Page 40 of Outrun The Devil

A suffocating sense of claustrophobia enveloped Olivia, her breath quickening and her heart pounding in her chest. The world seemed to close in around her, pressing against her from all sides, as if there was no escape from the mounting pressure.

Air, she needed air.

“Olivia?” Nathan’s voice was barely registered. It sounded so far away as the world continued to consume her.

Her mouth felt dry, Olivia licked her lips as if that would solve the problem.

No, air, she needed air.

“Olivia?” Nathan said again but with more urgency.

“I just, uh, I need some air,” Olivia stated, her voice strained. She wasted no time, striding purposefully out of the bustling bullpen and towards the exit. The weight of the situation pressed upon her, and all she craved at that moment was the cool embrace of the outside world. The air outside would be a respite, a chance to clear her mind and regain her composure amidst the chaos that consumed her thoughts.

As Olivia stepped outside, she heard the soft sound of footsteps echoing behind her. She turned around and found Nathan standing there, his presence both unexpected and oddly comforting. His eyes held a mix of concern and determination, mirroring the tumultuous emotions swirling within her being.

“Are you alright?” Nathan asked, his voice filled with genuine concern.

Olivia hesitated, unsure of how to articulate the storm of emotions raging within her. She took a deep breath, allowing the fresh air to fill her lungs and provide a moment of clarity.

“No, I’m not alright,” she finally admitted, her voice tinged with a hint of vulnerability. “This case…” She sighed, a hand smoothed over her forehead into her hair. “We’re running out of time, and now a life hangs in the balance,” she shook her head.

Nathan stepped closer, his presence a comforting anchor in the storm. He placed a hand on her shoulder, his touch grounding her amid her inner turmoil.

“I don’t even know if I can trust my instincts anymore,” she admitted.

“Olivia, you are one of the best detectives I’ve ever known,” he said, his voice steady and reassuring. “We’ll figure this out together.”

Right, together. As in be partners and stop fighting each other. She bit inside her mouth before letting out a sigh. And then she nodded. It didn’t mean she agreed wholeheartedly but just at that moment.

“Why don’t you come home, hug your daughter and come back in the morning with a clear head? If anything changes, I’ll call you but for now, there’s nothing else we can do.”

Olivia knew he was right. Without the actual victim or a better image, it was impossible to identify her or the surroundings. Even if her instincts said it was Xavier Knight, they had no proof of this. Nothing to back up her instincts, and not even a nary hint of a vision. It was a true dead end, and that fear was going to consume her whole. But there was that nagging feeling she couldn’t shake, what if the girl is Jessica?

She nodded. “You’re right.”

Feeling the sudden surge of emotions, Olivia's heart fluttered in her chest. The chemistry between them was undeniable, and the desire to express her feelings threatened to overcome her rationale. Yet, a voice of caution echoed in her mind, reminding her of the complexities and risks that such a step could bring.

They stood there, a silent acknowledgment passing between them, as Olivia turned to leave. It was a bittersweet departure, knowing that their connection remained unspoken, yet ever-present. As she walked away, she couldn't help but wonder what might have been if circumstances were different, if they didn't have to navigate the treacherous path of their professional lives.

But for now, Olivia knew she had made the right decision. There were secrets to uncover, a case to solve, and lives at stake.

And that aching fear for her daughter outweighed everything else. Her daughter, her world. The thought of anything happening to her sent shivers down Olivia's spine.

What if the woman in the picture is Jessica? Panic laced her step as she hurriedly got into her car and drove off.

Olivia desperately clawed at the steering wheel, her knuckles white as she screamed at the car to go faster. Forty-five minutes was too long and every second away from her daughter felt like an eternity. With a foot pressed firmly on the pedal, Olivia raced from Tolleson, wind and dust searing her face.

Upon arriving home, she fought with the key in the door and frantically punched the alarm code into the keypad before dashing through the foyer, gun drawn and ready for any danger lurking within. Her eyes scanned each dark corner carefully as she moved with silent steps across the living room and further into the kitchen.

Olivia's heart raced as she moved down the hallway that led to her daughter Jessica's bedroom.

As she placed a hand on the door, ready to push it open and find out if her daughter was safe, memories of Xavier Knight's taunting voice filled her head.

He had been provoking something inside of her. An unexplained power that she was feeling blocked from using, no matter how hard she tried. She didn't believe in these kinds of things- witches and dark magic- but the research she found suggested it could be real.

All the while Olivia kept wondering if Jessica was even safe or not.

Finally pushing open the door, Olivia saw her daughter soundly sleeping in bed and all of her muscles relaxed. She was safe.

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