Kimberley Andersen, at just 25, is leaving behind a shadowy career with a secret organization she was involved with since the age of 16. Her decision to join the LAPD marks her attempt to live a more normal life and work alongside her mother, Captai...
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The sun filtered through the blinds of Kimberley's apartment, casting stripes of light across the room as she stood in front of her closet, rifling through clothes. It was Friday, the day of her date with Tim, and the butterflies in her stomach fluttered with a mix of excitement and anxiety.
She had managed to keep her worries about the unknown texts at bay for the past few days, focusing instead on the case and the camaraderie of her team. But today felt different. As she laid out a simple yet elegant dress, she couldn't shake the feeling that something was lurking just beneath the surface.
After a quick shower, she pulled on the dress—a deep navy that complemented her complexion. She added a pair of understated earrings and curled her hair, letting it fall in soft waves around her shoulders. Kimberley studied her reflection, trying to convince herself that she looked good enough for a date with someone as charming as Tim.
"Just a date," she whispered to herself, exhaling slowly. "It's not a big deal."
As she finished getting ready, her phone buzzed on the counter, breaking her focus. She hurried over to check, her heart racing. It was a message from Tim.
"Hey! Can't wait to see you tonight. You still on for 7?"
Kimberley smiled at the message, her heart warming at the thought of Tim's enthusiasm.
"Definitely! Looking forward to it," she replied quickly, feeling a little more at ease.
With the clock ticking, she decided to get a few last-minute things done before heading out. She organized some files on her desk, pushed aside the nagging thoughts of the past few days, and forced herself to focus on the evening ahead.
As the hour approached, she grabbed her bag and took a deep breath, glancing around her apartment one last time. "Let's do this," she muttered, turning off the lights and heading for the door.
The walk to the café where they planned to meet was invigorating. The late afternoon sun warmed her skin, and the familiar sights of the precinct faded as she stepped into a world beyond work. Still, Kimberley couldn't completely shake off the unease that had settled over her.
Arriving at the café, she spotted Tim already seated at a table, looking handsome and relaxed in a casual button-up shirt and jeans. He looked up and smiled, his expression lighting up as she approached.
"Wow, you look amazing," he said, standing to pull out her chair.
"Thanks, you clean up pretty well yourself," Kimberley replied, her heart fluttering at the compliment.
They settled into their conversation, starting with light banter about their week. Tim was easy to talk to, and Kimberley found herself laughing more than she had in recent days. They shared stories of their families, their hopes, and even some of the more humorous mishaps from their time on the force.
