Chapter 23 - Detective Claire Dalton
Claire continued visiting after the case ended.
At first, she claimed it was paperwork.
Then updates.
Then coffee.
Martha noticed before Lauren did.
“You like her.”
Lauren looked up from the kitchen table.
“She was the lead detective.”
“She has not led an investigation here in six months.”
Lauren returned to her laptop.
Claire had dark hair, steady eyes, and the irritating habit of noticing what Lauren avoided.
She never entered without knocking.
Never stood between Lauren and an exit.
Never touched her unexpectedly.
One evening, Claire arrived carrying takeout.
Martha conveniently announced she was meeting a friend.
Lauren watched her leave.
“She planned this.”
Claire placed the food on the counter.
“She threatened me if I canceled.”
They ate in the living room.
For several minutes, neither mentioned the cases.
Claire asked about Lauren’s consulting work.
Lauren asked about policing.
Then Claire said, “You don’t have to explain your past to me.”
Lauren’s jaw tightened.
“I know.”
“You also don’t have to hide every part of it.”
“I’m not hiding.”
Claire looked at the tactical shirt hanging near the laundry room.
The repaired insignia was visible.
Lauren followed her gaze.
“I didn’t put it away.”
“I noticed.”
The silence became uncomfortable.
Not dangerous.
Lauren was learning the difference.
Claire reached for her drink.
Lauren flinched slightly when their hands nearly touched.
Claire stopped.
“I’m sorry.”
“No.”
Lauren looked at her hand.
“Try again.”
Claire moved slowly.
She placed her fingers over Lauren’s.
No gripping.
No demand.
Lauren allowed the contact.
May you like
For a woman who had run toward gunfire, remaining still required more courage.
👉 Lauren had learned to stop armed men—but trusting a gentle hand became the battle she could not win through training.
