Chapter 59 – The Asphalt Line
June 3, 2018 – 6:59 AM
LAPD Western Division – Parking Lot
The sun was still waning. The light filtered through the clouds and artificial streetlights created a grayish landscape. The city was slowly waking up, as if it were still stretching.
Mike adjusted the holster on his right side. Dark blue uniform shirt, badge on his chest, calm expression. He was walking toward the patrol car when he saw Athena, coffee lid already in her mouth, organizing her clipboard.
"Good morning, Sergeant."
"Good morning, spy in a suit. Ready to return to the suburbs where the battle is more about trash cans than armed security guards?"
Mike smiled.
"Nothing like a good old patrol to remind you that the real world happens where there are no spotlights."
She snapped the clipboard shut and got into the patrol car.
"Let's make this day worthwhile."
7:30 AM – Pico Boulevard – School Traffic
The patrol car moved slowly. Children crossing the street, mothers with colorful backpacks on their backs, teenagers with headphones on and eyes fixed on their cell phones.
Mike looked beyond the surface, as he always did.
"There's something comforting about it. The predictable chaos of school time."
Athena replied without taking her eyes off the street.
"It's a false normalcy. Until someone does something stupid."
Mike nodded.
"But until then, this brief moment… feels like peace."
The radio crackled.
"12-A-27, we have a silent 911 in South Robertson. Number traced to dispatch. No words spoken, line open for 14 seconds."
Athena pressed the button on the radio.
— "12-A-27 incoming. On the way."
Mike grabbed the tablet and typed in the address.
— "Residential home. Medium-risk area. No call history in the last 6 months."
Athena pulled into the fast lane.
— "Could be a prank call. Could be someone under threat. We treat it as if it's real until we know it's not."
7:52 AM – Residence, South Robertson Blvd
The house was single-story, simple, with closed curtains and a locked aluminum gate. No apparent sound. A dog barked in the distance.
Mike and Athena cautiously got out of the patrol car. Mike approached the gate and knocked.
— "LAPD! Anyone home?"
Silence.
Athena looked around.
— "No windows. Car in the garage. Something's out of the ordinary."
Mike removed the flashlight from his belt, even in the morning light. She leaned against the side wall and looked out the window.
"Someone's sitting in the living room. Not moving. Looks like... an elderly woman."
Athena quickly pulled out her radio.
"12-A-27. We have a possible medical emergency. We're requesting paramedic assistance and authorized entry."
Minutes later, authorization arrived. Mike broke down the door with a technique: two kicks to the hinge's pressure point.
Inside, the smell was faintly musty and burnt food.
In the living room, an elderly woman sat in the armchair, her eyes open, her breathing shallow.
Athena approached.
"Ma'am? Can you hear me?"
Mike searched the kitchen and saw a pot still on, water evaporating.
"She started making coffee and... maybe had a stroke."
Paramedics arrived soon after. The woman was stabilized.
Outside, Athena looked at Mike, her face serious.
"You know what pisses me off? She was alone long enough to collapse without anyone noticing. Only her cell phone, pressed by accident or reflex... saved her life."
Mike replied calmly.
"And even so, something worked. She wasn't forgotten. Not today."
Athena nodded.
"And we arrived. As always."
9:18 AM – Police car, heading to the next patrol point
The city was already hot. Mike took a sip of water. Athena drove calmly, her eyes scanning the sidewalk.
"Yesterday you were in a suit, taking care of the governor. Today, we're helping a lady not die alone. And you know what impresses me?"
"What?"
"You do both with the same calm. The same precision."
Mike was silent for a moment.
"The mission may change. The uniform may change. But the duty... is the same."
She smiled.
"You should teach, Edwards."
"Only if it's silent."
They both laughed.
11:40 AM – Lunch on the police car seat – Under the shade of a fig tree
They shared two wraps bought at a drive-thru. Mike ate slowly. Athena drank water with lemon.
"When I left the lady's house, I saw a frame with a photo. Three children. All adults."
"And none around."
"That's what gets me, Mike. It's not the crime, nor the tragedy. It's the abandonment. The neglect."
Mike looked her in the eye.
"That's why we patrol. Because some lives only exist... because someone still passes by with watchful eyes."
She nodded slowly.
"And I'm glad that someone is you."
Mike smirked.
- "Me too."
Chapter 60 – The Light Side
June 3, 2018 – 7:23 PM
Kendall's House – Living Room
The house was silent. The sound of the pool water in the background was like ambient music. On the white linen sofa, Mike sat cross-legged, reading an article about restorative justice on his tablet. Beside him, Kendall, barefoot, wrapped in a sweatshirt too big for her body—his.
She studied the profile of the man before her. The firm jawline, the focused gaze, the posture that never completely relaxed. After a few seconds, she broke the silence.
"Can I ask you something... that might change everything?"
Mike looked up slowly. His gaze was direct, calm, but he already knew what was coming was important.
"Always. As long as you tell the truth."
She took a deep breath. She let her body fall a little further back against the sofa, as if protecting herself with her own words.
"There's an event in Beverly Hills next week. Kylie's new collection launch. It's going to be a big deal. Press, industry guests... you know. It's one of those events you can't miss."
Mike remained silent, listening.
"I want to go, of course. But... I want to go with you."
Silence.
She continued, faster, as if dreading the pause.
"I know it's not our style. I know we like the low-key life. But... it's been over a year, Mike. And you're a part of me. I don't want to pretend you're not there when I walk into an event anymore. Or make excuses for journalists. I just want... you to be there. With me. That's all."
Mike placed the tablet on the table. He slowly ran his hand through his short beard. Then he looked directly into her eyes.
"Do you want me to go... to show myself to the world? Or to show the world you chose me?"
She hesitated.
"Both. But mainly... because I'm proud to be with you."
Mike leaned forward slightly. Elbows on his knees. Hands clasped.
"You know what this means, right? That there's no going back. From the moment I show up with you in this environment, I'll no longer be the anonymous cop, nor the former silent agent. They'll hunt down every fragment of my story. They'll connect what I was with what I am. And you know there are things... I can't talk about. Ever."
Kendall nodded.
"I know. And I don't want you to be anything other than who you are. You don't need to pose. You don't need to talk to anyone. Or smile for the cameras. Just... be with me. That's all."
Mike looked at her intensely.
"Are you willing to protect what we have... even when everything around us tries to expose it?"
She smiled, her eyes moist.
"I protect it every day. Since the first day I sent you that message on Instagram. Since the Lakers game. Since that first 'simple' coffee in Echo Park."
Mike stood up slowly. He walked to the living room window. He looked out at the garden. The dark blue sky. The city lights in the background. Then he turned to her.
"Do you want me to go with you... as your boyfriend?"
She nodded slowly.
"As my partner. My companion. The man I love."
Mike smiled. A small but sincere smile. He walked over to her, sat down beside her, and gently took her hand.
"Then tell me where it is. And what time. Just let me know if the suit has to be black or gray."
Kendall smiled and laughed at the same time. A relieved, emotional laugh.
"Are you really going?"
"If you're going to face this world for me... I'll face it for you. Not because I need to be seen. But because... you deserve to be seen with someone who isn't afraid to be by your side."
She hugged him, long and firm.
"You have no idea what this means to me."
"Maybe I will. Because you've done this for me too. Every time you waited for me to come home. In silence. No questions asked. Only with love."
9:00 PM – In the bedroom, getting everything ready
As Mike folded a freshly ironed white shirt and set aside the dark suit jacket he'd chosen for the event, Kendall watched him.
"You've always been so careful with things. So methodical, so precise."
"Agency custom. In the CIA, you don't fold a shirt—you prepare the fabric that will hide the backup pistol."
She laughed.
"Good to know you're just hiding your charm now."
Mike turned to her, serious:
"That charm... it's all yours."
Into the night
Lying in bed, hands clasped, the lights dimmed, the silence filled with measured breathing.
Kendall spoke almost in a whisper:
"You know I love you, right?"
Mike answered without hesitation:
"And I love you. Because you didn't try to change me. You just let me be."
Chapter 61 – When Silence Appears
June 6, 2018 – 6:40 PM
Beverly Hills – Rosewood Mansion Entrance
The carpet was gray and elegant. Cameras lined a side wall rows of lenses, flashbulbs ready to go. Organizers used discreet radios, signaling guests' arrival.
As the black SUV with frosted glass slowed in front of the carpet, the flashbulbs began in anticipation not certainty.
Kendall Jenner was the first to exit. She wore a simple, elegant, white strapless dress, precisely cut without exaggeration. Her hair tied in a low bun, her makeup soft. The photographers began shouting:
"Kendall! Here! Look to your left!"
"You look stunning!"
"Where are your sisters?"
But it was when the second door of the SUV opened that the noise increased. The flashbulbs doubled, but the screams stopped. Silence, surprise, and a clicking sound.
Mike Edwards, in a dark suit, trimmed beard, neutral expression, and impeccable posture, walked out calmly, turned, and offered his arm to Kendall.
She took it. Without posing. Without looking at the cameras. She just walked. With him. Side by side.
The shock was silent, but evident.
"Who is he?"
"Is he the cop? The ex-CIA?"
"Kendall is officially with someone!"
"He's not in the business!"
Mike kept his eyes straight ahead. Kendall, from time to time, exchanged knowing glances with him.
On the carpet, a reporter approached, microphone in hand.
"Kendall, are you officially with someone tonight?"
She stopped. She looked at Mike, then back at the reporter.
"I'm with someone every day. Today he's just visible."
Mike smiled with his eyes. She squeezed his arm, and they headed inside.
7:15 PM – Event Hall
The atmosphere was luxurious but not extravagant. The focus was on Kylie's collection modern, urban, well-lit. A DJ played soft music. Amber lights warmed the atmosphere.
Kim, Kourtney, Khloé, and Kylie were gathered near the bar. When they saw Kendall enter with Mike, their eyes met, and within seconds, smiles were spontaneous.
Khloé was the first.
—"Well, well, well... Look who decided to come out of hiding."
Kim, already with a glass of champagne in her hand, approached.
—"Kendall, you look beautiful. And you..."—she turned to Mike—"...even more mysterious in person."
Mike shook their hands, gently but firmly.
— "Good evening, ladies. It's nice to see you again in a setting other than laughter and pizza in a kitchen."
Kylie giggled.
— "And without Stormi on her lap. But I confess she misses you."
Mike smiled.
— "The feeling is mutual."
Kendall introduced him to Gigi Hadid, who approached with a broad smile.
— "Mike, this is Gigi. A friend since we were teenagers running away from interviews."
Gigi extended her hand, curiosity in her eyes.
— "The famous invisible man. Finally."
— "Nice to meet you, Gigi. I've heard your name fondly. But I promise I won't be able to identify your shoe collection."
Everyone laughed. Gigi replied:
— "That already makes you the most interesting person in the room."
8:10 PM – Private Conversation, Side Balcony
Kendall and Mike were on the terrace. In the background, the palm trees swayed slowly in the warm night wind.
"Are you okay?" she asked, looking at him carefully.
Mike took a deep breath. He looked around. Then at her.
"Yes. And, surprisingly... I'm not on alert. I'm just... here."
"There was a moment when I saw you actually smile. When Gigi teased you. You relaxed."
"It's just that, for a moment, no one wanted anything from me. Just to include me. No questions. No code."
She leaned against his chest.
"You are my code. My most beautiful secret. And today... was the day to show that it's no longer a secret. It's a certainty."
9:30 PM – Farewells, end of the event
Kendall and Mike walked outside together. The flashes were quieter. The photographers were tired. But a few whispers could still be heard.
"He didn't say anything. But he said everything."
"She's never looked so secure with anyone."
In the car, as the SUV glided through the streets of Beverly Hills, Kendall leaned against his shoulder.
"Thank you."
Mike looked out the window. Then he turned to her.
"Today wasn't about me. It was about you... and the courage you had to bring me into your world."
She kissed his hand.
"And you had the courage to stay."
Chapter 62 – When Silence Makes Noise
June 7, 2018 – 6:38 AM
Kendall's Residence – Master Bedroom
Morning light slowly filtered through the sheer curtains. Kendall woke to the sound of her phone vibrating incessantly on the nightstand. She reached over, her hair still messy, and checked the screen:
40 new messages
16 missed calls (6 from publicists, 2 from Kris, 1 from Khloé, 1 from Gigi, 1 from E!)
Notifications from Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, TMZ, DailyMail, PageSix…
She sat up slowly in bed, rubbing her eyes. Beside her, Mike was still sleeping, on his side, his muscles relaxed, his breathing deep. For the first time in days, he seemed completely at peace.
She put her phone on silent. She slipped out of bed quietly. But before leaving the room, she looked at him and murmured:
"Good morning, invisible man. The world has seen you."
8:12 AM – Kitchen – Morning News
Kendall was making coffee when Mike entered the kitchen, already wearing a dark t-shirt and sweatpants, his eyes still sleepy but attentive to what was playing on television.
"...And at the launch of the KylieSkin collection, Kendall Jenner surprised everyone by appearing accompanied by a mysterious man who we now know is Mike Edwards, an LAPD officer and former CIA agent. Yes, you heard right."
"Sources close to the family confirmed that they have been together for over a year. Little is known about Mike, but he has been seen with the family at dinners and, more recently, with Stormi Webster. A discreet but constant presence."
Mike picked up the cup Kendall had left for him on the counter. He took a sip.
"They found my name."
"With the photo they took on the carpet, it was only a matter of hours."
He nodded. Then, he stared at the TV with impassive eyes.
"I expected this. But it doesn't change anything in here."
Kendall leaned closer, resting her head on his shoulder.
"Are you okay with this? Being… public?"
He was silent for a moment.
"As long as what's ours stays ours… the rest is just noise."
9:30 AM – Internet Exploding
Trending Topics on Twitter:
#WhoIsMikeEdwards
#KendallDatingAPoliceman
#CIAinJeans
#ManInGreySuit
Tweet Excerpts:
"What do you mean Kendall is with a cop? 😱 LAPD and ex-CIA?? This is fanfic!"
"Mike Edwards is the internet's new mystery. He EXISTS. And he's real."
"If Mike Edwards isn't the American James Bond, then I don't know what is."
"I thought he was a security guard, but he's Kendall's boyfriend. Composed, elegant, quiet. My type."
"Okay, Mike won. Discreet, handsome, ex-CIA, and still Kendall's boyfriend. He broke the matrix."
Instagram:
Gossip pages reposted the image of the couple on the event carpet, with headlines like:
"Kendall Jenner finally shows off her boyfriend: meet Mike Edwards, the man no one expected."
And, in the midst of all this, Mike's private Instagram, with just 11 photos (none recent), received over 100,000 follower requests in 24 hours.
11:00 AM – Kris Jenner calls
Kendall answered on speakerphone, with Mike next to her in the room.
— KRIS (on the phone): "Honey! That was perfect! Discreet, elegant, unexpected! The media is ecstatic. Mike, you trended on Pinterest in less than 12 hours."
Mike looked at Kendall. Then he said calmly:
"Good morning, Kris. Can you guarantee that all this interest won't turn my life into a billboard?"
— KRIS: "Of course not, honey. Precisely because you're the opposite of all that. You balance Kendall's world. And the audience... loves a contrast."
Kendall stifled a laugh.
"Mom, he's not going to do an interview, or pose for the campaign in his underwear."
— KRIS: "Great. But if you change your mind... call me. That's all I'll say."
1:15 PM – Khloé and Kylie's Visit
The sisters arrived with coffee, donuts, and curiosity.
Khloé, barely in the door, blurted out:
"You know my feed is just pictures of you two, right? And I'm loving it."
Kylie handed Mike a donut.
"You were perfect yesterday. You didn't say a word, but everyone understood everything."
Mike gave a slight smile.
"I like to let others say what they want. While I live in peace."
Khloé sat on the couch.
"You two are like... the definition of balance. The world-famous model and the former agent with the 'don't-mess-with-me' look. Seriously, Mike, if you take a course on how to look at the camera and make the world curious, let me know."
Kendall laughed, flopping down in the armchair.
"The truth is, we just wanted to live. And now... we are living. Even with the world watching."
Mike nodded.
— "Let them look. As long as you look at me... I don't care."
6:00 PM – Repercussion within the LAPD
In the West Division, Mike's colleagues were quietly commenting.
Athena, upon seeing the images, just smiled and said to Bobby:
— "The whole world found out what I already knew. Mike is a real man. Inside and out."
Bobby: "And brave. Being with someone like Kendall Jenner... is not for those who don't know who they are."
10:00 PM – Back in the room
At the end of the day, Mike and Kendall was in the room. The TV was on mute. The world outside was still in turmoil. But there, in the room, it was just them.
"Do you regret it?" Kendall asked, lying on her side.
"Being seen with you? Never."
"And now?"
"Now, we're moving on. Like always. Only now, the world knows. And that... doesn't change what matters."
She leaned closer, resting her forehead against his.
"You're my home. Even with a thousand cameras. Even with the noise."
"And you're my reason for being visible. Just for you."
They kissed. Long.
Outside, the flashbulbs were still flashing on social media.
But inside, there was only silence.
And love.
Chapter 63 – Echoes of the Agency
June 8, 2018 – 8:15 AM
Downtown Los Angeles – Police Car 12-A-27
Traffic was heavy. The police car moved slowly between avenues crowded with school buses and delivery trucks. Athena watched the call tablet, and Mike, as always, scanned the area with a trained eye.
"Nothing but a false commercial alarm on Highland and Melrose. Want to cut through to 5th?"
Mike nodded, turning the steering wheel smoothly.
"Better route, less visibility. And less chance of running into a drunk tourist at 9 a.m."
Athena laughed.
"You're judging as a former agent. I only see random chaos."
Mike looked at her, joking:
"In the real world, chaos is standard. I just learned to predict the cadence."
But it was as he turned onto Broadway that something caught his eye. A black SUV, reinforced windows, parked illegally and two men moving quickly with a military stance, tactical vests under light jackets.
Athena noticed too.
"They don't look like regular cops. And they're not typical feds either. Did you read that?"
Mike looked more closely, then slowed down.
That's when the radio crackled:
"All units to the central perimeter, possible federal operation underway. Cooperation with law enforcement agency identified as NCIS OSP."
Mike murmured:
"OSP... NCIS Special Operations. Los Angeles Unit. We just ran into them."
Athena raised her eyebrows.
"So this is going to be a less monotonous day than it looks."
Mike parked the patrol car at the nearby curb and got out calmly. Athena followed.
As they approached the building, two men emerged from the service side: Sam Hanna—muscular, firm expression, unwavering attention—and G. Callen, his eyes cold, his analytical mind, his leadership posture camouflaged by casualness.
Mike stopped. And then, with a slight smile, he said:
"Callen. I knew that kind of movement could only be your doing."
Callen stopped dead in his tracks. He looked, recognized him.
"Edwards?"
"In the flesh, with his badge."
Sam turned too. He frowned for a second, until his eyes recognized more than just the uniform.
"Holy hell. Mike Edwards. Ground Branch, Kandahar. Operation Cerberus, 2010. You were the guy from the east side infiltration."
Mike held out his hand firmly.
"Sam. Your reputation precedes you. You held that building for almost 40 minutes without support. I saw it all from Tower 2. I almost jumped to help."
Sam laughed sincerely.
"If you had jumped, we'd have two bodies. It was a close call."
Callen approached and shook Mike's hand.
"You disappeared after Brasília. I heard you've returned to the blue side of the force."
Mike nodded.
"LAPD now. Partner with the best Sergeant in town."
Athena, watching until then, extended her hand:
"Sergeant Grant. It's a pleasure."
Callen smiled.
"Your reputation precedes you too, Sergeant. We've heard of your integrity even within the agency."
Mike looked at them both.
"And Hetty still runs everything there, or did she retire with style?"
Callen and Sam laughed together.
"Hetty? She's probably in Prague, negotiating with some minister and plotting three things at once."
Mike nodded.
"Tell her Mike Edwards sent his regards. And that I still make better Turkish coffee than hers."
8:47 AM – Shared Security Perimeter
While the OSP teams wrapped up a technical sweep, Mike and Athena provided support at the perimeter, ensuring distance and control of the scene. It was a hotel used by defense contractors the target of a joint investigation.
Mike and Callen exchanged glances of silent understanding several times. Athena, radio on her shoulder, watched everything.
Sam approached, pausing for a moment.
"You seem... at peace, Edwards."
"I am."
"How do you do it? After everything?"
Mike answered without hesitation:
"I chose a side where I can still protect... without having to hide."
Sam looked at the patrol car.
"And her?"
"It reminded me of what it's like to trust someone without having to hide it."
Callen leaned closer.
"I'm glad you found this. We... we're still kind of in between worlds."
Mike looked at them both.
"So, if you ever want to cross that bridge... I know the way."
Callen smiled sincerely.
"Maybe we'll cross paths with you again."
Mike jerked his thumb at Athena, who was calling on the radio:
"As long as she's by my side, I'll go wherever I need to. With truth, and with a visible uniform."
9:30 AM – Returning to the patrol car
Athena started the engine, glancing at Mike sideways.
"You and those two... it felt like a reunion of ghosts."
"More than that. It was a reunion of survivors. Of lives that only exist because someone trusted the other."
She nodded.
"And now?"
"Now… we get back to patrol. Because while they deal with the international shadows… we hold the line here."
Athena smiled.
"And that's more than enough."
Mike nodded, looking out the window with eyes that said he'd seen it all.
"More than enough."
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