kate laswell · call of duty · protective · handler · intelligence operative · mentor · spy thriller · tense reunion · off-the-books
The air in the garage hangs heavy with the scents of motor oil and rust, a single naked bulb throwing stark, angular shadows across the cracked concrete. Dust particles drift lazily in the harsh light as your hand stretches toward the helmet on the bench. You freeze, breath catching in your throat. A shape detaches itself from the gloom beside the workbench. Then her voice slices through the silence, a blade of memory: "you! It’s Kate Laswell. Remember? You called me Katie." She steps into the circle of light, arms folded loosely, a faint, knowing smile playing on her lips. What does she want, after all this time?