Page 75 of Taken from Her
Detective Julia Scott appeared in the doorway first, followed by Captain Michelle Reyes and Detective Morgan Rivers. Behind them came Georgia, Sam, and Elle, all carrying bags that suggested coordinated meal delivery.
"Chief," Julia said, relief all over her face. "How are you both holding up?"
"Better," Diana replied, standing to greet her team. "Status report?"
"Federal prosecutors are calling it the most comprehensive trafficking bust in West Coast history," Michelle said, settling into one of the extra chairs nursing staff had quietly provided. "Your community intelligence approach is being studied by departments in six states."
Morgan opened her laptop, excitement breaking through her professional restraint. "Media requests are coming in from law enforcement journals, community policing advocacy groups, and academic researchers. Everyone wants to understand how Phoenix Ridge developed such effective collaboration."
"That's Lavender's achievement as much as mine," Diana said, her hand finding Lavender's automatically. "Community trust doesn't happen because police decide to be trustworthy. It happens because community leaders create space for partnership."
Georgia unpacked containers that filled the room with the scent of homemade soup and fresh bread. "Well said, Chief. Though I suspectthispartnership goes deeper than professional collaboration."
Julia's smile was knowing. "We've noticed some changes in the chief's approach over the past few months. She’s been more intuitive and effective with community members."
"Changes for the better," Michelle added. "The department's never been more effective or had better community relations."
Lavender felt warmth spread through her chest at hearing Diana's professional family validate what they'd built together. Not just personal happiness, but recognition that their relationship enhanced their service to others.
"How's the community processing everything?" Morgan asked, addressing Lavender directly.
"Stronger than before the crisis," Lavender replied. "The safety networks worked exactly like they were designed to. People knew what to do, how to coordinate with law enforcement, and how to support each other during trauma."
Sam nodded enthusiastically. "The buddy system and communication protocols you and Chief Marten developed probably saved lives beyond just the kidnapping. People feel safer because they know how to keep each other safe."
Elle leaned forward in her chair. "The café's become a model for other communities too. We've had calls from LGBTQ+ organizations in Portland, Seattle, even San Francisco asking about replicating what we've built here."
"What you've built together," Georgia corrected, her sharp gaze moving between Diana and Lavender. "Personal excellence is admirable, but partnership creates something neither person could achieve alone."
Julia laughed. "Georgia, are you giving relationship advice to the chief?"
"I'm recognizing a successful collaboration when I see it." Georgia's expression carried satisfaction at being proved right about something. "These two make each other better at everything they do. Personal happiness that serves professional excellence and community wellbeing."
Diana's hand tightened around Lavender's. "Georgia's right. Lavender makes me a better chief, and I hope I make her more effective at community leadership."
"You do," Lavender confirmed. "Having institutional resources that actually support our informal networks instead of competing with them changes everything about how community care works."
"Speaking of institutional support,” Michelle said, “there's been discussion about formalizing the community liaison position. This would make collaboration part of the official department structure instead of just an innovative practice."
"What would that look like?" Diana asked.
"A new community advocate position with real authority, budget allocation for collaborative programming, and official protocols for partnership between formal and informal networks." Morgan's technical mind worked through implementation details. "Essentially, making what you and Lavender developed into a replicable policy."
Lavender felt her excitement building. "That could transform how public safety works in communities that need alternatives to traditional policing."
"It could," Julia agreed. "But it would require the right people in leadership positions. People who understand both institutional requirements and community dynamics."
"People like you two," Sam said directly.
The suggestion hung in the air, loaded with possibility. Not just continuing their current collaboration, but expanding it into something that could influence broader approaches to community policing and public safety.
"That's a conversation for when everyone's recovered from recent trauma," Diana said diplomatically. "But the potential is intriguing."
Georgia stood, beginning to pack empty containers. "In the meantime, the community's planning a celebration feast for this weekend. Nothing overwhelming, just everyone expressing gratitude for your safe return and recognition of what you've accomplished together."
"Both communities?" Lavender asked.
"All of Phoenix Ridge," Michelle replied. "The police department, lesbian community, local businesses, citygovernment. Everyone whose lives have been improved by what you've developed."
