emed to vibrate through her bones. The air smelled of coffee, ink, and old floor polish, familiar in a way she hadn't expected. She hadn't walked into

he wasn't her

here as

e felt. Her eyes scanned the counters, the desks, the worn blue plastic chairs where others waited with complaints and hopes. A young couple argued quietly i

on of people seeking help from a system t

e the building's chill. "Excuse me... I'm looking for De

without much interest. His nameplate read "Sgt. Owen." He clicked his mouse a few times, squinting at the monito

The words hit her l

cou

urge to ask when he'd be back, knowing it wo

already turning his attention to the next person in line. "Suit yourself

came out more forcef

olded her arms tightly across her chest, trying to contain the anxiety that threatened to spill

approach and dry humor, she the sharp junior counsel who could translate legal jargon into human terms. They made a good team, complementing each ot

anyone could help her a

n the fluorescent light above her flickered. The inconsisten

g near another officer's

on. Vibrant as ever, her sleek curls pulled into a high ponytail, dressed in a tailored navy blazer that screamed high-class law firm and late-night power mee

seen her in

n't learned how to bend without breaking. They'd been inseparable once. Study partners who shared takeout containers and highlighters, courtroom interns who practiced opening

their final year, Sharon had

eir ey

breath catchin

didn't recognize her, to offer a polite nod and contin

he di

cross her features, reaching her eyes in a way that made Maya's chest tighten with remembered affection. An

musical quality Maya remembered from their late

et slowly, her legs

hat seemed like genuine pleasure. "It's been forever. I mean... look at you."

ged, her voice rough

still running my practice, working with a big firm now. Focusing on corporate litigation, but most times I take on family law on the side, divorces,

answer, a voice cu

Dan

omen t

that suggested the end of a long shift. "Detective Patel won't be returnin

he'd been clinging to snapped. "Oh. Right. Than

nding there, the weight of another

hat's going on? Why were you waiting for Patel?" She paused, studying

he tried to speak, tried to form the words that would explain the nightmare that had become her reality, but all she could do was shake her

edge. "It's okay. You don't have to say anything right now." She glanced ar

tlight just beyond the station steps, clutching her coat tighter. Her breath came in visible puffs, and

ment was steady, purposeful. "Here." She held out a sleek business card, her fingers steady where

's for just a moment. The card was warm from Sharon's touch, a

off the lot. "We can forget whatever happened back then. That was... that was stupid. We were kids, es

fall into her old friend's arms and let someone e

ncern, Sharon climbed into her car. The engine purred to life, and

hough she wasn't sure Sharon c

nto the night, leaving Maya

on had been. A strange stillness settled around her, broken only by

ting something in return. Sharon hadn't asked for details, hadn't pushed for explanations. She'd simply offe

r steps were slower now, heavier. The adrenaline that had carried her through the day w

na had c

o the storm she'd caused. Maybe she was in her room, lost in

let her

lea, sent to whatever force in the un

ve toward Ashmere Drive, where a mother's hope still burn