Page 6 of Outrun The Devil
As she gazed at her fellow detectives celebrating their success, a flicker of envy danced in Olivia's eyes. She longed for that camaraderie, the sense of belonging that came with a reliable partner. Yet, the scars of her past hold her back, whispering tales of betrayal and vulnerability. Trust was a fragile commodity, and she had learned the hard way that relying on others only led to disappointment.
Captain Colson's knowing gaze lingered on her, a hint of understanding in his eyes. He saw through her façade recognizing the conflict within her. But Olivia was determined to keep her vulnerabilities hidden, locked away in the depths of her soul. It was a choice she made, a choice she believed was necessary to protect herself from further heartache.
She silently vowed to carry on, navigating the path alone, even as part of her was yearning for connection and support.
The memory of her former partner, Tim Markham, lingered in Olivia's mind like an indelible mark. Five years had passed since that tragic day, but the weight of responsibility and guilt continued to weigh heavily on her.
Markham had been her rock, her confidant, and a trusted ally in the field. Losing him had shattered her in ways she couldn't fully express.
Yet, Olivia couldn't shake the feeling that she could have done something differently and saved him.
The scars run deep, etching themselves into the core of her being. She had vowed never to let another partner meet the same fate, fearing that her presence would be a curse, bringing only tragedy and heartache. The decision to work alone had been a way to protect both herself and those around her, shielding them from the dangers that lurked within the world they navigated.
Her gaze drifted back towards Taylor and Rivera, that weight of the past grew heavier and heavier. But Olivia was often in her own way, rather she admitted it or not. She could easily have what Taylor and Rivera have affectionately known as the dynamic duo of the station.
She had built walls around herself, isolating her emotions and distancing herself from potential partners. It was a self-imposed barrier that had served her well in some ways, allowing her to focus on her work without distractions. But at moments like this, witnessing the closeness between Taylor and Rivera, Olivia couldn't help but wonder if she made the right choice.
Olivia unlocked the door to her apartment, pushing it open with a sigh of relief.
The hustle and bustle of the city had taken its toll on her, and she craved the peace and quiet of her own space.
Her shoes were cast off haphazardly by the entrance, followed by her keys, which clattered onto the small table by the door. The familiar scent of lavender from a candle filled the air, soothing her senses and making her feel instantly relaxed. Flipping on the light in the foyer, her eyes adjusted from the darkness to the now blinding light.
Her eyes scanned the room, taking in the coziness of her small apartment. She couldn't resist the temptation of a hot bath to wash away the grime of the day. The thought of the warm water was almost too much to bear. But first, a glass of wine was needed. The bottle in the fridge was almost empty, and a frown creased her face as she opened a new bottle to top off her glass.
Olivia stood in the kitchen, savoring a moment of quiet solitude as she took a sip of her wine. She was lost in her thoughts when she heard the familiar sound of the front door opening, and her heart warmed at the sight of her daughter, Jessica, walking in.
“Hey, Mom,” Jessica greeted, tossing her bag onto the couch. “Long day?”
Olivia sighed, setting her glass down. “You have no idea, Jess. We got a justified arrest but it was bittersweet. It felt a little empty and lonely. Can you believe that?”
Jessica raised an eyebrow, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. “Bittersweet? Lonely? Have you thought about getting a partner again, Mom??”
Olivia smirked, her eyes narrowing. “No! That would be so much more annoying, trust me. Some rookie detective in the way, it's almost too irritating just thinking about it.”
Jessica chuckled, leaning against the kitchen counter. “Well, maybe you'll get along better than you think.” She said with a wink, “You never know, Mom.”
Olivia rolled her eyes, but a faint glimmer of amusement danced in them. “Oh please, Jess. This is the work we're talking about. I don't have time for any of that.”
Jessica's voice carried a teasing note. “Sure, Mom. Just remember, sometimes even the most closed-off people find unexpected connections.”
Curiosity sparked in Olivia's eyes as she looked at her daughter. “What's that supposed to mean?”
Jessica grinned mischievously. “Oh, nothing. I was just thinking that maybe I should find some hot detectives on Facebook. You know, so I can see talk with Uncle Mike about setting you up with the perfect partner.”
Olivia's cheeks flushed slightly, and she tried to play it off. “No need for that, Jess. Focus on your studies, not my work life.”
Jessica laughed, reaching for her phone. “Oh, come on, Mom. Don't tell me you're immune to a good-looking partner. I bet plenty of women would consider themselves lucky.”
Olivia's expression softened, and she looked at her daughter with a mix of amusement and affection. “You always know how to lighten the mood, don't you?”
Jessica grinned, thumbing through her phone. “That's what I'm here for, Mom. To remind you to live a little and not take everything so seriously.” Her daughter gave her a wink before she retreated from the kitchen and down the hallway.
As she sipped on her wine, she moved through the apartment, setting the security system. Her work as a detective had taught her to be overly cautious about her safety, even in her home. The area she lived in wasn't known for break-ins, but one incident was all it took to make her determined not to let her guard down.
The buzzing of her phone made her groan. And that groan grew louder with an eye roll when she recognized the name on the screen. Rachel Park. A reporter who wouldn’t leave well enough alone. She downed the rest of her wine, intent to ignore the message and continue on her night of relaxation.
Empty wine glass abandoned, Olivia made her way to the bathroom and made a mental note to check in on Jessica later. The sound of water filled the air as she filled the tub, the steam rising and enveloping her in a comforting mist. The warm water eased the tension in her muscles, and she scrubbed away the dirt and sweat of the day. The scent of lavender wafted around her, calming her mind and filling her senses.