CHAPTER FIVE
1218 Words
Shadows in the station
Seventeen years had passed since that night.
Maya never forgot it. The echo of gunshots, her mother’s scream, her father’s last cry they followed her even in sleep. Some nights she woke up drenched in sweat, the nightmare playing over and over again in her head.
She had stayed in Ravenbrooke with her uncle’s friend for almost a year before Sam came back for her. From then on, she grew up in his home, under his watch, with Aunt Lila and their daughter Ava. Ava was her cousin, her sister in every sense, and now she had become a seamstress just like her mother.
But Maya had chosen a different path.
She had followed her uncle’s footsteps, no matter how much he tried to stop her. Strong headed, stubborn to the bone.Maya had fought her way through the academy and earned her badge, she had a purpose. Now, at twenty seven, she was one of the most respected detectives in the Northpoint Metropolitan Police Department.
That morning, the station was unusually quiet after the storm of a tough case. Maya had just finished typing the final report on her laptop, her desk cluttered with open files and an empty coffee cup. She leaned back in her chair, stretching her arms when a knock came at the door.
“Come in,” she called, her voice calm but firm.
The door opened and in bounced her closest friend at the station Detective Clara Hayes. Clara was the sunshine of the unit, always with a wide grin and a comment that could make even the toughest day bearable. She leaned against the doorframe, teasing a smile on her lips.
“Mayaaa…” Clara sang, walking in with a file clutched in her hand. “Guess what? The Chief wants to see your team. Like, right now. His office.”
Maya arched a brow, closing her laptop with a soft click. “The Chief himself?”
“Yep,” Clara said with a dramatic nod. “And let me just say, girl, I heard you finally wrapped up that case. Wow.” She dropped the file on Maya’s desk and clapped her hands. “I am so proud of you.”
Maya chuckled, standing to straighten her blazer. “Thanks, babes. Took a lot out of me, but we got it done.”
“Got it done?” Clara snorted. “Please. You smashed it. Everyone’s talking the way you cracked that lead, the way you led your team? Girl, you’re basically becoming the best detective in this whole station.”
Maya gave her a look, shaking her head with a laugh. “Clara, please. Don’t let Collins hear you say that. The man will probably choke on his ego.”
At the mention of Detective Collins, one of the station’s most competitive officers, they both burst into laughter, the sound echoing in the office.
“Alright, alright,” Maya said, grabbing the file and her badge. “Let’s not keep the Chief waiting.”
Clara linked arms with her dramatically. “Lead the way, Miss Star Detective.”
Rolling her eyes but smiling, Maya walked out with her, already wondering what the Chief could want now that their last case had just been closed.
****In chief Donovan Hale's office*****
Maya and her team matched down the hallway, the sound of their footsteps echoing off the polished floor of Ravenwood Metropolitan Police Department. Excitement buzzed among them; whenever the Chief called, it usually meant a new case.
But to their surprise, when they stepped into Chief Donovan Hale’s office, it wasn’t about another assignment. The Chief stood by his desk, a warm smile creasing his face.
“Well, well,” Donovan said, adjusting his glasses. “My best team. Sit, sit.”
They obeyed, exchanging quick glances, curiosity written all over their faces.
“I called you all here to thank you immensely. That Jama's case has been a thorn in our necks for months, and you… you cracked it open in just weeks. You didn’t just close a case, you restored this department’s pride.”
The room brightened with laughter and a round of applause among the detectives.
As they stood to leave, Donovan called out, “Detective Carter , a word.”
Maya paused, turning back. The Chief walked around his desk, hands clasped behind him. His tone softened.
“Maya,” he said with a nod. “You did well. I’m proud of you. And I’m sure your uncle would be too.”
Her lips curved in a small smile, her eyes briefly clouding with the weight of that memory. “Thank you, sir,” she said quietly, then left with her team.
Later that evening, in Donovan Hale’s office, there was another knock. The door opened to reveal Samuel Carter older now, silver streaking his hair, his posture straighter than most men his age. Though retired, he still carried the aura of a detective, sharp eyes scanning every detail.
“Chief,” Sam greeted, stepping in with a smile.
Donovan rose, grinning as they shook hands firmly. “Sam! Always a pleasure. Or should I say… boss?” he teased. “You’ll always be my superior, no matter what title hangs on the door.”
Sam chuckled. “And you’ll always be the stubborn detective who thought he knew better than me.”
They laughed together, the bond between them evident. But soon Donovan leaned against his desk, his voice lowering.
“You are really looking well, I just can't wait to retire and relax like you” Donovan teased and they laughed
“On a serious note, Sam,” he began. “Your niece… Maya. She’s doing remarkably well I must confess. The Jama's case, the one that’s been dragging us in circles for months she cracked it. Her and her team. Few weeks, and the whole thing was unraveled.”
At once, Sam’s smile faded. His eyes dimmed, his mind drifting elsewhere. Donovan noticed the sudden silence.
“Sam?” he asked.
Sam cleared his throat, forcing composure. “Chief… I thought Collins was handling that case. How come it was Maya?”
“Oh, Collins was handling it at first,” Donovan explained, adjusting the files on his desk. “But it dragged too long, and his team was going in circles. Maya volunteered, and… I let her. And I’m glad I did.”
Sam’s jaw tightened. He rose slowly from his chair. “But I thought we agreed on something, Donovan. We agreed Maya wouldn’t be thrown into cases like that.”
Donovan straightened, sensing the weight behind the words. “Sam, you know this case was on our neck. We didn’t have time to be choosy. And truthfully… She's brilliant. She was made for this work. Why keep holding her back?”
Sam turned away, his gaze fixed on the window as though seeing something far in the past. His voice was heavy, almost weary.
“I have my reasons.”
“Reasons you’ve never shared,” Donovan pressed gently.
Sam looked at him, a shadow passing across his face. “Some truths are safer buried.”
And with that, he buttoned his coat and walked out, leaving Donovan staring after him, puzzled but unwilling to push further.
- Writer
