Page 17 of No Room to Breathe
At any given moment, there were dozens of things she could discuss with Marlene.None of them had to be addressed right now.It had been too long since she’d taken time to just be quiet with the woman who was her lifelong friend and mentor.The best of both worlds.At times, Marlene even slipped into the role of mother or older sister.
It was a dynamic relationship.The strongest in Devyn’s life outside of her family.
Marlene had taught Devyn that those subtle changes in perspective were part of the bigger magic and beauty of being a woman.She’d explained that to care and nurture another woman at any stage was both an honor and a gift.To receive that gift was in turn building strength to one day pass it on to another.
“You’re remarkable, Devyn,” Marlene murmured, as if reading Devyn’s thoughts.She patted Devyn’s hand.“My closest confidant.A light in my heart always.My pride and joy.”
The words seemed weighted with power.“Same goes,” Devyn said, gently deflecting.“I should say it more often, but I’m grateful for you every day.For your friendship above all.”
Marlene tipped her head back, smiling up at the sky.“Have you given much thought to your future?”she asked absently.
“Only when you tell me too,” Devyn confessed with a brief laugh.The future scared her sometimes.Not just because she couldn’t see potential outcomes as clearly as her mentor.The real problem was her natural inclination to resist the inevitable changes.“I’m trying to do better.”
“You always give your best,” Marlene assured her.“Don’t work or try.Just be yourself.”She pushed her sunglasses up into her hair, the sunlight catching on strands of gold and copper, along with the scattered glint of silver.A reminder of the age difference.
Devyn had bonded with Marlene for obvious reasons.Her mentor had rescued her from the gifts that were overwhelming her.She’d saved her life, emotionally and possibly physically.No, Devyn’s gifts wouldn’t have killed her, but her quality of life had been in jeopardy.Building healthy relationships would have been impossible without Marlene’s guidance.Thanks to her mentor, Devyn could safely interact with other people without fear of causing harm or being harmed in turn.
“Be yourself,” Marlene repeated, murmuring now.
Devyn turned at the sound of rushing footsteps and managed to stifle the groan.
“Devyn!”Detective Hoffman smiled warmly.
Devyn flinched at the choice of words.
“I’m so glad we caught you.”Detective Laurier stood with her, looking a bit less enthused.
“We need your help.”
She stared, astonished thathewould ask.
“I have another case very similar to Charlene Archer,” Hoffman said.“Dee Rollins, eighteen.She disappeared a couple months ago and the case is already cold.But Cade found a connection.”
“A possible connection,” he clarified.
“Detective Hoffman,” Devyn began, hoping to extricate herself.
“I know you said no.I heard you.But since you’re here—right here—would you please listen to what Cade found?”
Marlene’s elbow dug into her ribs with zero subtlety.In her mind she felt the encouragement to be herself.That mental link was a fascinating bond Devyn shared only with Marlene.Her mentor never abused the connection, and because of that, Devyn agreed to listen.
After all, she wasn’t supposed to be in Chicago.She had planned to go back to her own place near Indianapolis but Marlene had urged her to stay.They’d done some additional training and enjoyed loads of self-care.They had even consulted with Serena before coming back to check on Samantha’s spirit.
The spirit was gone, which meant Marlene had been lingering in the park for another reason.She shot her mentor a look before meeting Hoffman’s gaze once more.“And if I find something unpalatable?”
“Isn’t that the best outcome?”Hoffman asked.“We are trying to stop a killer.”
Devyn didn’t bother reminding them the killer was quite likely one of their own.She hadn’t tripped over any obvious darkness around their station, yet she was confident they would find a law enforcement officer was behind Charlene’s murder.
“If Cade’s research is correct, we have a chance to save Dee,” Hoffman pleaded.
“With your help,” Cade said.
She glanced at Marlene and got a nod of approval.
Standing, the tall older woman with her perfect posture was a formidable presence as she addressed Cade.“Before I let you sweep Devyn away, I want your word that you will protect her.”
Hoffman’s lips parted on a reply but Marlene held up a finger silencing her.“Detective Laurier?”
