Chapter 34-35 - Former CIA, Now LAPD

Chapter 34 – Quiet Permissions

May 6, 2017 – 9:22 AM

LAPD Western Division – Squad Parking

The sun was still soft in the sky, the kind of golden light that makes Los Angeles seem calmer than it actually is. Mike adjusted his holster, pulling on his light vest over a black t-shirt, his sunglasses already perched on his face. Athena approached the squad car, checking the day's calls on her tablet.

"Nothing too alarming. A bike theft in Venice, a disturbance in Silverlake, and a loud noise report in Culver City."

"A quiet day, then."

"Which means something will probably blow up by lunch."

They laughed and got into the squad car. Mike took the wheel that day.

Athena watched him for a moment, then commented:

"You look different."

"What do you mean?"

"Less... armored. It seems lighter. And it's not just because of Jenner's kiss."

Mike gave a slight smile.

"It's been... interesting. She's more normal than she seems. And smarter than she lets on."

"Are you two talking a lot?"

Mike nodded.

"Almost every day. We've gone out a few times. Hidden coffee shops, late-night walks, no security, no spotlights. She says she misses being treated like a woman, not a media product."

Athena smiled sideways, sincerely.

"I'm happy for you. Really."

"Thank you." Mike paused, then glanced at her quickly. "What about you? Anything new?"

Athena hesitated, then crossed her arms.

"Actually... I'm thinking about going out with someone."

Mike turned his head, a little surprised. But he didn't show judgment, just curiosity.

— "Someone I know?"

— "No. He's a lawyer. A public defender. I met him at a community panel on restorative justice. We discussed abuse and rehabilitation for almost two hours. At the end, he offered me coffee. I declined. But... I kept thinking."

— "And now he's reconsidering."

— "Yes."

The radio crackled briefly, but there was no call.

Mike continued:

— "He seems respectful?"

— "Yes. He listens more than he talks. He's committed to the right causes. And he's patient."

— "Then you should go. At least have the coffee. The worst thing that can happen is not feeling connected."

— "And the best thing?"

— "You realize you deserve someone who looks at you as a woman, not just as a sergeant."

Athena smiled, surprised by the precision of her words.

— "You've looked at me like that."

— "And I keep looking. But... what I feel for you now is different. More solid. Without anxiety. It's as if we were two soldiers who returned from the same war and now help each other build a house. And sometimes, that's more important than any passion."

Athena took a deep breath.

— "I never thought I'd hear something like that from you."

Mike smiled, looking out at the street.

— "Neither did I. But it's been a year of surprises."

10:06 AM – Culver City Patrol – Report of a Noise Disturbance

The patrol car pulled up in front of a small apartment complex. An electronic sound echoed down the block. Young people were emerging onto the porch. Mike and Athena calmly climbed the steps of the building, knocking on door number 3B.

A young man opened the door, visibly tired, but polite.

"Sorry, officer. I was just testing out my new DJ set. I'm playing Coachella next month. I figured I wouldn't be a bother in the afternoon."

Athena responded kindly but firmly.

"We understand. But your neighbors didn't sign up to be on the dance floor. Can you keep it at a reasonable level?"

"Sure. No problem."

Mike looked at the equipment.

"Good setup. Pioneer controller. Clean audio."

"You understand that?"

"Enough to know you have talent. But if you want to pursue a career... you need to respect the environment."

The boy nodded, embarrassed.

"Thanks, officer."

Downstairs, Athena commented:

"You're full of hidden talents."

"Years in the CIA teach you to notice patterns. Even in decibels."

12:35 PM – Lunch at Frank's Deli

Sitting at the outdoor table, both with roast beef sandwiches and bottled water. The sun beat down on the windshield of the police car in the background.

Athena hesitantly picked up her phone.

"I'm thinking about replying to his message. The lawyer. He asked me to dinner on Friday."

Mike chewed slowly, then wiped his lips.

"Go."

"Are you sure you're okay with this?"

Mike looked into her eyes.

"Athena. What we've built here is a foundation. Strong. Stable. It can sustain anything—even new lives we choose to live. And if someone comes along and makes you happy... you deserve it."

She nodded, moved, then picked up the phone and responded to the invitation.

Mike looked at the horizon for a second. And, as if speaking to himself, he murmured:

"Life outside the shadows requires a different kind of courage."

Athena heard him, but didn't comment. Sometimes, silence is what carries the greatest truths.

3:20 PM – End of patrol, sunset on Venice Boulevard

The city seemed to breathe deeply with the end of the day. The lights were starting to come on, the cars slowed down.

In the police car, with the gear shift in "P," Athena broke the silence.

"He's going to call you today, right? Kendall."

Mike nodded.

"We made a deal. She wants to watch an old movie. Like a 'normal date.'"

"And will you let her see more of you?"

Mike looked at her.

"Enough to know there's still so much more to you than the man on the Kiss Cam."

Athena reached out, touching his arm.

"Then go. But remember: the best part of having a home is being able to leave and knowing it'll be there when you get back."

Mike nodded.

And for the first time in years, he believed it.

Chapter 35 – The Sound of Silence

May 6, 2017 – 7:40 PM

Mike's Residence – West LA

Mike's home was exactly what one would expect from someone like him: simple, functional, quietly elegant. The space exuded order—but not coldness. Books on asymmetrical warfare sat alongside biographies of existentialist authors. On the low bookshelf, frames held blurry black-and-white photographs most without clear faces. Missions. Places. Memories. On the sofa, a navy blue blanket folded with almost military precision.

Mike wiped a cloth across the wooden kitchen table. It wasn't cleaning it was ritual. He did this whenever he wanted to prepare the room. Not to impress, but to remove any noise between himself and the person in front of him.

A soft knock on the door.

Mike opened it.

Kendall was there, in a light gray sweatshirt, dark jeans, and a messy bun—absolutely invisible, yet completely present.

"Hi."

She walked in slowly, looking around with a tight smile.

"This house is just like you."

"And is that good or worrying?"

"Comfortable. Like walking into a place where no one is pretending."

Mike closed the door. He offered wine.

"There's California cabernet... or water from the fridge."

"Cabernet. Since we're pretending to be civilized."

They both laughed. The initial tension dissolved with that lighthearted humor.

8:22 PM – Living Room – Side by Side on the Couch

The movie was old: To Kill a Mockingbird. Kendall chose it. She said she loved it for its quiet and fairness.

As Gregory Peck gave his speech in court, Kendall rested her chin on Mike's shoulder. It was subtle. Almost a gesture of relief. He didn't react immediately. But then, he adjusted his arm behind her.

"I like this," she murmured.

"What?"

"The silence. You don't fill it with nonsense. Or with nervousness. You just... exist."

Mike remained silent for a few seconds.

"I've lived too long pretending I didn't exist. Now... I just try to be whole. Here. With someone who deserves it."

Kendall looked up at him.

"And why do I deserve it?"

"Because you're here, knowing I have no stage, no script. That's all."

She watched him for a moment, then brought her face closer. It was slow. Without urgency. The kind of closeness that asks permission with a look. And he didn't pull away.

When their lips touched, it was brief, but heavy. A slow, firm, almost shy kiss—but absolutely sincere.

When they pulled away, she smiled, resting her forehead against his.

"Finally."

"Did I take too long?"

— "No. The timing is right. I don't know if I would have trusted her before."

9:05 PM – Conversation on the living room floor, glasses in hand

Sitting on the rug, Mike leaning against the wall, Kendall cross-legged in front of him.

— "You know, if this continues... we'll have to deal with other people's curiosity."

Mike nodded.

— "Yes. But I don't show up. I don't give interviews. My Instagram is private. I don't have a publicist. And I'm not going to change that."

— "That's exactly why I'm here. For the first time in years, someone looks at me and doesn't think about an image contract."

— "I look at her and think: 'How can she sleep with so much pressure?'"

She laughed.

— "Badly. I sleep badly. But... here, I'm calmer."

Mike looked at her for a few seconds.

— "Do you really want to try this?"

— "Yes. With the right rules. No exposure. No molds. Just... you and me. On our schedules. Our terms. No marketing. No obligation to show off."

— "Absolute discretion."

— "And true presence."

They toasted.

10:10 PM – Standing in the kitchen, late evening

Kendall leaned her empty glass against the sink. Mike picked up the bottle opener.

She looked at him again, as if recording details:

— "You're not what they expected. Neither am I."

— "Does that make us dangerous or interesting?"

— "It depends on who's watching."

Mike looked into her eyes.

— "And you?"

— "Me? I see someone who's worth more than any headline. And that... is rare."

He lightly touched her cheek.

— "You too. Just... you don't have to prove it to anyone."

She smiled.

He walked to the door.

She turned before leaving.

"Can I see you tomorrow?"

"Sure. But... you choose the place. Just tell me if it's an avoidance tactic or real desire."

"It's desire. Real. And intimate."

He walked her to the gate. The kiss was more natural now. One hand on her face. Another on her back. One second. Two. Three.

And then she was gone.

11:05 PM – Cell Phone Message

Kendall:

"Thank you. For existing off-camera."

Mike:

"Thank you for wanting to see me where the light doesn't shine. That's where I've always been."

And for the first time since the Kiss Cam, Mike wasn't afraid of exposure. Because, with her, he wasn't a target it was a choice.

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Chapter 17 - Chapter 34-35