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Liam's Pov
My phone buzzed with a new text—it was from John. He agreed to meet up. I couldn't help but grin at the thought: John Wick. Yes, the man, the legend, the boogeyman himself.
We first crossed paths in an MMA gym.
Back then, I helped him with a tricky legal issue and that was the start of an unlikely friendship.
According to my memories, John's background was nothing short of extraordinary. A retired CIA but actually Special Infiltration Squad- Leader(SIS), he mastered infiltration, combat ,investigation, gathering intelligence, and more—skills that put him in a league of his own just like the movies.
Though John retired to live a quieter life after meeting his wife, stepping away from the shadows of his former world, I am certain he'd be willing to lend his unparalleled skills to help me.
Starting my new job at the DA's office was going to be a monumental challenge. The political games, the corruption, and the high stakes—all meant I'd need allies who could operate beyond the ordinary.
Having someone like John in my corner could make all the difference, giving me the edge to push forward when the pressure mounted.
'This isn't going to be easy,' were my thoughts, 'but with people like John on my side, I can win any case or at least got a fighting chance.'
Next, I decided to explore the Magic Phone feature, with Eve guiding me through the process.
"Alright, Liam," she said in her usual robotic but slightly playful tone, "with the Magic Phone option activated, all you need to do is touch any phone and think 'connect.'"
I raised an eyebrow but followed her instructions.
"Once you do that, your Magic Phone number will automatically save into the contact list of the device you touched," Eve explained. "At the same time, the person's contact details are saved in your Magic Phone."
"So basically, it syncs both ways?" I asked.
"Exactly," she confirmed. "And here's the kicker—it's completely untraceable, unrecordable, and unblockable."
I smirked, feeling a surge of confidence. "Perfect for someone like me who's about to step into a world full of political sharks and hidden dangers."
Eve chimed in with a hint of sarcasm, "Yes, because normal phone lines just don't cut it when you're playing at this level."
I nodded, already imagining how useful this feature would be for keeping communications secure and discreet.
Done checking the Magic Phone with Eve, I glanced at my watch and it was almost time for lunch at Alan's place.
I grabbed the duty-free Swiss chocolates I'd picked up at the airport along with the brand-new PlayStation and the kid-friendly games I'd bought earlier for Jake.
After making sure everything was packed neatly in a paper bag, I locked the apartment door behind me and stepped out into the hallway.
Outside, the California sun was sharp but pleasant.
I hailed a cab, sliding into the back seat and setting the gifts carefully beside me.
Eve's voice buzzed into my ear like a calm AI concierge. "Estimated travel time to Sherman Oaks: forty-seven minutes with current traffic. I recommend avoiding freeway exits seventeen through nineteen unless you enjoy sitting still and contemplating poor life choices."
I smirked playfully. "Noted."
Halfway into the ride, I had the driver make a quick stop at a high-end wine store. As I stepped out, Eve continued, tone still clinical but with a teasing edge. "Selecting an expensive wine for Alan and Judith. Not only thoughtful, but also a subtle way to remind them you're the more sophisticated sibling."
"Not trying to start family politics, Eve."
"You don't need to try. It's a natural skill."
Inside the shop, the air was cool, carrying the faint scent of oak barrels. I chose a deep crimson bottle with a reputation for making wine critics emotional—something Alan and Judith would appreciate.
When I got back into the cab, Eve spoke again, this time in her "business" tone. "Task priority check: deliver gifts, initiate family bonding protocol, avoid awkward conversations about personal relationships."
I arched an eyebrow. "You really think Alan's going to go there?"
"Probability is eighty-three percent. Alan's conversational defense is weak under pressure."
"Good to know."
The driver pulled back onto the main road, heading toward Sherman Oaks, nestled in the San Fernando Valley.
I leaned back, letting the hum of the city pass by, gifts ready and wine bottle secured, mentally preparing for the reunion.
The cab pulled up to Alan's modest but spotless house. The front lawn was perfectly trimmed — very "I'm a responsible homeowner" and there was a faint smell of Judith's cooking drifting from the open kitchen window.
Before I could knock, the door swung open and Alan stood there, thin and fidgety, wearing a big grin that somehow looked both genuine and nervous.
"Liam! My little brother! Man, it's been too long."
"Hey, Alan" and we hugged
"Hug duration: 2.3 seconds. Appropriate for men like Alan who fear emotions but still share DNA." Eve said dryly
Alan eyed the gifts in my hands and questioned "Are those for…?"
"PlayStation's for Jake. Wine and chocolates are for you and Judith or just Judith if she hides the chocolates from you."
From the kitchen, Judith's voice carried over. "I heard that!"
She emerged with a smile that was warm, genuine, and much to Alan's irritation — just a little more for me than for him.
"Well, look at you. Handsome as ever. Come here." She hugged me and took the wine and chocolates, and went to set the table
"Judith reaction: high warmth. Alan jealousy level: spiking. Poor Alan!" Eve said
Jake came barreling into the room, his eyes going wide when he saw the PlayStation.
"No way! This is for me?!" he asked
"Nope, it's for the mailman. Of course it's for you." I replied with a smile
"Target Jake: loyalty secured. Gift-giving effectiveness—flawless." Eve, today your on a roll, I said
Lunch Begins
We sat down at a neatly set dining table. The smell of grilled salmon and roasted vegetables filled the air.
"Alright, first things first — how's everyone doing?" I asked
Alan opened his mouth, but Judith cut in smoothly. "We're fine, but I want to know how you are doing. You look like life's been treating you well."
"Can't complain. I could, but I try not to."
Eve: "Translation: you're doing fine, but leaving room for mystery. Standard Liam tactic."
I turned to Alan and asked "And how's the chiropractic business going?"
Alan, straightening his back, replied "Oh, you know, steady. Still helping people realign their lives — literally."
Eve: "He practiced that line in the mirror."
Alan leaned in. "So what brings you to California all of a sudden?" he asked
"Mom twisted my arm. Said I won't have much free time in the future."
Judith's curiosity piqued. "Why's that?"
"Passed the Bar. Took a job at the DA's office in Manhattan."
"Wow! Congratulations!" she said with excitement.
"Yeah, congrats, little bro. That's… big." Alan tried his best but he hesitated, then quickly added "Speaking of big, I just got the Top Regional Chiropractor award."
Eve: "Alan flexing his trophy before it's even relevant. Adorable."
"That's great, Alan. Seriously, congrats." I said but Judith, however, couldn't help herself "Well, of course, both are achievements… but Liam's is—"
Alan side eyed her which screamed 'Don't say it.' but she did "…a little more life-changing."
'You just said it.'
"Hey, I'm proud of you, big brother. Awards, clients, keeping a business running — that's not easy."
Alan relaxed slightly, soaking in the reassurance.
I turned to Jake, so Alan and Judith could cool off a bit
"So, how's school? Got any friends who aren't complete lunatics?" and he replied "I got a couple. But most of them are lunatics. The fun ones are, anyway."
Judith and Alan shared a rare, genuine smile at our banter.
Eve: "Observation: moments like this are why people keep you around, Liam. Also, Jake may require therapy in the future."
'Maybe' I thought to myself more than answering Eve
Lunch finished, we took glasses of wine into the backyard.
-----END-----
Read 10 advanced chapters at;
patreon.com/Dreamwalker1
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