Page 34 of Outrun The Devil
As Olivia hurriedly stepped out of the squad car and through the main door of the apartment complex, a sense of disappointment washed over Olivia. She couldn't help but feel like a coward, succumbing to the pattern of running away from difficult truths. From the pain of losing Tim years ago, to the trauma she had experienced a year ago, and now, from the unsettling feelings stirred within her by Nathan Steele.
Denial had become her refuge, a way to shield herself from the complexities of life and the potential heartache that awaited her. It was a recurring theme, an instinctual response born out of self-preservation. But deep down, she knew that running away wouldn't make the truth disappear. It would only prolong the inevitable.
With a heavy sigh, Olivia acknowledged the weight of her choices as she claimed the stairs to the third floor. She had chosen the path of avoidance, opting for temporary solace over the difficult journey of self-discovery. The unanswered questions would continue to haunt her, and the unspoken emotions between her and Nathan would remain suspended in the air.
As she closed the door of her apartment behind her, Olivia couldn't shake the nagging feeling that her actions would have consequences. The road ahead would be filled with uncertainties and missed opportunities. But for now, she retreated into the comfort of her apartment, unsure of what the future held and how her decision would shape her relationship with Nathan.
The seed of doubt grew steadily, casting shadows over her once-firm beliefs. She questioned whether her insistence on going it alone was a defense mechanism or a genuine reflection of her desires. Was her resistance to a partner rooted in fear or a genuine belief that she could handle everything on her own?
Frustrated with the war she waged in herself, Olivia succumbed to the call of the bottle of wine. She couldn't deny that the stress and emotional weight of the case had taken a toll on her, pushing her to seek solace in the comforting embrace of alcohol. Pouring herself a hefty glass, she acknowledged that it had been a long time since a case had driven her to drink so consistently.
She knew she was toeing a dangerous line, relying on alcohol as a crutch to escape the weight of her responsibilities and the complexities of her emotions. Yet, at that moment, it offered a fleeting sense of relief, a reprieve from the relentless demands of her profession and the inner battles she faced.
Olivia silently acknowledged the need to find healthier coping mechanisms, to address the underlying issues rather than seeking refuge in the bottom of a glass. But for now, she allowed herself this indulgence.
Leaving behind the empty glass of wine, Olivia made her way down the hallway, her steps soft and purposeful. The weight of the day clung to her like a heavy shroud, and she longed for a moment of respite, a chance to cleanse both her body and soul. The bathroom beckoned her with its familiar comfort, offering the promise of a soothing retreat from the chaos that had consumed her.
As she entered the bathroom, the warm glow of the dimmed lights enveloped her, casting a tranquil ambiance. Olivia couldn't help but feel a sense of relief as turned on the water and watched as the tub filled with steaming water that held the promise of washing away the burdens of the day.
Without hesitation, she began to shed the weight of her clothes, letting them fall to the floor in a forgotten heap. The cares and worries of the outside world seemed to fade into the background as she stepped into the comforting embrace of the hot water. The tendrils of warmth wrapped around her, soothing her tired muscles and easing the tension that had settled within her.
As she submerged herself in the enveloping warmth, Olivia closed her eyes, allowing her mind to drift away from the trials and tribulations that plagued her existence. The gentle ripples of the water caressed her skin, creating a rhythmic symphony that matched the steady rhythm of her breathing.
With each passing minute, the weight of the day began to dissolve, carried away by the gentle currents of the water. Thoughts of cases, partners, and the complexities of her emotions receded, replaced by a tranquil stillness that washed over her. It was a brief interlude but for Olivia, it was enough.
As Olivia's lungs cried out for air, a growing panic seized her. She pushed against the water's resistance, struggling to break free from its suffocating embrace. The once-soothing sanctuary now felt like a suffocating prison, trapping her beneath its surface.
Her heart raced, pounding in her chest as desperation fueled her efforts. She kicked and thrashed, desperately clawing at the water, searching for an escape route. But each attempt seemed futile as if an invisible force held her firmly in its grip.
The seconds felt like an eternity as Olivia's vision blurred and darkness encroached at the edges. Fear and urgency coursed through her veins, driving her to fight against unseen restraints. She summoned every ounce of strength, every reserve of willpower, determined to break free from this watery prison.
Olivia managed to break through the surface. Gasping for air, her body convulsed with a mixture of relief and exhaustion. Water cascaded off her trembling form as she clung to the edge of the tub, her knuckles turning white from the intensity of her grip.
Her heart pounded in her ears, a reminder of the fragile balance between life and the suffocating depths. She took long, desperate breaths, filling her lungs with the precious oxygen that had eluded her just moments before. Gradually, the panic subsided, replaced by a profound sense of gratitude for her survival.
Olivia emerged from the tub of water, her body trembling with the remnants of fear and adrenaline. The once-inviting bath now held a haunting presence, a reminder of the thin line that separates tranquility from peril. With a mix of trepidation and determination, she knew that she had narrowly escaped a fate that could have swallowed her whole.
As she stood there, dripping with water and shaken to her core, Olivia couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more to this harrowing experience. It lingered in the depths of her mind, an unsettling notion that this was not just a random occurrence. There was a message, a warning perhaps, lurking beneath the surface.
Olivia was grateful that Nathan didn't pry into the reasons behind her visit to the cabin, a torrent of unspoken inquiries inundated her thoughts. The weight of those unasked questions burdened her mind, leaving her restless and consumed by curiosity.
Amidst the chaos of her thoughts and the weight of her resistance, Olivia clung to her unwavering belief, shielding herself from the vulnerability that partnership entailed. Even if Nathan had seen her at her most vulnerable. It was better to float down that river of denial than to come to terms with what it meant.
Suppressing the swirling thoughts, Olivia stepped into the bustling bullpen. As she entered, her gaze was met with Detective Maya Patel, who sported an exuberant grin stretching from ear to ear. The sheer joy radiating from Maya's expression was akin to that of a child unwrapping the most extraordinary gift on Christmas morning.
Patel's expression wavered, and Olivia's anticipation mingled with a hint of apprehension. “Give me the bad news first,” she urged, knowing that facing the worst upfront would clear the path for any glimmers of hope that followed.
“We couldn't catch Knight with either of the victims,” Patel confessed, a sense of frustration tinting her words. The revelation hit Olivia hard, her determination to apprehend Xavier Knight wavering. Dead ends with suspects were never welcome and coupled with her current struggle to access her visions, it seemed catching Xavier in the act would be an arduous task.
“And the good news?” Olivia inquired, her voice betraying a deeper yearning for a positive turn of events. The weight of anticipation settled upon her shoulders.
“We have evidence placing both victims at the club,” Patel answered. As Olivia observed Diaz eating his sandwich, her hunger resurfaced, a reminder that she had neglected to grab a meal before diving into her thoughts, disrupting her usual routine.
Detective Nathan Steele entered the room, his presence immediately capturing Olivia's attention. Their eyes met fleetingly, a silent exchange of understanding before he continued his stride towards the bullpen. Olivia's gaze lingered on him for a moment, a mix of curiosity and familiarity tugging at her, but she quickly refocused her attention on Diaz and Patel.
Her rumbling stomach reminded her of her hunger, and her gaze flickered to the sandwich Diaz was enjoying. An impulsive question slipped from her lips, laced with a hint of playful curiosity. “Where did you get that?” she inquired, gesturing towards the tantalizing sandwich.
Diaz chuckled, taking another bite of his sandwich before replying to Olivia's inquiry. “Oh, this? I swung by that new deli a few blocks away. They make some killer sandwiches. You should try it sometime.”