Chapter Text
The second Olivia stepped into the bullpen, the noise dipped for a split second—just long enough for her to know something was up. Then Fin started laughing again.
“What?” she said warily.
“Morning, Cap,” Fin said, grinning. “Or should I say: up and coming TikTok star.”
Amanda appeared at her side, phone already out. “Okay, you have to see this. Noah posted it last night. He’s got half the precinct crying.”
“What did he do now?”
Amanda tapped play. “Just… watch.”
Video caption: when you’re starving and your moms are ignoring you 😭 #imsohungry #help
The camera wobbled a little, like Noah had propped it against a stack of books. The living room was cozy—soft lamplight, the faint hum of the city outside.
Olivia sat on the couch, hair pulled back, reading glasses perched low on her nose, Kindle in hand. Alex was stretched out with her head in Olivia’s lap, scrolling on her phone while Olivia absently combed her fingers through her hair.
Noah entered the frame, dragging his feet dramatically. “I’m so hungry,” he groaned.
Without looking up, Olivia said, “There’s leftover pasta in the fridge.”
“I don’t want pasta.”
Alex smirked without lifting her head. “Then you must not be that hungry, sweetheart.”
Noah ignored her and turned his head to Liv. “No, Mama, you don’t understand. I’m so hungry I could eat…”
He paused for effect, glancing toward the camera like a seasoned performer.
Olivia swiped across her Kindle screen, turning the page. “Eat what?”
“…Monique Jefferies.”
Olivia blinked, finally looking up. “I’m sorry—what?”
Alex frowned. “Why do I know that name?”
Noah repeated, cheerfully, “I am so hungry I could eat Monique Jefferies!”
Olivia stared. “The detective who used to work with me a century ago?”
Noah shrugged. “I don’t know, Mama, it’s a saying.”
“It’s not a saying,” Olivia said flatly.
Alex was laughing now, trying—and failing—to hide it behind her hand. “Oh, Liv, it’s a trend.”
Olivia deadpanned, “That phrasing sounds wildly inappropriate. Can you not?”
Alex swatted her shoulder playfully. “Oh would you relax, Captain Literal.”
“I’m not worried about the internet,” Olivia muttered. “I’m worried about HR.”
Noah gave the camera a thumbs-up and ended the recording.
Amanda could barely keep a straight face. “He’s got half a million views.”
Fin added, “Comments say you’ve still got it, Cap.”
Olivia pinched the bridge of her nose. “Fantastic.”
“Look on the bright side,” Amanda said. “You and Alex are trending as #MomGoals.”
“Great,” Olivia muttered. “Exactly what I wanted—viral motherhood.”
But Amanda swore she saw the tiniest twitch of a smile before Olivia disappeared into her office.
The smell of roasted garlic and chicken filled the apartment. Olivia set the serving bowl on the table while Noah arranged three mismatched plates. Alex poured wine for herself and Olivia, then a glass of iced tea for Noah. Noah was humming under his breath, clearly pleased with himself.
Olivia gave him a look. “Don’t even start.”
“I didn’t say anything.”
“You didn’t have to,” she said, taking her seat. “You went viral, Noah.”
Alex glanced up from her plate. “Viral?”
“He’s famous now,” Olivia said dryly. “For cannibalizing my coworkers.”
Noah grinned. “Mom says I have good comedic timing.”
Alex twirled her pasta, deadpan. “I do.”
Olivia sighed. “You realize people think I taught him that?”
“I mean,” Alex said, “you do have a reputation for biting sarcasm.”
“Noted,” Olivia muttered.
Noah’s eyes widened. “Wait—am I in trouble?”
“No,” Olivia said. “Unless I have to explain this to HR.”
“Relax,” Alex cut in smoothly. “It’s harmless, Liv. He’s a kid.”
“A kid with an audience,” Olivia said.
Alex smiled over her wineglass. “Then I’ll download TikTok tonight. Keep an eye on his newfound fame.”
Olivia raised an eyebrow. “You don’t even use Instagram.”
“Exactly,” Alex said. “Fresh start.”
Noah, clearly sensing the conversation turning parental, shoveled in the rest of his pasta and bolted. “Can I go finish my homework?”
“Go,” both women said in unison.
He vanished down the hall. The sound of his door closing was immediately followed by Olivia muttering, “This is how it starts. Next thing you know, he’s livestreaming our grocery list.”
Alex reached across the table, brushing her fingers over Olivia’s hand. “He’s harmless. And you’re overreacting.”
“I’m not overreacting,” Olivia said, though the edge in her tone softened. “I’m reacting exactly enough.”
Alex laughed, warm and low. “That’s what you said about social media in 2008.”
“I was right then.”
“You were using a flip phone.”
“I liked my flip phone.”
“I rest my case,” Alex said, smirking.
“I just worry, with all I see at work these days. AI deep-fakes, girls meeting up with dangerous men—”
Alex gave her a knowing smile and squeezed her hand. “Can take the girl out of the precinct, but not the precinct out of the girl. I know, love, but we got him.”
Olivia nodded, pleased enough for the time being.
Later that night, the apartment was quiet except for the low hum of the dishwasher.
Olivia stood in front of the bathroom mirror, brushing her teeth. Alex appeared in the doorway wearing one of Olivia’s academy shirts, hair damp from her shower.
“You’re downloading TikTok,” Olivia said around a mouthful of toothpaste.
“I am. To supervise.”
“That’s what every parent says right before they start making duet videos.”
“You’re assuming I know what a duet is.”
Olivia spit, rinsed, and turned toward her. “Please don’t.”
“No promises.”
By the time they climbed into bed, Olivia’s Kindle was open again and Alex was scrolling on her phone. Every few seconds Alex’s lips twitched—half laughter, half disbelief.
“See?” Olivia said without looking up. “Corruption in progress.”
Alex propped her chin on her hand. “It’s actually kind of brilliant. Creativity mixed with chaos.”
“You sound like Fin describing the internet.”
“Then Fin has taste.”
Olivia finally looked at her. “You really don’t think it’s a big deal?”
Alex reached over, taking her hand under the blanket. “Liv, it’s a silly video. The only person who remembers Monique Jefferies is probably Monique Jefferies herself.”
“Right,” Olivia said. “Because that’s comforting.”
Alex laughed softly. “You worry too much.”
“That’s literally my job.”
Alex kissed her knuckles. “Then consider this paid time off.”
Olivia shook her head but couldn’t hide her smile. “You’re insufferable.”
She closed her phone and put it on her night stand. “I know,” Alex said matter-of-factly, already settling back against her pillow. “Now, come hold me, please.”
Half an hour later, Olivia’s phone buzzed on the nightstand. She frowned, reluctantly untangled herself from Alex, and reached for it.
Facebook Messenger—Monique Jefferies: Heard I’m on your kid’s menu. My daughter sent me the video. Tell Noah I prefer medium rare.
Olivia stared at the message for a beat, then started laughing—quiet at first, then full and helpless.
Alex stirred. “What?”
Olivia handed her the phone. “Jefferies says she prefers medium rare.”
Alex burst out laughing, burying her face in Olivia’s shoulder. “Oh, I like her.”
“Of course you do,” Olivia said, still smiling. “She’s trouble.”
Alex smiled. “My kind of people.”
Olivia set the phone back down, still grinning as she reached to switch off the lamp.
“Just promise me one thing,” she said.
“What’s that?”
“If you ever go viral, don’t make me a trend.”
“No promises,” Alex murmured, already drifting toward sleep.
Olivia groaned softly, but her smile lingered long after the lights went out.