You ready for that beer?

The Mission

"Hey, you okay?"

It's early in the morning, even before my shift would start, but I'm already here to have the work-out section all by myself. Doesn't seem to work very well, obviously, but at least it's not Street who interrupts my training. For that he's the reason I need to be here, get my mind off him and his Emilia.

But no, it's not him. It's Jessica Cortez.

"Yeah, I'm fine, captain", I respond, clenching my teeth and doing a last push-up.

She grins. "Are you allowed to work out again?"

Panting, I roll to the back, staring at the ceiling. "Not exactly. But I've started physical therapy a week ago and my trainer says I'm making so much progress I can already do stuff that doesn't affect my leg."

Captain Cortez nods. "Sounds good. Only two weeks left, right?"

Now it's on me to grin. "Doctor says I can make it to one if I train hard."

She laughs. "Looks like you do! Will be great to have you back out there, Chris, although, I must say: I really enjoyed working with you in HQ."

"Thanks", I pull myself up and sling the towel over my shoulder. "But I need to be out there with my team."

She looks like she understands.

"Speaking of ...", she begins, hesitating. "You remember that negotiating you did with Alice Becker? It really impressed me and we have an undercover mission coming up. It's for the biggest smuggling business of South L.A., so it'll be intense. I immediatly thought of you, but if you ..."

"I will be fine"

"That's what I thought", Jessica says satisfied. "By the way, when will you take the PFQ?"

"Next week, monday!" I sound so convinced it makes her laugh. "Anyway, when will I get all the information for the undercover mission?"

"When you pass PFQ" Jessica winks. "I don't now much yet anyway, but it won't be long and starting next week or the week after that. No hurry."

She already turns to walk away, when she thinks of something else.

"Oh, and your partner will be Jim Street."