Loves Redemption

involvement with the police with a nod of
his head.
“I have agreed to act as a special consultant to the police department,” Maya answered
nominally.
Wasting no time, the reporter nodded toward the cameraman as she spoke into the
camera. “Good afternoon, viewers. This is Alicia Somers with channel 8 news and I’m here with Detective Halstan, along with Dr. Maya Richardson. We’ve just been informed that Dr.
Richardson, who runs the halfway house for area prostitutes, is now a part of the slayer
investigation.” Turning toward Maya she aimed her question to her.
“Dr. Richardson what will you bring into the investigation that it is currently lacking?”
“I’d like to offer a correction by saying Imani House is not a halfway house. We are a
privately owned and funded agency that provides not only a home, but also a wide variety of programs to aid those who wish to bring dignity back into their lives. Now in answer to your question, our collective prayer is that my knowledge in this area will provide aid in helping the police apprehend the person or persons responsible for these murders,” Maya was confident and comfortable with her topic.
“And you, Detective? What do you hope to gain with Dr. Richardson?” the reporter
quickly turned away from Maya and smiled at Mark.
“In what way do you mean?” Mark asked and raised his eyebrow. Maya cast a curious
glance his way at his response.
“What do believe she can bring to this investigation that it’s obviously lacking?” She
asked tersely.
“Dr. Richardson is an expert in her field. We hope to gleam any bit of information we can
in the hopes of ending this before more lives are lost.”
Continuing her brief interview, the reporter asked Maya few additional questions that
required minimal answers. She soon brought the interview to close.
“Thank you for your time, Dr. Richardson--the piece will air on the five o’clock news
this evening.” After shaking her hand briefly, Alicia turned her full attention to Mark.
“Remember what I said earlier, give me a call.” Reaching out to touch him, her hand never made contact with the intended target of his face.
Catching her hand in midair he answered, “I think I’ll pass on the opportunity. I’m sure
I’ll have other plans.” Clearly irritated, the reporter left, heels clicking angrily on the cement.
Mark turned to Maya, “Let’s go,” and escorted her to his vehicle.
They’d driven for a while before Mark turned to look at her. She saw admiration and
surprise in his eyes. “You handled yourself well during the interview with Alicia. Most people are nervous in front of a camera unless they’re used to speaking in front of one,” he
complimented.
“Thank you. After defending my dissertation, I got over stage fright pretty well,” she
admitted with a laugh.
“I bet you did. I don’t think Alicia appreciated your confidence.” He laughed along with
her.
“I don’t think that’s the only thing Alicia didn’t appreciate,” Maya couldn’t resist adding, and it was her turn to be surprised when she saw the red stain his cheeks.
They drove in silence after that, with an occasional comment or question offered by
Mark, until he pulled up in front of Imani House. He turned off the engine and was taking off his seat belt when Maya stopped him.
“You don’t have to get out; I’ll hop out and go inside.” She placed her hand against his as he took off his seat belt.
“It’s not a problem. Let me get your bag and take it inside for you.” He turned her hand
to cover hers before he reached his long arm in the backseat to retrieve her bag. Then he helped her out of his vehicle.
When they’d reached the front porch, Maya turned to Mark. “I’d better go inside; I have a
ton of work to do. I guess I’ll hear from the police when you need me?” she questioned.
“Yes, you’ll hear from the police when they have a need for your expertise, and of course you should contact us whenever you have information for us. Now as far as you and I are
concerned, you’ll hear from me much sooner. I know you’re going to be swamped today to make up for your late start, so do you think you’d be able to make time for me this weekend?” he asked with a hopeful expression.
“I think that I can make time for you. I already have plans for this weekend, what about
next Saturday?” She smiled hesitantly.
“That would be great. I’ll call you and we can decide what we’ll do.” Mark gave her a
small, yet lingering kiss good-bye before jogging back to his vehicle and leaving.
With a half smile, Maya walked inside Imani House, an odd contentment settling in her
spirit despite the sad event of Allison’s recent murder.

CHAPTER 11
“I’ve been informed that because of the high visibility of this case, we’re bringing in the FBI.” Lieutenant Hernandez told the men without preamble.
The men were strategizing over the slayer investigation. Mark and Jordan were in
conference with Lieutenant Hernandez more times with the slayer investigation than he thought they’d ever been with any other investigation during their tenure under his command.
“Who ordered this? No, let me guess the acting chief himself,” Jordan both asked and answered.
“Hole in one. However, I’m sure I can count on my men to be cooperative and helpful
professionals.” The Lieutenant said with a lift of his brow, aiming his comment at both men. He knew he could count on them, but both were strong men with strong opinions and he knew of
their distaste for working with the FBI.
“As far as Dr. Richardson is concerned, without compromising the investigation, she is to
be provided with police help if she needs it. Her aid in this investigation may provide us with the break we need. Mark, it seems as though you have good communication with her, so we’ll
continue with you being her contact person for the department. Of course make sure she’s aware she