Page 81 of Taken from Her
"An arrest and prosecution proceeded as required, of course," Diana continued. "But Lavender's support networks provided immediate housing assistance, counseling resources,and job training. The victim had comprehensive support from day one instead of having to navigate separate systems."
"And what about a follow-up?"
"She completed a business training program, opened her own shop downtown, and now mentors other survivors," Lavender said. "The perpetrator completed court-mandated counseling plus voluntary community service. Both lives were changed instead of just processing a legal case."
Dr. Erica Hartley wrote rapid notes. "How did your personal relationship enable that outcome?"
"I trusted Lavender's networks to provide better support than institutional referrals alone," Diana replied. "She trusted my professional judgment about safety and legal requirements. Collaboration happened because we know each other completely, not despite it."
"The efficiency is remarkable," Erica observed. "There are no bureaucratic delays, jurisdictional disputes, or service gaps."
Clark Fenner, who'd been photographing quietly, looked up from his camera. "Could you show us the integration in action? Maybe walk through how you coordinate during community events?"
Elena checked her watch. "Perfect timing. We're setting up for tonight's anniversary celebration. We can see everyone—community members, the police department, and city officials—working together."
They moved as a group toward the main hall, where the setup was already underway. Diana surveyed the scene with deep appreciation: community members were arranging tables while officers from her department strung fairy lights. Georgia Darricott directed food service with the same authority she brought to everything else. Mayor Patricia Hendricks consulted about accommodations for visiting officials.
"This is what integration looks like," Lavender said to their visitors. "Not community members working with police, but community members and police working together on shared goals."
Diana spotted Detective Morgan Rivers coordinating security with volunteer organizers, their conversation focused on crowd flow and emergency protocols rather than enforcement and control. The difference was subtle but significant—partnership rather than supervision.
"Chief Marten," Mayor Hendricks approached with her usual political efficiency. "The delegation from Sacramento arrived this morning. They're very interested in our municipal partnership model."
"Which specific elements?" Diana asked.
"Budget integration, shared programming, and policy coordination. They want to know how we've eliminated duplication while improving services." The mayor gestured toward the setup around them. "Tonight's celebration demonstrates better than any presentation."
Erica made more notes. "How do you handle disagreements? Having a personal partnership in professional settings must create conflicts."
Diana and Lavender exchanged another look, this one carrying five years of learning to navigate exactly that challenge.
"We disagree regularly," Lavender said with a smile. "Resource allocation, priority setting, approach differences. But we've learned to separate policy disagreements from personal feelings."
"Do you have an example?" Elena suggested.
"Budget priorities last year," Diana said. "I wanted increased funding for patrol units. Lavender advocated for expanded youth programming."
"How did you resolve it?"
"Data analysis and community input," Lavender replied. "Crime statistics showed most incidents involved people under twenty-five. Youth programming addressed root causes more effectively than increased patrols."
"So you changed your position?" Erica asked Diana.
"I integrated her perspective with my analysis and recognized she was right." Diana's admission came without defensiveness. "Having a personal partnership means trusting each other's expertise rather than defending our own positions."
Clark captured the conversation, but Diana barely noticed the camera. Speaking about their relationship in professional terms felt natural now, validation of how completely they'd integrated personal and public life.
"The anniversary celebration tonight," Erica said, "how significant is it for community development?"
"It's recognition that personal partnerships can serve community good," Elena answered.
"Plus," Julia added with a grin, "it's a really good party."
The group laughed, tension easing as the formal interview shifted toward friendly conversation. Around them, the anniversary setup continued with the easy coordination that came from people who knew each other well.
Diana felt the familiar satisfaction of watching their model work in real time—not theory or academic study, but lived reality that made Phoenix Ridge stronger, safer, and more connected.
In three hours, they'd celebrate five years of proving that the best partnerships enhance everything they touch. But right now, Diana was content to witness another afternoon of ordinary excellence, community and law enforcement working together because they'd learned to trust each other completely.
