Page 15 of Outrun The Devil

“Bad time?” Mike Colson’s voice bellowed through the phone.

“Not at all, just finished up at the crime scene. Checking on me, captain?”

“Of course, it’s Tolleson, after all.”

It didn’t matter how he said it, Olivia Collins would have still flinched at the name. Especially now that she was alone, in her squad car, away from prying eyes.

“I’m fine.” It was a lie. It was always a lie.

“I have no doubt. Any ideas so far?” Colson changed the subject with ease like he was good at.

“I’m drawing a blank on this one.” Olivia’s way of saying her visions had gone dark. It hadn’t been the first time, and she was certain it wouldn’t be the last time either.

“So, you’ll need to do this the old fashion way. I have faith in you. With or without, you’ve always been an exceptional detective. Don’t forget that.”

She gripped the steering wheel tighter before releasing it, along with a sigh.

“Thank you, Colson.” In truth, Olivia probably didn’t tell him that enough. Detective Collins noticed how he didn’t ask about her partner. Likely because he knew exactly how she felt about partners.

“Well, keep me updated. I’m interested in hearing how this ends.”

You and me both, she thought.

“Of course, sir,” she answered.

They said their goodbyes, and Olivia hung up the phone.

Was it so bad to have a partner?

Yes, yes it was.

Walking into the Tolleson Police Station with an ice-cold chai tea with a shot of espresso, Olivia still felt unprepared to handle the headache that was Nathan Steele. It was why she’d stopped at the little coffee shop that was just a way down from the station itself. If she was going to attempt to be somewhat civil by her standards, then she’d need to do it with a lot of caffeine in her system.

She made her way into the captain’s office, introducing herself officially. Captain Benjamin Thompson. Detective Olivia Collins was certain he was no Mike Colson. But that didn't matter. There was a case to be solved, and once solved it, she’d take her leave. The sooner she was out of here, the better. However, that didn’t mean she wouldn’t give this case the proper care and attention it deserved – far from it.

With a light rap on the door frame, Olivia Collins caught the captain's attention, waiting for him to glance up from his desk. Once their eyes met, she gave a nod, signaling her intention to enter his office.

“Detective Collins, we are happy to have you on the case.”

“Thank you, sir,” she nodded her head once, a tight smile following. “I hope I can crack the case.”

Olivia wasn’t so egotistical that she presumed she’d solve the case. No, she remembered what Colson told her all those years ago, never make a promise you can’t keep.

And no homicide detective can promise they’ll bring a killer to justice.

“I hope so too. If there is anything you need, my door is always open.”

He was being polite, but Olivia got the feeling that his door wasn’t always open, and he didn’t want to look inhospitable.

Collins nodded and turned to leave but his voice stopped her.

“And Collins, I was assured you’d play nice with Detective Steele.”

Olivia clenched her fist. She didn’t turn around to face him.

“Yes, sir.”

“Good.”