Chapter 71 – The Beginning of a New Journey

The beginning of 2021 brought a new phase for Harry. After his official retirement from the military, he had decided to move forward as a freelance contractor. Although he was technically retired, his name and skills were still highly sought after by various security agencies around the world. Harry's decision to become a freelancer allowed him to remain in the field of action, but with the freedom to choose his assignments.

Sitting in his office in his new home in Beverly Hills, Harry looked at his computer monitor, where several messages awaited responses. Among the senders were the CIA, FBI, NCIS, MI6, MI5, and even police forces from several countries. The name "Ghost" still carried considerable weight in the world of security and intelligence.

Kensi entered the office and smiled when she saw Harry focused.

"It seems you're quite in demand, Ghost. I didn't think retirement would be so busy," she joked, sitting down next to him.

Harry looked at her with a smirk, letting his chair swivel slightly as he gathered his thoughts.

"I don't think I'll ever really retire. But now I have the advantage of choosing when and for whom I work," he replied, adjusting some details in his planning.

Kensi picked up one of the messages and read it quickly.

"NCIS... it seems like you'll have a lot of work, even if you retire. I mean, they'll need you for some bigger cases, apparently." She commented, recognizing the agency she worked for.

Harry nodded, even though the decision to become a freelancer gave him freedom, he knew he would maintain a relationship with many of these organizations, especially the CIA and MI6, who saw him as a valuable asset for complex missions.

"Yes, NCIS is interested in involving me in some cases that require a more discreet approach." He commented, opening one of the proposals.

Kensi approached, looking over his shoulder.

"What about MI6? Do you still have something pending with them?" she asked.

"Always." Especially now with the new global scenario, they are concerned about a series of emerging threats in Europe. Working as a freelancer will allow me to help when needed, without being tied to a rigid structure. — Harry replied, analyzing the details of a possible operation in London.

"But are you really thinking of working for so many agencies at the same time? It seems like a lot," Kensi said, in a worried tone.

Harry looked at her with a reassuring smile.

"Don't worry. I'll balance things out. I promised you that my life would be more stable now. I'm here to stay. I only accept what interests me, and what I feel I can help with." — He replied, standing up and hugging her.

Kensi relaxed a little, knowing that Harry was truly committed to a new, calmer phase of his life, but also recognizing that he would always be drawn to action. It was part of who he was.

A few days later, Harry received a call from the CIA. A contact of his, agent David Monroe, was briefing him on a possible classified mission in the Middle East. Harry listened carefully to the details, jotting down the key points.

"David, I'll need to review this, but I can help if necessary. Only this time I'll need some reassurance," Harry said as he spoke.

David laughed on the other end of the line.

"Always demanding, huh, Ghost? No problem, I'll send you all the details shortly. The CIA values ​​your support, especially on operations like this," he replied.

Harry ended the call and went back to his planning. Every day, he received more and more requests for help, but as he had promised Kensi, he was choosing his missions carefully, balancing his personal life with the action.

The following week, Harry was called in by MI6 to help with a surveillance case in London. It was a relatively simple mission, but it required a specialized touch that only someone like Harry could provide. MI6's director, M, knew him well and knew that counting on Harry in a critical situation meant a guarantee of success.

"Harry, are you sure you don't want to return to active duty permanently? Your country will always have a place for you," M said lightly as they discussed the details of the mission.

Harry laughed, shaking his head.

"I like my freedom, M. I'm an agent on my own now, I can choose what to do and when to do it. Besides, I'm officially retired, remember?" He replied with a wry smile.

M watched him for a moment and nodded.

"I see. Well, whenever you need a mission, you know where to find me," she replied before saying goodbye.

As Harry continued to navigate his new life as a freelance contractor, he felt like he had found a good balance. Missions for the CIA, MI6, NCIS, and other agencies allowed him to maintain the pace he had always loved, but also gave him time to live his personal life with Kensi.

Kensi, in turn, also appreciated the fact that Harry was still involved in what he loved, but without the constant risks and unpredictability of his previous military life. They were building a life together, and this new phase allowed them both to grow as a couple.

Harry's freedom to choose his missions and his willingness to continue collaborating with international agencies showed that, even in retirement, he was still a living legend. "Ghost" may no longer be on active duty, but his legacy continued to inspire and protect, as it always did.

As 2021 began, Harry had found the perfect path to continue serving the world, while balancing his personal and professional life, ensuring that, at the end of the day, he was still the master of the shadows.