Stepping back inside, Olivia grabbed her gun off the hall table and went outside, peering down her corridor both ways. There was no movement at this hour of the morning, but she still felt uneasy. As she went to go back in she picked up the package and brought it into the kitchen with her. Though she had no appetite now, she forced herself to eat a piece of toast with strawberry jam while her coffee brewed.
On her way out, she picked the box up and put it next to her in the car. "Maybe Grace will help me open it," she said aloud as she backed out of the garage. Olivia found she was too distracted to listen to the news that morning and switched to the classical station.
She cleared security and went up to her office, dropping off her coat and bag.
All eyes were on her the moment she opened the door and she tried to check the involuntary gulp as her mind wondered who else knew what had happened to her. Looking over to where Grace and Fin's desk was, she saw both of them smiling warmly at her, the only welcoming faces among the lot of them. Relaxing ever so slightly, she made her way towards them.
"Good morning, Liv. What can I help you with?"
" I need to speak with you both today,. can you come in my office?"
"What can we do for you today?"
"When I went for the paper this morning, I found this. I didn't want to open it at home." Liv handed the box over to Fin and then primly took a seat in one of the chairs. Grace put a hand on her shoulder and she reached up to cover it, squeezing lightly. "Ever since…well, I've been jumpy. Would you do the honors?"
Fin nodded and pulled out his keys, using one to slit the tape and he pulled back the flaps of the box. "There's an envelope here with your name on it." As he took it out, he sucked in a deep breath, locking eyes with Grace. "Please, open the envelope, Liv."
She nodded and Grace took a seat next to her, trying to smile encouragingly at her. Slipping her thumbnail beneath the flap, she made quick work of the seal and opened the envelope. She pulled out a single sheet of notebook paper. Don't think you can ever escape me, bitch. I've marked you as mine. She felt the blood drain from her face as her body went numb. "Honey, what's wrong?" Grace asked as she scooted a little closer to Liv.
"Here." Olivia handed over the paper to the other woman and pulled out some photos from the envelope. She knew she was about to lose control of her fragile grip on her emotions and shut her eyes, trying to calm her racing heart. "Please, God, please," she said lowly, the others fading away.
"Oh, Liv," she heard Grace murmur as the pictures tumbled to the floor. As the first sob broke free from her throat. Grace knelt in front of her and took hold of her hands, tugging her forward. It would be so easy to collapse into Grace's arms. So easy to accept the kindness the woman offered. As Grace closed her into a tight hug, she let herself cry, regardless of Fin watching wishing Peter was there with her through this.
To Be Continued.
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