Light in the Dark

Part 4

The next morning, the precinct felt heavy with anticipation. Olivia sat quietly beside Alyssa, who was still clutching the stuffed rabbit, her small fingers tracing the worn fabric nervously.

"Whenever you're ready, Alyssa," Olivia said softly, "you can tell me anything. I'm here to listen."

Alyssa's eyes filled with tears, but she nodded. Slowly, in halting words, she began:

"There was a... a door. Big and black. I heard... voices. A man's voice. He said... 'Don't tell anyone.'"

Olivia leaned in gently. "What else do you remember?"

Alyssa's gaze drifted to the floor. "The dark room. It smelled like... paint and cold."

"Did you see anything else in the room? Anything that might help us find it?"

Alyssa swallowed hard, then whispered, "A red mark on the wall... like a scratch."

Olivia's heart raced. "Thank you, Alyssa. You're very brave."

Fin entered, holding a photo. "We found a warehouse with a red scratch on the wall near the docks. Security footage shows a man matching our suspect's description going in."

Olivia exchanged a glance with Rollins. "This is it. We move now."

Alyssa looked up, a flicker of hope in her eyes. Olivia squeezed her hand. "We're going to bring you home."
The tension was electric as Olivia and the team surrounded the abandoned building where the suspect was believed to be hiding. The air was thick with anticipation and the distant sounds of the city felt miles away.

"Remember, he's dangerous and likely armed," Olivia warned. "Move carefully."

The team advanced cautiously through the dimly lit corridors, every shadow a potential threat. Suddenly, a gunshot rang out, sharp and loud.

"Contact!" Fin shouted, diving behind cover as bullets tore through the air.

Olivia's heart pounded as she returned fire, shouting orders to her team. The firefight was intense and chaotic — every second a test of nerves and skill.

In the confusion, Olivia caught a glimpse of the suspect trying to flee toward a back exit. She sprinted after him, adrenaline fueling her steps.

He stumbled, pulling out a gun for a final desperate shot. Olivia fired first. The suspect collapsed, lifeless.

Breathing heavily, Olivia dropped her weapon and radioed the team. "Suspect down. No further shots."

The weight of the moment hit her — justice was served, but at a terrible cost.

Back at the precinct, Olivia looked at Alyssa with renewed determination. "We did what we had to do. Now, we help you heal."