Luke hesitated for a second, his forehead furrowed in confusion, however he finally nodded in settlement. He understood the significance of retaining their discovery underneath wraps.

* * *

As Olivia slipped into the command middle, which was truly a transportable trailer, the burden of the tragedy hung heavy within the room, palpable within the somber expressions of these gathered across the cluttered desk. Chief Fred Lamply, a stalwart determine within the Waverly Junction neighborhood, sat on the head of the desk, his forehead furrowed in deep focus as he pored over architectural plans strewn haphazardly earlier than him.

Beside him, the hearth chiefs from all of the jurisdictions concerned within the firefight exchanged tense glances, their faces drawn with exhaustion from battling the inferno that tore via the warehouse membership. Every cup of espresso sat half-empty, a testomony to the lengthy hours spent strategizing and coordinating their efforts.

Becoming a member of them have been representatives from legislation enforcement, their presence a grim reminder of the deaths introduced on by the arsonist. The chief of Waverly Junction police and Waverly County police sat facet by facet. Murder detectives from each Waverly County and Waverly Junction joined the group. Her sister Molly was there as nicely.

The mayor of Waverly Junction and the president of the city council exchanged nervous seems throughout the desk, their ideas consumed by the devastation that had befallen their neighborhood. Their city had been irrevocably modified, and the highway to restoration can be lengthy and costly.

After which there was Michael Wheaton, Olivia’s associate. His regular gaze met hers throughout the room. He provided her a conciliatory smile as he patted the empty seat beside him.

As Olivia settled into the seat Michael saved for her on the desk, Chief Lamply’s gaze shifted towards her. “Everybody, that is Detective Olivia Everhart from Waverly County PD.” He paused. “Liv, how’s Captain Reynolds?”

Taking a second to collect herself, Olivia met Chief Lamply’s gaze and replied, “He is holding on, Chief.”

Chief Lamply nodded. “He is a resilient man, Liv,” his tone was empathetic. “We’ll resolve this, for his sake and for the whole neighborhood.”

Olivia, although composed, could not conceal the concern etched on her face. The investigation was now private. She glanced at Michael, her associate, who provided a silent nod of help.

Chief Lamply leaned again in his chair, his eyes scanning the room. “We’d like solutions, and we want them quick. Liv, any progress in your finish?”

Olivia hesitated for a second, considering whether or not to share the invention she made amidst the ruins of the warehouse. Finally, she determined to maintain it underneath wraps for now. “As quickly as we’re performed in right here, we are going to proceed to collect proof. It’s a fancy scene. The medical expert is beginning to determine the useless.” She lifted her chin at her sister.

Chief Lamply turned again to the group. “Alright, let’s give attention to methods for the continued investigation. We have to transfer shortly.”

Michael leaned towards Olivia. “You okay?”

“Yeah, only a lot to course of,” she answered.

Michael squeezed her hand. “Liv, you already know I didn’t imply to make you indignant. I look after you. We’ll determine it out collectively.”

Olivia nodded. Her ideas lingered on the small black cylindrical container she discovered—a bit of the puzzle that might maintain the important thing to fixing the thriller.

The assembly drew to a detailed, and Olivia and Michael exchanged a nod earlier than rising from their seats, their minds already shifting to the investigation. Donning protecting gear, they ready to delve as soon as extra into the charred stays of the warehouse, decided to uncover any clues that had eluded them to this point.

Regardless of the exhaustion urgent on her, Olivia pushed herself ahead, her want for solutions driving her to soldier on. Every step via the scene felt like wading via molasses.

Her senses felt dulled as they examined the particles, her actions sluggish as she fought to keep up focus. A wave of dizziness washed over her, and he or she reached out to regular herself, her muscle groups protesting with every motion.

In a second of vulnerability, Olivia practically misplaced her steadiness, however earlier than she may stumble, Michael was there, his sturdy arms wrapping round her in a gesture that felt extra intimate than skilled. For a fleeting second, she allowed herself to lean into his embrace, discovering consolation in his presence.

“I’m sorry.” Shortly because it had come, Olivia pushed herself away. She disregarded the second with a shrug. She was drained.

“We have to seal the scene and regroup tomorrow,” she declared. “I must verify on Jackson.”

Michael nodded. He went over the radio to request a mixed squad of police and firefighters to guard the scene. “I’ll get the subsequent shift to work the location too.”

As they made their means out of the warehouse, Olivia could not shake the sensation of unease that lingered in her intestine. The occasions of the day had taken their toll. And Michael’s hug had added extra. She doffed her turnout gear and climbed into her automotive. She laid her head on her arms that rested on the steering wheel.

Olivia startled on the sudden knock on the glass, her coronary heart leaping into her throat as she turned to see Luke standing there, his expression etched with concern. “Are you alright?”

Her preliminary shock pale as she compelled a reassuring smile. “Yeah, yeah. Simply drained,” she replied, her voice popping out a bit hoarse as she swiped a hand over her face, attempting to dispel the fatigue that weighed closely upon her.

Luke’s eyes lingered on her for a second longer, his fear seen. However with a nod, he stepped again from the glass.

“I am heading to the hospital,” she advised him.

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