Page 35 of Outrun The Devil
Olivia's stomach growled again, betraying her hunger. She glanced at her watch, realizing she hadn't eaten all day, too absorbed in the ongoing investigation. “I might just do that,” she replied, a faint smile tugging at the corner of her lips.
Her eyes flickered once again to Nathan, unable to resist stealing another glance at him. Something was captivating about his presence, an undeniable magnetism that pulled at her curiosity. Olivia found herself drawn to his strong yet compassionate demeanor, a combination that both intrigued and unsettled her.
As her gaze lingered on Nathan, she couldn't help but wonder about the intricate layers that comprised him. What were his thoughts, his motivations, hidden beneath that composed exterior? She had witnessed glimpses of his dedication and determination during their partnership, but there was an unspoken depth that she longed to unravel.
Nathan asked about the footage and Patel rehashed for him the good and bad news. Hearing it again made Olivia’s blood boil. And at that moment, she knew her next step.
Following Diaz's suggestion, Olivia made a deliberate stop at the deli to ensure she had sustenance for the upcoming stakeout.
The weight of the task at hand settled upon her shoulders, fueling her determination to bring Xavier Knight to justice. She knew that capturing him in the act was the key to finally apprehending him and putting an end to his heinous acts.
As she walked out of the deli, a sense of purpose coursed through Olivia's veins. This stakeout would be an all-night endeavor, a test of her patience and perseverance. She understood the gravity of the situation and the importance of every moment spent watching and waiting for Xavier to reveal his true colors.
Contemplating her next move, Olivia weighed the idea of setting a trap. However, the limited knowledge they possessed about Xavier's victim selection process made it a risky endeavor. While the victims shared certain characteristics, the exact method of his approach remained elusive. Setting a trap prematurely could jeopardize their chances of gathering crucial evidence. It was a decision that required careful consideration.
As she drove to the stakeout location, a sense of unease mingled with her determination. This was an unauthorized operation, and if word reached the captain, she would undoubtedly face the consequences. Yet, Olivia believed that the potential breakthrough they could achieve outweighed the risks.
With her mind focused and her determination unwavering, Olivia prepared herself for a long night of vigilance.
As the day transitioned into night, the residual heat persisted, leaving a sweltering atmosphere in its wake. Olivia rolled down her car window, inviting a gentle breeze to infiltrate the suffocating interior. The moon hung luminously in the sky, casting a silver glow upon the surroundings as if taunting her with its celestial serenity.
Three long hours had passed since the start of the stakeout, and Olivia's patience was wearing thin. She kept a keen eye on the club, observing the constant ebb and flow of patrons coming and going. Yet, Xavier Knight remained elusive, like a shadow refusing to emerge into the light.
A familiar chill crawled up Olivia's spine, causing the fine hairs on the back of her neck to stand on end, reminiscent of the unsettling sensation she had experienced in her apartment. A surge of apprehension coursed through her veins, alerting her senses to the presence of an unseen observer. With a controlled motion, Olivia tensed her muscles, preparing herself for whatever might unfold.
Without betraying her unease, Olivia subtly scanned her surroundings, her eyes darting from one corner to another. Yet, there was nothing overtly suspicious or out of place that met her gaze. Whoever was watching her had mastered the art of remaining hidden, lurking in the shadows of her blind spots. It was a calculated move, one that only deepened Olivia's intrigue and wariness.
Suppressing the impulse to react or acknowledge her awareness, Olivia maintained her composure, masking any hint of uneasiness.
She continued to go about her business, determined to project an air of normalcy. Ignoring the invisible eyes that trailed her every move, she proceeded with the same measured steps and confident demeanor.
A voice interrupted the tension, its casual tone laced with a touch of sarcasm. “Detective, I didn't take you for a stalker.” Olivia's heart skipped a beat, her attention swiftly focusing on the speaker. It was Nathan, his words delivered with a playful undertone. While he might have been unaware of the real situation, his comment struck a chord within her, adding an unexpected layer of complexity to the moment.
For a brief moment, Olivia entertained the idea of confiding in Nathan, sharing her suspicions and seeking his assistance. However, a flicker of caution held her back. Trust had always been a precarious line for Olivia, and in this high-stakes game of cat and mouse, she couldn't afford to reveal her hand prematurely. Instead, she offered a wry smile, playing along with Nathan's jest.
“Who knows, Detective? Maybe I have a secret side,” Olivia quipped, deflecting the true weight of her concerns. Her words carried a subtle undertone, an unspoken acknowledgment that there was more to the situation than met the eye. With a shared understanding masked by playful banter, Olivia and Nathan continued their exchange, their true intentions concealed beneath the surface.
Deep down, Olivia knew that she had to unravel the mystery on her own, to confront the shadowy figure that watched her from the darkness.
Until then, she would keep her guard up, her senses attuned to the subtlest of cues. The stakes were high, and Olivia was determined to stay one step ahead, even if it meant keeping her secrets close and her allies unknowing.
“How’d you know I’d be here anyways?”
Nathan shrugged. “I didn’t.”
Olivia smiled slowly. “You came to watch him too.”
Nathan chuckled a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Well, I must admit, your ancient detective instincts are rubbing off on me, Collins. Can't let you have all the fun.”
Olivia arched an eyebrow, feigning surprise. “Oh, so you're saying you're finally starting to appreciate my unparalleled investigative skills? Took you long enough, Steele.”
He feigned offense, placing a hand over his heart. “Hey now, I've always admired your skills. Just needed a little push to embrace the stakeout life.”
She smirked, her gaze locking with his. “Well, it's about time you caught up. Who knows, maybe you'll learn a thing or two from watching the master in action.”
Nathan leaned in closer, his voice lowering playfully. “Oh, I have no doubt, Collins. But don't worry, I'll try not to outshine you too much.”
Olivia raised an eyebrow, a playful challenge in her eyes. “Is that a challenge, Steele? Because I never back down from one.”