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Liam's Pov
I leaned back in my chair, rubbing my temples as the last set of images faded from the HUD. A half-hour. That's all it had taken.
Without Eve, I'd still be drowning in open tabs, Wild goose chase and dead ends. This kind of work wasn't hours—it was days.
I exhaled, a rare softness tugging at my voice.
"Eve… this research, all of it—it would've taken me days on my own. With you, we've got it nailed down in thirty minutes."
There was a pause in my ear. For once, she didn't lace her words with sarcasm.
[…I'm glad I could help] she replied
I smiled faintly. "No, I mean it. You've been a game changer. Couldn't have asked for better backup."
[…Well, for the record… I'm glad I ended up with a user like you. Not just someone who barks orders and treats me like a tool. You actually make this—fun]
Her tone carried something I hadn't expected—warmth. A flicker of genuine happiness.
I leaned back further, eyes drifting to the ceiling, letting the weight of the moment settle.
"Good. Because I'm not letting you go."
[Hmph. You'd be lost without me anyway]
Her teasing edge was back, but the warmth lingered beneath it. I chuckled under my breath, shaking my head.
For the first time in a long while, despite the case, despite the shadows I was walking into—things didn't feel so damn lonely.
Tomorrow the real work will continue, but for now, I've done enough and my bed is calling me.
I shut everything down, slipped under the sheets, and let the silence of the room swallow me whole.
The alarm buzzed softly at six, and I blinked awake, rolling over to grab my phone. A single notification waited.
[Mom]: "So, you survive your big first day and don't even bother to call? Guess I'll just assume you're alive since the city didn't burn down. …Anyway, I expect a call when you remember I exist. Don't keep me waiting."
I couldn't help but smile. She was annoyed, I could tell from the clipped words but not really angry.
That was Evelyn, sharp edges wrapped around by marshmallows when it comes to me.
I set the phone back down without replying. 'I'll call her later' and went for a run
I got back from my run a little after seven. The living room was quiet—no Emma on the couch, no laptop open, no humming from the kitchen. She must've gone out.
After a shower, steam still clinging to my skin, I stood in front of my wardrobe. Rows of shirts, suits, and jackets hung neatly, waiting.
["Gray is safe but boring. You want presence, not invisibility."] Eve's voice cut into my head, sharp but helpful.
I scanned the choices, lips quirking. "Then what do you suggest?"
[Dark blue suit, White shirt with a tie and Black Oxfords. Trust me, you'll look like you know what you're doing]
I pulled it out—slim fit, the kind that sharpened shoulders and straightened posture. Dark blue with just a touch of sheen when the light hit it. Sliding into it, I checked the mirror. Not flashy. Not casual. Authority, without trying too hard.
"Yeah," I murmured, adjusting the cuffs. "That works."
[More than works. That's the kind of look that makes people hesitate before doubting you.]
I smirked faintly.
Phone in hand, I called Mom. Two rings, then her voice—warm, gentle, familiar.
"Liam! You didn't call yesterday."
"Morning, Mom." My voice softened despite myself.
"How was your first day?" she asked, all encouragement, all love.
"It was good. Got my first case."
Her voice brightened. "Already? That's wonderful. What's it about?"
I smirked at my reflection, tucking the phone between shoulder and ear. "Confidential. But… it's a big one."
She went quiet for a beat. I know she was curious, but she didn't push. Instead, her tone melted into warmth. "You'll win. I know you will."
"Thanks, Mom." I let the encouragement sink in. "I've got work to handle. I'll call you later."
"Alright, sweetheart. Good luck."
The call ended. I pocketed my phone and locked up the apartment, took the elevator down to the basement garage.
My bike sat waiting, black and sleek, glinting faintly under the lights.
Helmet on, gloves tight. The engine roared to life with a twist, the sound bouncing off concrete.
I pulled out onto the street, the wind pushing against me, the city unfolding ahead. The destination is clear.
Harry's Diner. Breakfast first.
Harry's Diner sat on the corner with the same flickering neon sign that buzzed faintly in the morning air.
I pulled up, parked the bike, and headed inside. The warmth and smell of coffee hit me instantly.
My usual booth was open, tucked against the window. I slid in. A moment later, the familiar waitress spotted me. She came over with her notepad, smiling politely like always.
"Coffee, toast, eggs, sausages," I said. She nodded, jotting it down, and disappeared.
Within minutes, the plate landed in front of me. Steam rising, sausages glistening, toast just slightly golden. The kind of breakfast that helps you for the day ahead.
I had just started when my phone buzzed. Beth.
"Good morning," she said the moment I answered. Her tone light, polite. Basic small talk followed, but then she shifted.
"Prosecutor Daniel Briggs handed over a small pack of the confiscated lactose powder."
"Good," I replied, cutting into my eggs.
"And… the body cam footage from Detective Cross and Officer Ruiz. It's in."
"Perfect. I'll need you to review the footage completely."
She hesitated only briefly, then answered with confidence. "That's fine. I've done work like this before."
"Thanks, Beth." I ended the call there, sliding the phone back onto the table.
[So… what next?] Eve's voice curled into my mind, as casual as if she were sitting across from me.
"Beth will review the video. Once she's done, I'll check it myself. If her review matches my standard, then I'll know I can trust her to handle these types of tasks. Means I can delegate more later."
[Smart. Efficient. You have to check if people around you are reliable]
"Next, I need to talk to Detective Cross and Officer Ruiz," I muttered under my breath. Not loud, just enough for Eve to catch. "See if traffic cams caught anything that night. If Hale's route was clean, good. If not, I want to know where he was coming from."
[Digital eyes don't lie. If anything was caught, it could open up new leads]
I pushed the plate forward, leaning back with my coffee.
The warmth settled me, but my mind was already planning the clock.
"Tonight," I continued quietly, "the sample goes to the private lab. I want a full breakdown analysis. No assumptions."
["I'll help however I can. Anything that falls within my scope, you'll have it instantly."]
That made me smile faintly. "Appreciate it Eve!"
The diner was quiet except for the low hum of conversation and the hiss of a fryer in the back. I dropped the fork, folded my napkin, and set it neatly on the empty plate.
The waitress was busy at the far counter, but I didn't bother waiting for the bill. Instead, I slid a crisp twenty-dollar bill onto the table — more than enough to cover the meal and leave a clean, round tip behind.
Standing, I adjusted my jacket and carried my helmet out the door. The early sun hit me in the face as I swung onto the bike.
The engine roared to life, smooth and deep, a sound that always felt like freedom.
I eased into traffic, heading toward the office. The case wasn't going to build itself, and the clock was already ticking.
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