Chapter 33: My Sister is Named Amanda

Finally, it was evening, and at the Wildcat Bar, three friends gathered together.

"Cheers!!!"

The trio drank in unison. Owen had thought the evening would be like the day, trying to find ways to avoid the media's encirclement, but to his surprise, not a single paparazzo was seen when he left.

It wasn't until he was at the bar with Carlos and Carl that he found out why: a major incident had occurred in Hollywood.

Owen was in Los Angeles, the stronghold of Hollywood. And what Hollywood cared most about was gossip, followed by news.

Until noon, the Pearl Building heist was the biggest news, covered by all media outlets, with Owen and McClane being a highlight of the Pearl Building case, attracting numerous reporters for interviews.

But after noon, they were no longer the focus. Hollywood was rocked by a bigger story - the renowned rock superstar Amir Folette was outed as gay, with irrefutable evidence.

The media went into a frenzy, with nearly all of America's outlets covering the news.

All media converged on Folette's residence, hoping to get firsthand interview material. The direction of the entire country's interest shifted: no one discussed the Pearl heist, economy, or politics anymore; everyone was fixated on the superstar's sexual orientation.

Owen was unaware that this was a major move orchestrated by CTU for his sake. CTU dealt daily with threats to destroy America or attempts to do so, which were strictly controlled and never to be disclosed publicly. They had methods to guide public opinion, and exposing a celebrity scandal to divert public attention was one of their cost-effective strategies.

"What, you're saying CTU sent you an invitation to join them?" Carlos asked incredulously.

"Yes, but I haven't decided yet. I need to discuss it with my family first," Owen shrugged.

"God, what's there to think about? CTU, man! Such a great opportunity is right in front of you and you're still considering?"

Carlos exclaimed again, having dreamt of joining the FBI, CIA, or similar agencies, having applied to the CIA three times without success. Suddenly hearing that his partner received an offer from CTU, how could he not be excited?

Owen felt somewhat disappointed, having thought Carlos would miss their partnership. Owen had even prepared how to console him, but Carlos showed no sign of such sentiment.

"Don't listen to him, Steve. You definitely need to discuss this with your family. Carlos probably wants you to recommend him to CTU once you're in," Carl insightfully pointed out Carlos's motive. Carlos, unembarrassed, chuckled, "But CTU does have better prospects than being a cop. But Steve, we're brothers. You have to pull me in with you."

As expected, Owen was speechless.

"Tonight's drinks are on you."

"Er... okay, though CIA is my first love, CTU seems not bad either."

...

Days went by.

Owen discussed joining CTU with his mother and sister. They had no objections, leaving the decision to him. They had little concept of what CTU was, thinking it was just another form of police like the FBI.

As the decision about his CTU affiliation settled, so did the matter of the $20,000 reward.

His sister Amanda had always wanted to travel to Europe. Owen had planned to surprise her with a family trip using the reward, but their mother had just started a new job at an arms company and couldn't take time off. Amanda, whose idol was the band U2, planned to attend their European tour with her girlfriends, excluding Owen from the plans. Owen was responsible only for funding the trip.

Alright, Amanda made it clear she didn't need him, so there was no need for Owen to insist. As a brother, he had no say over her.

As for safety, Amanda mentioned that one of her girlfriends was a French immigrant with a family home in Paris, where they would stay.

The departure date was set, and Amanda buzzed with excitement, eagerly anticipating the trip.

The day arrived, and Amanda, having packed early, was sent to the airport by Owen, who had taken time off for this purpose. This was Amanda's first trip to Europe. To ensure her safety, Owen had even checked her friend Cynthia, indeed a French immigrant, in the police system.

After finding a parking spot at Los Angeles Airport, which took a while, Owen pushed the luggage, following Amanda's constant urging.

"Kem, Cynthia."

"Amanda..."

Upon seeing her best friends, Amanda excitedly waved, and the girls embraced.

"Did you arrive early?"

"No, I just got here."

"Cynthia, did you come alone?"

"Yeah, don't you remember? My family is from Paris. I've frequently flown alone between Los Angeles and Paris."

"Oh, wow, you're so cool."

The group of girls chattered away, with Owen smiling behind them. Nearby stood a couple, likely Kem's parents, to whom Owen nodded, receiving a smile in return.

"Is this your brother? The brave policeman?"

A girl noticed Owen and boldly asked, becoming shy after getting a confirmation and started to sneak peeks at Owen.

"Alright, kids, it's time to board."

Kem's father announced, as the boarding call played over the speakers. The girls grabbed their luggage, chattering as they went through the gate, waving goodbye, then disappearing from sight.

Owen shook his head with a wry smile, feeling undervalued as a brother.

"Brian Mills, I'm Kem's father."

Kem's father extended his hand with a smile, which Owen shook, also smiling at Kem's mother.

"I'm Steve Owen, Amanda's brother."

"Pleased to meet you."

...

In the parking lot, Owen exchanged phone numbers with Kem's parents.

"Well, Mr. and Mrs. Mills, I have to go. It was a pleasure meeting you." Owen waved goodbye to Kem's parents and drove away.