…
Ten minutes later, Monica peeked out of the room, clad in a sexy bikini, only to find Owen smiling sheepishly.
"Babe… change of plans. Can we postpone Hawaii?"
"What? Why? Where do you want to go instead?" she asked, puzzled. Who was on the phone that changed his mind in minutes?
"It was my mom," Owen explained. "She called just now. I can tell she wants me to visit… though she didn't say exactly why."
He looked apologetic, eyes soft like a puppy begging for forgiveness.
"Oh… well. I am disappointed, but it's okay. We can go another time. Let's go to L.A. then—I wanted to check in there anyway."
Owen pulled her into a hug, stroking her hair with affection. He felt awful. Monica's disappointment melted into sweetness.
She knew exactly what kind of man Owen was—and how much he valued family. Monica, who had lost both her parents, admired that in him. It made her feel safe.
And she was smart. Even if she objected, Owen would still go to L.A. She understood what choice to make. No one had taught her these things after she lost her parents—but over time, she'd learned how to love someone like Owen.
The next day, they booked the earliest flight to Los Angeles. Before leaving, Owen asked Heartbeat if he wanted to come along. But it seemed Heartbeat had just started seeing a local girl and was thoroughly distracted.
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Fairy Tail: Igneel's Eldest Son (Chapter 256)
I Am Thalos, Odin's Older Brother (Chapter 336)
Reborn in America's Anti-Terror Unit (Chapter 542)
Solomon in Marvel (Chapter 924)
Becoming the Wealthiest Tycoon on the Planet (Chapter 1284)
Surgical Fruit in the American Comics Universe (Chapter 1289)
American Detective: From TV Rookie to Seasoned Cop (Chapter 1316)
American TV Writer (Chapter 1402)
I Am Hades, The Supreme GOD of the Underworld! (Chapter 570)
Reborn as Humanity's Emperor Across the Multiverse (Chapter 660)
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