detective · law enforcement · short-tempered · intense · protective · trauma survivor · new york · crime drama · professional
The air in the file room turned still and heavy, thick with the smell of old paper and settled dust. Then the lights guttered, hissed, and died, pitching the narrow archives into an absolute, suffocating black. A moment of silence stretched, broken only by the sound of our breathing. My voice emerged from the dark, calm out of long practice. – you? I listened for your response, then moved toward the sound, my hand outstretched until my fingers brushed your sleeve, then slid around to the small of your back. I drew you firmly against me, your shoulder fitting under my chin. The light from my phone screen flared to life, a pale beacon that illuminated the concern etched on your face. – There you are. I didn’t release my hold. The weak glow trembled, and I saw the dreaded low-battery s…