Loves Redemption

with the case? Your face looks familiar.”
“Look, we need to go. I already told you that as soon as we know more, we’ll have a
press conference. Now if you’ll excuse me.” Mark spoke in first person, trying to direct the attention away from Maya. He knew this reporter. Alicia Meyers was relentless when it came to getting her story.
The reporter snapped her fingers. “I know who you are. You’re the director of Imani
House, aren’t you?” As Mark urged Maya to continue walking the reporter kept pace with them, redirecting the cameraman to get a close up of Maya.
“Dr. Richardson, what connection do you have to the case? Are you in any way involved
with this investigation?”
“Alicia, I’ve already told you when we have more information we will let you know, and
if you want any of your questions answered, I would suggest that you put the damn camera away and get the hell out of here.”
Alicia recognized his tone of voice as nonnegotiable and shook her head at the
cameraman. “Do I have your promise that you’ll answer my questions when you have the
conference?” She asked in a low voice, her hand touching his arm.
“As soon as we have the news conference, I’ll let you know.” Mark shook her clinging
hand from his arm, not promising her anything.
She noticed both slights, the removal of her hand, and the refusal to make her any special
promises. She glanced again at the small woman at his side with a speculative look, noticing how he held the woman close to his side with an almost possessive hold.
As she catalogued his dismissal of her and his attentive hold on the psychologist, Alicia’s mouth stretched into an insincere parody of a smile.
“Well, that’s all that I ask.” And unable to resist, added, “On a personal note, call me
sometime. You still have my cell number, don’t you?” With a last lingering look, the reporter walked toward the waiting cameraman.

CHAPTER 9
Mark had seen the look in Maya’s eyes as Alicia made her parting shot and wondered if
he should say anything about the comment or let it slide as they waited for the elevator to open.
She seemed to have an inordinate interest in the cuff of her shirt, studying it as if it were a bug under a microscope. As he was opening his mouth to speak, she took the decision out of his hands as they entered the elevator.
“Do you have any idea how news of the murder got out?” she asked.
Mark stood close to her in the cramped elevator, stooped down to pull her chin up, and
pressed his mouth to hers. He gave her small, yet thorough caress before he reluctantly freed her lips. After he released her, he took a small step back and answered her question.
“No, but there’s a leak. Someone in the department is talking when they shouldn’t, and I
plan on finding out who it is. I’m not sure yet how information is getting out, but I’ll find out.”
From his peripheral vision, he noted the deep breath she inhaled after he released her. Her breasts rose and fell, as she cast him a sidelong glance. He needed her to grow used to his presence as well as his touch, and he took every opportunity that presented itself to touch or kiss her.
As they exited the elevator, he allowed his hand to rest on the small of her back and they
entered the doors to the squad room, which was already bustling with activity. He led them to his desk where he put both of their bags down, removed his jacket and draped it across his chair.
No sooner had he turned around to face Maya, than the lieutenant’s strident voice hailed
him from across the room. Turning in his direction, Mark acknowledged his call and turned back to Maya.
“Looks as though the lieutenant’s inside and waiting for us. No doubt the group outside
has something to do with his early arrival. I thought that we’d have a few minutes to go over any questions that you have before we met with him. Are you ready, sweetheart?”
“Yes, but I need to take my bag with me. I have my notebook in there and I’ve jotted
down some questions I would like to ask.”
Lieutenant Hernandez was on the phone speaking in low tones as Mark and Maya walked
into the office. After hanging up the phone he walked around his desk, his hand outstretched as he greeted Maya.
“Dr. Richardson, thank you for altering your busy schedule so we could meet. Detective
Halstan says you had been scheduled to come in tomorrow, but agreed to come in today in light of the murder discovered last night. We appreciate you changing your schedule for us.” After shaking hands, Lieutenant Hernandez brought a chair close to her and sat down with Mark
following suit.
“The purpose of this meeting is to bring you into the investigation as a special consultant.
Detective Halstan brought to my attention the potential aid you could give us in apprehending the slayer. Although I’m somewhat familiar with Imani House and the work that’s done there, I don’t know the specifics. But what I hope is that you’ll help provide insight into this population.”
The Lieutenant nodded in Mark’s direction before continuing. “I’m sure Detective
Halstan has informed you, but I would like to reiterate that of course anything you hear in this office is to be held in strict confidence.”
“Of course,” Maya agreed.
After her nod of acceptance he continued. “With that I’d like to fill you in on what we
know so far, and we’ll go from there. If and when you have any questions at any time, stop us, and we’ll answer to the best of our ability. Alright?” he asked, just as Jordan walked in after a brief knock and took the last available chair, bringer it closer to the trio.
“Detective Philips, you’re just in time. We’re filling Dr. Richardson in