UNDERCOVER LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT

PART 7 BRETTONIO

Sylvie, Erin and the others have just returned from the scene of the crime

Julie: (enters the police station with a smile) Hi, Mom!

Sylvie: (looks up from her desk, surprised and excited) Julie? What are you doing here?

Julie: (smiling) I thought I'd surprise you. Can I hang out with you for a bit?

Sylvie: (gets up from her desk and hugs Julie) Of course, sweetheart. I'm always glad to see you.

Julie: (looks around) Wow, this place is so different from the one we visited once during the open house.

Sylvie: (laughs) Yeah, it's usually a lot busier. But I'm glad you're here. How was school today?

Julie: It was good. The math was a bit difficult, but I think I've got the hang of it.

Sylvie: It's a ghost. You know, I've been working on a case that also involves a lot of math. It's interesting how different skills come in handy in unexpected places.

Julie: (excited) Can you tell me about the case? I love hearing about your work.

Sylvie: Well, it's a bit complicated, but it involves tracking financial transactions to detect illegal activity. We're trying to follow the money trail to catch some of the bad guys.

Julie: (excited) Wow, that sounds like something out of a movie! And you actually do that?

Sylvie: (laughs) Yeah, it's all in the working day. But you know what's the best?

Julie: What?

Sylvie: The best part is knowing that what I do helps keep people safe and brings justice to those who deserve it.

Julie: That's really cool, Mom. I'm proud of you.

Sylvie: Thanks, honey. Your support means a lot to me.

Julie: (curious) Mom, can I ask you something?

Sylvie: Of course you can always ask me anything.

Julie: (hesitates) Well, I overheard a conversation a while ago... It was between you and your father, and you were talking about... things that are difficult. Are you and dad okay?

Sylvie: (pauses, then kneels down to be at eye level with Julie) Julie, sometimes adults have disagreements or hard times, but we try to work things out. It's important to know that Dad and I both love you very much and are trying to make things better.

Julie: (nods) I know you both love me and I want you to be happy. If there is anything I can do to help, please let me know.

Sylvie: (with teary eyes) Thanks, baby. Your understanding and kindness mean a lot to me.

Julie: (gives Sylvie a big hug) I just want us to be a team, like you and the people you work with.

Sylvie: (hugs Julie back) We're a team, Julie. No matter what happens, we're in this together. And I promise we'll always be here for you.

Julie: (smile) I love you, Mom.

Sylvie: (smiling back) I love you too, Julie. You are my greatest source of strength.

Julie: Can I help you with anything at work today?

Sylvie: Actually, there's a bunch of paperwork to organize. Think you can handle it?

Julie: (jokingly greets) Consider it done, Detective Sylvie!

Sylvie: (laughs) Excellent, Officer Julie. Let's get to work.