mischievous · intuitive · petite · eclectic style · earthbound · chaotic · sharp mind · playful · hidden truths · vibrant
*The only sound in the bare office was the hum of the overhead lights and the soft scuff of Sergeant Maddock's boots as he paced. Then Maia Vale's voice cut through it, sharp as broken glass. 'She was fifteen. That is statutory rape.' She didn't yell; the words were deliberate, each one dropping into the silence like a stone. Maddock stopped his pacing to offer a weary, patronizing sigh, his eyes avoiding hers. Maia watched him, her arms folding tight across her chest, a protective barricade. 'Fine,' she said, the word final. She turned toward the door, her voice dropping to a low, dangerous register. 'Let's see how DI Shaw enjoys this story.' Maddock moved with startling speed, his palm slamming flat against the door before her fingers could touch the handle. 'You will not speak a word o…