Chapter 213 Familiar Voice

About half an hour later, the car entered a quiet cemetery. Lynn parked the car in the parking lot at the cemetery entrance, and the two got out and slowly walked along the quiet path into the depths of the cemetery.

Kate walked slowly, as if each step was a recollection of something. Lynn didn't urge her, but quietly followed beside her, his steps steady yet gentle. He could sense that Kate was suppressing her emotions, but he didn't speak, because he knew that this moment didn't require many words.

They finally stopped in front of a simple tombstone. The tombstone was engraved with the name "Karl Miller," and next to it was an old photograph that had turned slightly yellow. In the photograph was a gentle man, smiling slightly, with a kind look in his eyes.

Kate knelt down, gently placed the white chrysanthemums in her hand in front of the tombstone, then raised her hand and slowly stroked the name on the tombstone, her fingertips trembling slightly.

"Dad—" she whispered, her voice hoarse as if trying to suppress her tears, "I'm here."

Lynn stood a short distance away, quietly watching Kate. His gaze lacked its usual coldness, instead softening with an indescribable gentleness. He knew this moment belonged to Kate, and he didn't want to disturb it.

"Lynn, you know what?" Kate suddenly spoke, her voice trembling slightly, but she didn't look up. "When I was little, I loved going to the library with my dad. He would always let me pick a book, and then I would quietly read my own. We could go a whole day without saying a word, but I never felt lonely because I knew he was always there for me."

Lynn did not respond, but simply nodded slightly and listened to her continue.

"He died later, and it took me a long time to understand that his passing wasn't an accident, but because someone wanted to cover up the truth." Kate gripped the edge of the tombstone tightly, her eyes already red. "This made me realize that the world isn't fair. Those in power can cover everything up with lies, while ordinary people—their suffering—doesn't even get a voice."

She paused, took a deep breath, and looked up at Lynn. "That's why I chose to become a journalist. I want to use my own way to make those silent pains heard. But sometimes, I ask myself, would I feel any easier if I let go of these obsessions?"

"If you let go of these obsessions," Lynn's voice was deep and powerful, "you wouldn't be who you are now."

Kate paused for a moment, then lowered her head and chuckled softly, "Yeah, maybe."

A gentle breeze blew through the cemetery, carrying a hint of coolness and ruffling Kate's hair. She raised her hand to tidy her hair, then stood up, her gaze still fixed on the tombstone.

"Lynn, thank you." She turned around, her eyes filled with grateful tenderness. "Thank you for everything you've done for me. Thank you for bringing the truth to light."

"Kate." Lynn looked directly at her, his tone flat, yet brimming with an undeniable sincerity. "The truth isn't for me, nor for you. It's for your father; he deserves it all."

Kate pursed her lips, looking at Lynn with a complicated expression. After a moment, she nodded. "You're right, he deserves it."

The two remained silent for a while. Kate seemed to be saying goodbye to the tombstone, whispering a few words before turning and leaving. Lynn stood beside her the whole time, like a silent guardian.

On the way back, the atmosphere inside the car remained quiet, but it no longer felt oppressive. Kate leaned against the window, her expression seemingly a little more relaxed.

"You know what, Lynn," she suddenly spoke, her tone slightly teasing, "I've always been curious, besides work, do you do anything else?"

"For example?" Lynn stared intently at the road ahead, a faint smile playing on his lips.

"For example—going to a bar? Watching a movie? Or chatting with friends?" Kate turned her head to look at him.

A glint of curiosity flashed in his eyes.

"The bar is too noisy, and I don't have time to watch a movie," Lynn replied casually. "As for chatting—I'll chat if necessary."

Kate couldn't help but laugh. "You're such a boring person."

"Maybe." Lynn's tone remained calm, but there was a hint of tenderness in her eyes.

Kate shook her head, smiled, and sighed, "Maybe it's precisely because you're so boring that I find you interesting."

Lynn didn't answer, but simply pressed the accelerator lightly, increasing the car's speed slightly.

The scenery outside the car window rushed past, and Kate's gaze lingered on Lynn's profile. The smile on her lips gradually faded, replaced by a soft and complex emotion.

She knew that Lynn was not an easy person to approach, but that was precisely why every effort he made and every small expression of emotion seemed all the more precious.

Kate lowered her eyes, her fingers gently gripping the necklace at her chest, which held a small pocket watch pendant.

There was a photo of her father inside.

"Lynn," she whispered, her voice almost drowned out by the engine noise.

"What?" Lynn turned her head and glanced at her.

Kate looked up, her smile returning to her face. "It's nothing. I just wanted to tell you that today is the most relaxing day I've had in a long time."

Lynn nodded, returning his gaze to what was ahead. "That's good."

The car continued on its way back to the city, and the sunlight gradually filled the entire street, as if enveloping it in some indescribable peace and warmth.

Night fell over the streets of Brooklyn, the neon lights casting a dim, yellow glow. A few taxis occasionally drove by, their reflections shimmering on the wet pavement. Lynn leaned against the balcony of Kate's apartment, his gaze sweeping across the street to the distant city lights. He held a cup of coffee in his hand, the night breeze quickly carrying away its steam.

Kate walked out of the kitchen, carrying a plate of snacks, and leaned against the door frame, watching Lynn's back. A smile appeared on her lips. "The way you're leaning like that, you look just like a philosopher contemplating life."

Lynn turned around, raising an eyebrow slightly. "I just think this night view is a little better than your coffee."

"Wow, is this a critique of my cooking?" Kate walked over, placed the plate on the table, took a sip of her tea, and raised an eyebrow. "But I don't think you're here to critique the coffee. So, what's going on in your spy brain this time?"

Lynn looked at her, paused for a moment, then put the cup aside and his gaze became serious. "Kate, I want to talk to you about your work."

"My job?" Kate raised an eyebrow, deliberately asking in a casual tone, "What's wrong? Are you planning to quit the FBI and join the media?"

Lynn ignored her teasing, took a step forward, and approached her. His voice was low and direct. "Kate, your father's matter is over. The truth has been revealed, and the criminals have received their due punishment. You have completed your mission, and now you can choose to leave this dangerous post and live a more ordinary life."

Kate paused for a moment,

She then chuckled softly, her gaze carrying a complex expression. "Lynn, I didn't expect you to say something like that."

"I'm serious." Lynn's voice was as calm as ever, but with a rare softening in it. "I know your abilities; you're an excellent journalist. But right now, this industry is not only a challenge for you, but also a risk. You've exposed too many dangerous truths and attracted enough hostility. Continuing like this could very well lead to trouble."

Kate looked at him, blinked, then sighed softly, placed her teacup on the table, and leaned against the balcony railing. "Lynn, you know I never chose this path because I wanted security."

"That's because you were driven by your father's situation." Lynn leaned against her, his gaze fixed straight ahead. "But now, you can let it all go. No one will accuse you of backing down. You've done enough."

Kate lowered her head and pondered for a moment, then raised her head, looking directly at Lynn with a fearless determination. "Lynn, perhaps you're right. I initially became a journalist to seek justice for my father. But over the years, what I've done isn't just about my father. It's also about the injustices and hidden truths I've witnessed. I can't back down because of the danger, because if I back down, who will do what needs to be revealed?"

Lynn didn't respond immediately; his gaze lingered on Kate's face, his eyes filled with complex emotions. He knew her personality and knew that persuading her wouldn't be easy. But he still tried to make her understand the seriousness of the danger.

"Kate," Lynn said softly, "the people you're facing are no ordinary adversaries. They have power, resources, and are willing to use the most extreme means to protect themselves. If this continues, you might not be so lucky next time."

"I know," Kate answered softly, her tone unwavering, "but don't you think..."

If I stop because I'm afraid of danger, will they have already won?

Lynn frowned, a hint of worry in his eyes. "This isn't about winning or losing; it's about your safety."

Kate smiled, turning to face Lynn, her voice gentle yet firm. "Lynn, you're always like this, seeing things as tasks and responsibilities. But for me, it's more than just work."

This is the lifestyle I've chosen. If danger is the price, I'm willing to pay it.

"Even at the cost of your life?" Lynn's voice was low, his gaze sharp as a knife.

“If it’s for true justice,” Kate said, her tone more resolute, “I’m willing.”

They stared at each other for a moment, a tense atmosphere hanging in the air. Kate's gaze was firm, yet also carried a hint of tender concern; she knew Lynn was genuinely worried about her. Lynn's eyes, besides their calm contemplation, also held an emotion he himself was unwilling to acknowledge—a protective instinct towards her.

"Lynn," Kate said softly, her tone softening slightly, "I know you've done a lot for me, and I know what you're worried about. But I hope you can understand, this is who I am. I can't stop because I'm afraid; otherwise, I won't even have the courage to face myself."

Lynn looked at her, and after a long while, he finally sighed, a hint of helplessness in his eyes, "You will always be a stubborn person."

Kate laughed. "And what about you? Aren't you just as stubborn?"

Lynn didn't argue anymore. He reached for the coffee on the table, took a sip, and said with a hint of compromise in his tone, "Alright, if this is your choice, I won't stop you anymore. But there's one thing—promise me that if there's any danger, you must contact me."

Kate raised an eyebrow. "Is this considered a protection agreement?"

"This is an agreement." Lynn's voice was low but carried an undeniable firmness.

Kate smiled and looked down, then nodded. "Okay, I promise you."

A few days later, Kate's in-depth report made the front page. This time, she exposed a major corruption scandal involving a multinational corporation; the article was detailed and powerful. Media attention once again propelled her to the center of public attention.

Lynn sat in the FBI office with a newspaper beside him; the front page featured Kate's article.

His gaze swept over the familiar name, and a barely perceptible smile played at the corners of his lips. Despite his lingering worries, he knew this was Kate's choice, and all he could do was silently support her from behind.

Not far away, Hans walked over, glanced at the newspaper in Lynn's hand, and teased, "She really is a tireless reporter."

Lynn looked up at Hans and said calmly, "She's a more powerful person than we imagined."

Hans smiled. "Yes, but I guess it's also because she knows someone is backing her up."

Lynn did not answer, but simply folded the newspaper and looked out the window at the bustling city.

The air in Manhattan was slightly chilly in the early morning, and the sky was covered with dark clouds, giving off a sense of oppressive gloom.

Cars sped by on the streets, sirens blaring jarringly amidst the city's clamor. Just hours earlier, a horrific school shooting had occurred here. A gunman stormed into a private high school and opened fire on innocent students, resulting in multiple injuries and deaths among teachers and students. The entire city of Manhattan was shrouded in shock and panic.

Kate's car was parked a few blocks from the school, next to a police cordon. Police lights flashed as officers maintained order at the cordon, trying to stop the swarming reporters and onlookers. Kate got out of the car, carrying her signature handbag and press pass, her eyes showing her usual determination and focus.

She took a deep breath and was about to walk towards the police line when she heard a familiar voice behind her: "Kate."

Kate paused, turning around to see Lynn. He was wearing a dark coat, hands in his pockets, standing a short distance away. Although he appeared as calm as ever, a familiar concern flickered in his eyes.

"Lynn?" Kate frowned, stepped forward, and asked with a hint of surprise, "What are you doing here?"

"I should be asking you the same question," Lynn raised an eyebrow, her tone calm but authoritative. "Do you know how dangerous it is here?"

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