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3rd Person Pov
Dinner with Cameron and Harvey ran its course smoothly, a mixture of heavy steaks, old war stories, and a quiet undertone of testing where Liam stood when it came to the case.
By the time they parted, Liam had gathered what he needed.
Cameron wanted him close and nurture him as he was talented, Harvey on the other hand respected Liam who pulled of something they couldn't but doesn't plan on working together as he likes to work alone unless Cameron stuck his nose into his case.
Both had their own thing and right now Liam had the momentum to make a big first impression to the world by how he deals with closing of the case.
Sliding onto his bike outside the restaurant, Liam adjusted his helmet and kicked the engine alive.
The night air of Manhattan rushed against him as he merged into traffic, neon lights reflecting on his visor.
[Of course Cameron will try to push you toward a deal, or renegotiate it but still doesn't want you going to court] Eve's voice echoed in his mind. [He doesn't want a trial. If by some miracle Hale turns this around, Cameron's name takes a hit too. He's covering his bases.]
Liam leaned into a turn, letting the engine growl under him. "True, but from the way both Cameron and Harvey spoke tonight, they're already laying groundwork for me. This case gives me a head start compared to the others in the office. Cameron even admitted Harvey's first case wasn't anything special."
[That's as much approval as you'll get from a man like Cameron,] Eve teased. [But you—you want more than approval. You want to build this case, don't you?]
Liam smirked under his helmet. "Exactly. Cameron wants to end it clean with a plea bargain and jail time but I want to expand it. Hale is just the doorway to something big."
The city blurred past as he sped through the streets, Eve's words lingering. [Good. Build the record, make the case ironclad, and then leverage it for more than just one conviction.]
"Yeah," Liam muttered, cutting through a late-night green light. "This case won't stop at Hale."
By the time Liam rolled into his apartment's basement garage, it was nearing midnight.
He parked his bike in the basement, removed his helmet, and took the elevator up.
Inside, the apartment was quiet.
A warm glow from the living room lamp spilled faintly under Emma's door, but he chose not to disturb her and instead went straight into his own room.
As he was changing out of his suit, his phone buzzed on the desk.
The caller ID lit up: Detective Cross.
Liam picked it up immediately. "Detective, how did it go?"
Cross's steady voice came through. "It went fine. Just as you said—Hale's place had a lot of that milk powder neatly packed and cash stacked up. We confiscated everything under the warrant Judge Harrington signed. The whole haul is bagged, tagged, and in evidence storage."
Liam exhaled slowly, pleased. "Good. Let it stay in evidance for now. I want the full search results written into a detailed report, every item cataloged. Include the body cam footage too. Send it all to my system email."
Cross hesitated. "Harper… can I ask? Why's this so important? You've already got cocaine on him, solid evidence. The cash and milk powder are noise compared to that."
Liam's gaze hardened as he looked at the small zip-lock bag still on his desk, the one that had a secret within he was yet to get a full picture of. "Because I have a hunch. And I'm going to follow it."
There was a pause on the other end, then Cross sighed. "You've been right so far. You got us out of a corner. I owe you more than I can say. So, if you're chasing a lead, I'll back you. Just know—you've got my help as far as my badge lets me go."
"Thanks, Cross," Liam replied. "I'll keep that in mind."
"Alright. Report will be in your hand by morning."
"Goodnight, Detective."
"Goodnight, Counselor."
The line went dead.
Liam set the phone down, exhaled, and stripped off the rest of his clothes. Pulling on a plain black T-shirt and sweats, he dropped into bed.
[You're digging into something dangerous, Liam,] Eve murmured softly. [But that's what makes it fun.]
Liam smirked, eyes closing as exhaustion took over. "Dangerous is fine. As long as it's not boring."
Sleep claimed him within minutes, the weight of the day finally settling into his body.
The alarm went off at 5:30 a.m., a soft buzz that Liam silenced before it could wake Emma in the other room.
He slipped into running gear, laced his shoes, and stepped out into the crisp morning air. Manhattan was quieter at this hour, the city not yet awake, the streets holding a rare stillness.
Jogging had always been part of his ritual in this life.
It sharpened his mind as much as his body as he hit the rhythm of his stride, his thoughts began forming into plans.
[You're already working,] Eve's voice teased in his mind, smooth and amused. [Can't you just run without plotting the downfall of someone?]
"Not in my nature," Liam murmured under his breath, his breath steady. "If I don't plan while I run, it feels like wasted time."
[Alright then, strategist. What's first on today's grand agenda?]
"First," Liam said, dodging a group of early commuters on the sidewalk, "I need the full report from Nexor Labs. Their analysis on the milk powder will confirm parts of my suspicion, and more importantly, if there's anything else I'm missing out. If I'm right, this isn't just Hale acting alone."
[Reasonable,] Eve admitted and chuckled saying. [That's one. What's next?]
"Seraphina," Liam replied. "She's still in the shadows of the clubs high rollers. I need to know her point of view of the story before moving further"
[What if Seraphina doesn't talk?]
"I'll have to try and if she still doesn't then the back up plan is to use my sharingan"
[Short use is fine, but increase your stats before prolonged or complex use] she reminded
"Done" Liam replied flatly, his stride never faltering.
[And number three?] Eve prompted.
"The trainer," Liam said. "The one who picked a fight with Hale outside the club. I think his story will be important for my case."
[What if he's hidden?]
"Either way," Liam countered, "I'll have to find out more!"
A group of joggers—two women in sleek running gear—passed by in the opposite direction.
They slowed a step as their eyes landed on him, one even turning her head fully as she jogged by but Liam didn't so much as glance their way. His focus remained forward.
[You do know you cause traffic problems, right?] Eve teased. [Half of them nearly tripped staring at you.]
"Not my concern," Liam muttered.
[Oh, but it's mine. At least appreciate the compliment.]
"I'll pass," Liam replied dryly, turning onto the final stretch back toward his apartment building.
His lungs only slightly burned just enough to remind him that his body was in peak condition.
By the time he returned, sweat clinging to his shirt, the aroma of breakfast greeted him.
Emma was already in the kitchen, humming lightly as she flipped eggs on a skillet.
"You're back right on time," she said brightly. "I was just plating."
"Morning," Liam replied, heading straight for the shower. "Give me ten."
When he emerged, crisp in a navy suit and freshly pressed shirt, the table was set. Emma had made scrambled eggs, toast, and cut fruit. He slid into the chair opposite her.
"You didn't have to cook," Liam said, though he appreciated it.
"I wanted to," Emma replied with a small smile. She studied him for a moment before leaning back in her chair. "So… my date last night went well."
Liam arched a brow. "Bruce?"
She nodded, almost shyly. "Yes. He's… kind. Steady and I was thinking… maybe this weekend, if you're free, I could introduce you two properly?"
Liam paused, cutting into his eggs. "This weekend… might not work."
Emma tilted her head. "Because of the case?"
"Because of the case," Liam confirmed. "Until Hale's is done, I can't make plans. It'd be a distraction, and I can't afford distractions right now."
She pursed her lips, then nodded in quiet understanding. "I figured you'd say that. Just… tell me when you're ready, okay? He doesn't need to be a priority, but you're my family and your opinion matters."
Liam softened, just slightly. "I'll let you know. Once this is over, I'll make the time."
Her smile returned, small but genuine. "Good enough."
They ate in silence for a while, the kind of silence that was comfortable, only broken when Emma asked, "Do you ever stop working, even in your head?"
Liam smirked faintly. "I went for a jog. That counts."
"That doesn't count," she shot back, amused. "Jogging is just you working out your cases at higher heart rates."
"Efficient," Liam corrected.
Emma rolled her eyes but laughed softly. "Fine, efficient."
When the plates were cleared and Liam checked the time, he rose, adjusting his tie. "I'll be home late. Don't wait up."
Emma gave him a mock salute. "Go save the world, counselor."
"Something like that," Liam said, grabbing his bag and heading for the door.
Behind him, he heard her humming again as she cleaned the kitchen, the sound following him into the hallway.
-----END-----
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