Friday evening.
Pulling his black Chevrolet into the familiar driveway, Lynn Hall stepped out with a bottle of red wine in one hand and a small gift bag in the other. He glanced across the street at the sleek red Audi R8 parked neatly by the curb and nodded in satisfaction.
It had arrived right on time—he'd arranged to have it delivered earlier that day.
As he walked up the steps toward the front door, arms full, he didn't even get the chance to knock before hurried footsteps sounded from inside.
The door burst open—and in the next second, a tall, vibrant girl threw herself at him.
"Lynn! You finally decided to come home?"
Gwen Stacy's eyes sparkled as she wrapped her arms tightly around him, her smile as brilliant as ever.
Lynn chuckled. "It's been a hectic month."
"Hectic? Please. Don't tell me the whole country's going to fall apart without you, Mr. FBI. Admit it—you were just lazy."
She gave him a playful pout, then leaned in close, sniffing him like a suspicious puppy.
Only after confirming he didn't smell like any perfume but his own did she take the wine and gift from his hands with a smug smile.
"You do remember what tomorrow is, right?"
Lynn furrowed his brow in mock confusion. "Hmm… let's see… Aunt Helen's birthday already passed, didn't it?"
"Lynn Hall!"
He burst out laughing and gently pinched Gwen's cheek. "Kidding, kidding!"
Still pouting, Gwen retaliated by pinching his arm, not-so-gently.
---
Half an Hour Later – Dinner Table
"You always bring so much stuff when you visit. We don't need more wine—and I definitely don't need any more skincare products or handbags. I've got a whole wall full thanks to you!"
Helen chattered as she filled Lynn's plate, clearly pleased despite her words.
To her, Lynn wasn't just a guest. He was family. A son.
Meanwhile, George Stacy was leisurely swirling the wine in his glass, savoring the aroma before taking a sip. "This is from the Pine Ridge Vineyard in California, isn't it?"
"It is," Lynn nodded. "Director Duke knew I was coming home for the weekend, so he pulled a twenty-year vintage from his personal cellar and told me to bring it for you."
George raised an eyebrow, amused. "Sounds like James Duke holds you in high regard. Still… Lynn, be careful around him. I've worked with him before—something about him never sat right with me."
Before he could say more, Helen tapped the table gently. "Darling, it's dinner time. Our son comes home and you immediately launch into work talk?"
"And stop sounding like a grumpy police chief. He's grown now—you don't need to lecture him."
George caught the look in her eyes and smiled sheepishly. "Alright, alright. My bad. But in my heart, he's still the little kid who used to tug on my arm asking if he could play with my gun."
He sighed, voice soft with nostalgia. "And now look at you. Twenty-four. All grown up."
The warmth around the table was unmistakable, the atmosphere light and joyful. Even Gwen—who hadn't yet received her gift—was grinning from ear to ear.
That didn't stop her from continuously nudging Lynn under the table with her foot in petty revenge.
---
After Dinner
Still smiling, Lynn pulled a car key from his pocket and placed it in front of Gwen.
She blinked. "What's this?"
Her eyes went wide with realization. "Wait… is this for me?"
In the U.S., most teens can get a driver's license by sixteen. Gwen had earned hers last year, and George had already gifted her a used Ford. Lynn had no doubt she could drive.
"You tell me," he said with a sly grin, gently pinching her cheek again. "Although… if I don't get my gift soon, I may need crutches tomorrow."
"Hey!" she giggled, then glanced down at the key—and the Audi logo gleaming on it.
"I saw that red Audi R8 outside when I came home earlier. That's my birthday gift?!"
"Nope," Lynn replied with a deadpan face. "That's a freight truck."
"Pfft. Whatever!"
With a roll of her eyes, Gwen squealed and dashed outside.
She circled the car like a kid in a candy store, then jumped in and caressed the steering wheel like it was a puppy she'd waited years to adopt.
"You're not going to take it for a spin?" Lynn called from the doorway, amused.
Gwen hopped out and launched herself into his arms again, planting several kisses on his cheek.
"I'll have plenty of chances to test it," she beamed, looping her arm through his. "It's mine now!"
---
Later – Beside the Fireplace
Lynn and George sat across from each other, a gentle glow flickering between them. Thin trails of smoke curled from George's pipe, filling the space with a faint, earthy aroma.
"You've been promoted again?"
Lynn nodded. "I'm D3 now. Next year, my boss plans to step down into a consulting role. Once the Special Agent Supervisor slot opens up, I'm in line to take it."
He took a sip of wine, then looked at George. "You ever consider going into politics, Uncle George?"
"Me?" George laughed, shaking his head. "I've been a cop most of my life. I'm not about to wade into that political cesspool."
He paused for a moment, eyes studying Lynn with quiet affection.
"You were always different. While other kids were running wild, being rebellious, you… you were sharp. Mature beyond your years."
"I know you've always had a clear sense of what you want. And I respect that. But…"
He trailed off, his voice softening.
"Kid, that kind of life—it takes a toll. I always hoped, just once, I'd see you be reckless. Stupid. Young. Just for a little while."
"To see you live like a normal guy your age. To see you laugh for no reason and chase something just for fun."
Lynn lit a cigarette.
He didn't answer immediately.
After a moment, he exhaled slowly, his voice barely above a whisper. "I do enjoy this life, Uncle George."
Some truths—even family couldn't hear. Some things couldn't be shared.
Especially not now.
Not with what he'd become.
Not with what he planned.
George gave a gentle smile, stubbing out his pipe in the ashtray. He raised his glass.
"Well, then. As long as you're happy."
He clinked his glass lightly against Lynn's. "I just want you to remember—when the day comes that you're tired… this door will always be open."
"This house… this family… it'll always be your home."