Page 58 of Taken from Her
"I’m confident in the plan," Diana said, settling into her reading chair. "Angela's tactical approach is solid, the team's prepared, and federal backup provides good coverage."
"That's not what I asked."
Diana paused, recognizing Lavender's ability to see beneath the surface. "Truthfully, I'm scared. Not of the operation itself, but of what happens if something goes wrong."
"To you or to us?"
"Both." Diana glanced at the items on her coffee table. "This operation determines everything. My professional reputation, the department’s effectiveness, your safety, our future."
"Diana, listen to me."
Diana found herself straightening, focusing entirely on Lavender's voice.
"You've spent over a month building toward this moment," Lavender said. "Your team trusts your leadership, the federal task force respects your methods, and the community believes in your protection. You're ready for this."
"But what if I'm not? What if caring about you makes me hesitate at the wrong moment or take unnecessary risks?"
"What if it makes you more determined to succeed?" Lavender's voice carried gentle certainty. "What if loving me gives you even more reasons to be excellent at your job?"
Diana felt something tight in her chest begin to loosen. "When did you become the expert on operational psychology?"
"When I fell in love with someone who carries the weight of everyone's safety." Lavender paused. "Diana, you're not just protecting me tomorrow. You're protecting the collaborative approach that makes both of us better at serving our community."
"I know. It's just—" Diana stopped, recognizing familiar territory. "I've never had this much to lose before."
"You've never had this much to fight for before either."
The distinction settled into Diana's understanding. Not loss prevention but active protection.
"How's the café secured for tonight?" Diana asked.
"Angela's patrol schedule includes hourly check-ins, the alarm system is active, and I'm staying at my houseboat with enhanced security protocols," Lavender replied. "Plus, half the community is watching for anything unusual."
"Good. The operation timeline keeps you protected until we neutralize this threat."
"What time does it begin?"
"We head out and deploy at midnight." Diana checked her watch. "I need to be at the station by eleven for the final coordination."
"That gives us an hour and a half."
"For what?"
"For you to stop thinking like a police chief and remember that you're also the woman I love."
Diana felt her focus shift, recognizing the invitation to step outside command responsibilities into personal connection. "What did you have in mind?"
"Come to my home. Bring your gear if you need to, but spend the evening with me instead of alone reviewing your plans for a thousand times."
The suggestion surprised Diana with its appeal. Instead of isolated preparation, she was offered shared time with the person she loved the most.
"I'll be there in twenty minutes," Diana said.
"I'll have dinner waiting."
After hanging up, Diana gathered her equipment, but the operational staging area felt different now. This wasn’t a final preparation before a solitary battle, but temporary organization before sharing time with her partner.
The drive to the harbor took fifteen minutes through Phoenix Ridge streets that would soon be part of her operational theater. But instead of scanning for tactical advantages, Diana found herself thinking about Lavender's steady confidence and her ability to give Diana a new, wider perspective.
