The real life of an American police officer: Winning over others with virtue

Chapter 298 Paris
Perhaps Eric's words struck a chord with Bill, for he remained silent, and the call fell into a brief silence.

Eric didn't say anything to disturb them, but simply tidied up quietly.

Even the most upright official finds it difficult to settle family disputes. In Bill's case, it's really hard to tell who's right and who's wrong; it's simply a matter of differing perspectives.

"Even so, it still hurts to see Kimmy's tears," Bill sighed.

"To be honest, this feeling is worse than being shot."

Eric's lips twitched almost imperceptibly. Dude, it's just his daughter crying, no big deal.

But Eric, speaking as a friend, said, "Bill, our approach to problems is always to identify the threat, assess the risk, and then eliminate or avoid it."
However, it's normal to encounter clashes when applying this model directly to family members, especially children who are eager for independence.

Bill said, "So you mean I should ignore the potential danger and let her go?"

“Of course not,” Eric said.

"What I mean is, you can treat this as any kind of mission you want, oh, the Paris mission, which requires meticulous planning and security."

In this way, you can fulfill both your own desires and Jinmi's.

This analogy clearly struck a chord with Bill, who responded with a thoughtful tone:

"Task?"

“That’s right,” Eric continued.
"Think about it, the mission objective is to ensure Kim's safety and happiness during his stay in Paris."

What information do you need? Not just the destination, but also detailed background information on the people traveling with you, especially Amanda and her cousin. How much do you know about them?
What are their travel plans? What is the exact location and safety condition of the apartment they are staying at? What are the local emergency contact details?

Bill instinctively replied, "We need to do a background check to verify that cousin's identity."

The apartment address should be confirmed in advance, the surrounding environment should be assessed, an emergency contact plan should be in place, and backup communication equipment should be available.

“See, this is your area of ​​expertise,” Eric smiled.

Instead of simply saying no and making Kimmy sad, I told Kimmy, "Baby, Daddy isn't saying no to you, but we need to work together to make sure it's an absolutely wonderful trip."

So let's prepare thoroughly, just like planning a grand adventure.

Bill seemed drawn to the idea, but still had reservations: "But if I bring these things up, won't Lenore and Kimmy think I'm too controlling, or that I'm indirectly hindering things?"

“So the method is very important,” Eric said helplessly.

"This is not a review, but a father's responsibility and care. You can turn it into a pre-departure safety briefing, just like you would prepare before a mission."

Involve her, rather than making her feel scrutinized. For example, you could say, "Hey Kimmy, do me a favor and show me my cousin Amanda's social media accounts. I need to see if she's trustworthy; I can't hand my daughter over to a stranger." Use a lighthearted tone.

“Get her involved,” Bill repeated, seemingly processing the suggestion.

"Perhaps I can take this opportunity to teach her some basic safety knowledge."

“Absolutely right,” Eric said.

"This is not just about agreeing or disagreeing, but also an opportunity to share your experience, let her know why you are worried, and how to smartly avoid risks."

This is more meaningful than simply prohibiting her. She only needs your consent now because she is seventeen and not yet an adult, which means that one day she will have to face the world alone.

Bill, you can't keep her behind bulletproof glass forever.

There was another brief silence, and Bill's breathing sounded a little more steady.

"Eric, thank you! I think I was getting stuck on one thing. I kept thinking about how to protect her from danger, but I didn't think about how to let her experience the world safely."

“That’s normal, Bill, because we’re so used to dealing with the worst-case scenario,” Eric laughed.

"But when dealing with family, sometimes you need to switch modes. You can package your professional skills in a way that they can accept."

“I understand,” Bill said.

“I know what to do. First, have a good talk with Kimmy, not as an opponent, but as, well, a security advisor.”

“Good luck, Bill,” Eric said with a smile.

"Oh, by the way, I'll be going to Paris in a few days too. If you're really worried, you can give me your cousin's address and I'll check it out for you. Or, if all else fails, Tifa and I can bring her along."

Bill paused for a moment.

Eric chuckled, "Same as before, a travel date, you know."

Bill's voice was more relaxed this time, with a "you should have said so earlier, bro" kind of tone.

"Okay, I'll have to trouble you then, Eric."

Bill paused, a hint of something enigmatic in his voice, "If you were in Paris, Kimmy would be so happy~"

It sounds like Bill is implying something.

"Ahem!" Eric coughed nervously, but then he thought, wait a minute! Why should I feel guilty?
“Alright! I won’t bother you anymore,” Bill joked.

"I need to think carefully about how to plan this operation."

“OK! Keep in touch anytime,” Eric chuckled, ending the call.

Far away in Boston.

Hearing the end of the message, Bill put his phone on the table, picked up his coffee again, and took a sip. This time, he seemed more composed.

"With Eric around, there shouldn't be any problems," Bill thought to himself, recalling his old buddies' assessment that Eric was very strong.

As if thinking of Eric's handsome face, Bill smiled.

He never imagined that one day he would receive advice on handling family relationships from a child much younger than himself, and that the advice would be so insightful.

Eric's final statement about also going to Paris was undoubtedly a reassurance.

"Security advisor." Bill subconsciously savored the term, finding it incredibly fitting.

Without hesitation, Bill picked up his phone again and found Jinmi's number. Given Jinmi's previous behavior, Bill didn't dare to call, but instead sent a text message.

"Honey, I want to have a serious talk with you about Paris. It's not that I want to say no, but I want to plan it out with you to make sure it's a perfect and safe trip."

So are you free tonight? Dad will treat you to your favorite Italian food, and we can talk about your itinerary in detail. By the way, Dad might need your help with a small favor: finding out where you're staying.

-

"What does it mean to be tempered steel and then softened like silk?" Eric looked at his phone, recalling Bill's image, and couldn't help but chuckle.

This man, who remained unmoved amidst gunfire, was completely helpless in the face of his daughter's tears.

“But this is what makes a real person, not a cold-blooded killer.” Eric looked at his phone and had a sudden realization. Perhaps it was Bill’s awkwardness towards his family that made him feel that Bill was a person he could truly connect with.

But because of this incident, he suddenly thought of Jinmi.

Eric couldn't resist and went to his text message inbox.

A bright red notification appeared next to Jinmi's name, showing dozens of unread messages. After the train journey, Jinmi sent him many messages, but he chose to ignore them all without opening them.

Open the chat interface, and you'll see a lot of people sharing their daily lives, outfits, and other similar things.

Eric's gaze lingered on the latest messages, the timestamps indicating they were from this afternoon.

They were all complaining about Bill's failure as a father, such as how he was never there when he needed him as a child, and so on.

"Is she using me as a dumping ground for her emotions? Oh well." Eric shook his head, turned it off, chose to ignore it, and continued working.

Occasionally, I would go outside to take a look around.

Diego's small team is quite impressive.

The fence construction is progressing faster every day. What was originally just a planned boundary line now has rows of sturdy pillars buried deep in the ground.

The pile of building materials has been reduced by more than half, replaced by a preliminary defensive outline, whose height and structure are already capable of effectively blocking most spying and conventional intrusion.

The main structure is more than 60% complete. The remaining tasks mainly involve installing the barbed wire cage, laying sensor wiring, and final finishing touches.

Eric estimated that by the time he reported to the detective agency, his rehabilitation plan would be almost complete.

Despite this, to Eric's surprise, Diego actually came over today.

"Is this guy alright?" Eric squinted at Diego, who jumped out of the pickup truck's driver's seat.

He wore an old T-shirt stained with paint, his chin was covered with dark stubble, and although his face still looked tired, the madness in his eyes had disappeared, replaced by a kind of determination.

He watched as the young worker Camillo and his group went to greet him, and saw Diego's smile.

Eric smiled, shook his head, and turned to go inside, unaware that Diego was looking in his direction.

Not long after, Eric heard the doorbell, went to open the door, and there was Diego.

He stood at the doorway, holding no tools, just rubbing his rough palms together, but Eric noticed something in Diego's eyes.

“Mr. Stevens.” Diego’s voice was more steady than before.

"I came here to tell you that I won't neglect the work here! Don't worry about the fence."

Eric's lips twitched, feeling helpless. "Dude, this isn't important, okay?"

Eric didn't reply, but glanced at the empty space behind him, the meaning was clear: Your daughter is still lying there, what are you doing here?
Diego seemed to understand what Eric meant, and gave a dry but genuine smile: "Anna is awake and can drink some liquid food. Her mother can stay with her. I feel more at ease here."

Eric said, "The progress won't be affected by these two days."

“I know,” Diego suddenly said with a serious smile.

“Mr. Stevens, some things are in the past, but I will always remember them.”

As he spoke, he looked at Eric, his gaze unwavering, filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude that threatened to spill over but was restrained by a powerful will, manifesting only as a slight ripple in the deep pool of his eyes.

Eric paused for a moment, then simply smiled and asked, "What are your plans for Anna's follow-up treatment?"

Diego took a deep breath, as if suppressing his surging emotions: "Once she's feeling better and can withstand more travel, I want to take her and her mother away from Los Angeles for a change of scenery. It'll be better for our whole family."

Even so, Diego didn't forget to add, "But don't worry, I'll make sure I finish all the work here properly before I leave."

It was as if this was the only way he could repay the debt: "I will definitely make you satisfied."

“Okay.” Eric nodded and smiled.

"I need help speaking up."

“That’s enough.” Diego’s voice was a little hoarse. He lowered his head slightly, blinked a few times quickly, as if afraid of losing control of his emotions, nodded heavily, and then turned to leave.

Eric's smile remained unchanged as he watched Diego begin directing the work.

"Diego and his ex-wife got back together? Because of their daughter? Well, that doesn't seem so bad."

Eric silently closed the door.

-
-
"Finally, we've arrived." A person who had been tense the whole time sat in an aisle seat, staring intently through the porthole at the approaching airport, and breathed a sigh of relief.

“It’s not easy to come to Paris.” Someone was none other than Eric, he muttered to himself.

Flying all the way here was even more agonizing than taking down a dozen enemies.

God knows how he managed to suppress his inner turmoil and board that plane.

That's not all. Just as the plane was about to take off, he would always make an excuse to go to the bathroom to check it over and over again because he was feeling uneasy.

As a result, the flight attendants started giving him strange looks.

Thinking of this, Eric's cheek twitched involuntarily. Several times when he passed by the service area, he heard the flight attendants gossiping about him, and even suspecting that he had a prostate problem.

Several flight attendants even looked at him with regret, as if to say it was a pity that he was so handsome.

“Are you kidding me? I can’t do it?” Eric took a deep breath, and Tifa’s image appeared in his mind.

Wait a minute? Or tonight? I'll have to ask her.

A sudden, ear-piercing scraping sound abruptly interrupted Eric's thoughts, followed by a violent jolt through the fuselage.

Eric glanced out the window and saw that the plane's tires had already touched the runway at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, the gray runway rushing past.

hum!
The continuous vibrations traveled through the fuselage and spread throughout Eric's body. Instead, Eric felt a strong sense of security return instantly, dispelling the shadow that had lingered in his mind for nearly eleven hours.

He's finally arrived in Paris!!!
"."

"Ladies and gentlemen, we have arrived safely at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport." The captain's announcement came over the loudspeaker, the cabin lights came on, and passengers got up to collect their luggage, creating a flurry of activity.

Eric unbuckled his seatbelt, stood up briskly, picked up his backpack, and followed the flow of people out of the plane.

The flight attendants who had been whispering about him were now standing at the cabin door seeing off passengers, their faces bearing professional smiles.

As he passed by, the flight attendant who had said it was a pity lingered on his face for a moment, as if she wanted to say something.

I don't know if it was because I arrived in Paris safely and was in a great mood, or because of a sudden quirky urge.

Eric didn't stop walking; he simply turned his head and calmly said something.

"Thank you, I have no prostate problems, and I already have a girlfriend."

After saying that, he walked into the connecting bridge without looking back, a smile on his face.

"Let you gossip!"

Eric could imagine the bewildered yet amused expressions on the faces of the flight attendants behind him. He coughed lightly and followed the flow of people slowly toward the terminal.

(End of this chapter)