Page 34 of Pose for Me

"Can you show us the photographs in question, Ms. Bennett?" Officer Daniels asks, pulling out a small notepad.

I nod, moving to retrieve the envelopes from my desk. As I hand them over, I can feel my cheeks heating with embarrassment. The intimate nature of the second photograph suddenly feels much more exposing under the scrutiny of these strangers.

Officer Daniels examines the photos carefully, his expression neutral. Officer Martinez, however, makes no effort to hide his disdain as he peers over his partner's shoulder.

"So, you're some kind of porn star?" Martinez asks, his tone dripping with judgment as he gestures to the boudoir set. "That why you've got all this... setup here?"

I bristle at his implication, anger flaring hot in my chest. "I'm a professional photographer," I say, my voice tight with suppressed fury. "I specialize in boudoir photography. It's a legitimate and respected art form."

Martinez snorts derisively, clearly unconvinced. "Right. 'Art.' And I suppose these 'artistic' photos of you getting railed in an alley are just part of your portfolio? Are you sure it’s even a stalker? You know falsely reporting a crime is a federal offense, right?"

Before I can respond, a deep, authoritative voice cuts through the tension like a knife.

"That's enough, Officer Martinez."

My head whips around so fast I nearly give myself whiplash. There, striding into my studio with an air of absolute authority, are Knox and River. They're both dressed in suits… and they have badges gleaming on their belts. My eyes widen in shock, my mind reeling as I try to process their sudden appearance.

Knox's expression is thunderous as he fixes Martinez with a steely glare. "Your personal opinions have no place in this investigation. If you can't maintain a professional demeanor, you can wait in the car."

Martinez pales visibly, shrinking back under Knox's withering gaze. "Y-yes, sir. Sorry.”

River steps forward, his eyes flashing with barely contained anger. "Victim-blaming isn't part of standard police procedure, Martinez," he says, his voice low and dangerous. "Ms. Bennett's profession has no bearing on this case. She's reporting a serious threat, and it's our job to investigate thoroughly and professionally."

The tension in the room is palpable, the air thick with unspoken hostility. Officer Daniels, clearly sensing the volatile situation, clears his throat and attempts to diffuse the tension.

"Now, now, let's all calm down," he says, his tone placating. "I'm sure there's no need for you gentlemen to trouble yourselves with a simple matter like this. We can handle it."

Knox's eyes narrow, his jaw clenching visibly as he turns his attention to Daniels. "A simple matter?" he repeats, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "I was coming from a scene and saw your squad car, so I decided to stop in and see if you needed any assistance. Imagine my surprise when I realized you were responding to a stalking case."

He takes a step closer to Daniels, his presence looming and intimidating despite the other officer's similar height. "Need I remind you, Officer Daniels, that there's a serial killer on the loose at the moment? One who's been targeting both men and women in this very area, with no identifiable type?"

The color drains from Daniels' face as the implications of Knox's words sink in. Martinez shifts uncomfortably, his earlier bravado completely evaporated in the face of the two detectives' ferocity.

River moves to stand beside Knox, his posture relaxed but his eyes sharp and alert. "Every threat should be taken seriously," he adds, his voice deceptively calm. "Especially given the current climate of fear in this town. Ms. Bennett's report deserves our full attention and resources."

I watch this exchange with a mixture of awe and confusion. The way Knox and River command the room is impressive, their authority unquestionable. But seeing them in this light—as detectives, as figures of law enforcement—is jarring. It's a stark contrast to the dangerous, primal men I've come to know in such an intimate way.

Knox turns to me, his eyes softening almost imperceptibly as they meet mine. "Ms. Bennett," he says, his voice professional but with an undercurrent of warmth that sends a shiver down my spine. "If you're comfortable with it, I'd like to take over this investigation personally. Detective Maddox and I have extensive experience with stalking cases and can ensure this threat is given the attention it deserves."

I nod, still somewhat dazed by the sudden turn of events. "Yes, of course," I manage to say, my voice steadier than I feel. "I'd appreciate that… Detective."

Daniels hesitates, clearly torn between following proper procedure and defying the intimidating presence of the two detectives. After a moment I take the envelopes containing the photographs from him and turn to Knox with them.

As Knox takes the evidence, his fingers brush against mine for the briefest moment. Despite the gravity of the situation, I feel a jolt of electricity at the contact. His eyes meet mine, a silent promise passing between us.

"Thank you for your initial response, officers," River says, his tone making it clear that they're being dismissed. "We'll take it from here. Ms. Bennett's safety is now our top priority."

Officers Daniels and Martinez exchange a look, clearly torn between relief at being off the hook and embarrassment at being dressed down by their superiors.

"Yes, sir," Daniels mumbles, not quite meeting either detective's eyes. "We'll, uh, we'll be on our way then."

Then the two uniformed officers shuffle towards the door, tails firmly between their legs.

When the door closes behind Daniels and Martinez, the atmosphere in the studio shifts palpably. The air feels charged, crackling with unspoken tension. Knox's eyes, which had been cold and professional moments ago, now burn with an intensity that makes my breath catch in my throat. He turns to me, his jaw clenched tight, a muscle ticking beneath the stubble that shadows his cheek.

"Why didn't you call me directly?" he demands, his voice a low rumble that sends shivers down my spine.

I blink, momentarily taken aback by the abrupt shift in his demeanor. The commanding detective is gone, replaced by the dangerous, possessive man I've come to know in such an intimate way. My mind races, trying to process the rapid changes of the last few minutes.

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