The Dark Places

by R. S. Whitfield

  “Right, you can stop now,” Parker interrupted. “Please, I didn’t mean to put you through all this!” he said in alarm. “I was only half-serious!”

  Surin shook her head. “It’s OK, we’re partners. I trust you, and you need to know why I am how I am with that woman, plus I am getting the full story of you and Jolene after this,” she said with a sad smile on her face.

  “I could hear them before I saw them.” She smiled.

  Parker looked down at his hands, sharing her embarrassment and betrayal.

  “They were going at it, quite vigorously I have to add, but as soon as he saw me, he just freaked right out. Then the crying began. He cried, he yelled, he begged. I said nothing, not one word. I honestly couldn’t speak, and the whole time she just sat there, staring at me with her mouth wide open in shock. I knew her from the station, I had even helped her out a few times with statements, and she froze when she saw me, but none of that mattered. I eventually grew tired of Gray’s crying, and then I grew angry. I knew he wouldn’t leave if I asked, so I did the only thing I knew how. I pulled out my weapon and marched them both out of the house, semi-naked, at gunpoint.” Surin sat back in her chair, glad to finally have told someone the details of her pitiful tale.

  Parker laughed loudly. He tried very hard to conceal it, but he couldn’t. “Naked at gunpoint?” he repeated.

  “Well, yeah,” Surin replied, seeing the humour in it and started laughing herself.

  After they had both pulled themselves together, Parker wiped some stray tears off his face with a napkin. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to make it sound like a joke.”

  “No, don’t apologise,” she said with a giggle. “Looking back, it is kind of funny,” she sighed. “I’m glad it happened in a way. I couldn’t be with someone who questions who I am all the time and then asks me to change. You know what I mean, right?”

  She looked at him, and for a moment, neither of them said a word. The air around them felt thick with unspoken tension, and she saw Parker’s eyes soften as he looked at her.

  “Two chilli bean nachos!” The waitress interrupted, placing the bowls on the table.

  “With extra guacamole, of course,” she finished and walked away carrying their empties.

  The moment was broken, and Parker eyed the plates overflowing with corn chips and lashings of sour cream.

  “God, this looks amazing!” he said.

  “You will never be the same,” Surin answered with a grin, and with that, she took a huge corn chip and scooped up some chilli beans, topped it with guacamole to an impossible height and spooned it into her mouth.

  “Now it’s your turn, Rhodes. Jolene. Spill the details,” she said, chewing noisily.

  Parker was momentarily lost in the absolute pleasure of his food and groaned inwardly. “This is the best thing I think I’ve ever eaten,” he said, looking up at Surin appreciatively.

  “I know,” she said with a cheesy grin. “That won’t get you out of it but, I have just shared one of the worst moments of my life with you, I expect something equally juicy in return.”

  “One of the worst moments?” Parker replied. “There is something worse than catching your fiancé in bed with a gorgeous journalist?”

  Surin looked away uncomfortably, and Parker immediately felt that he had crossed an invisible line.

  “OK, that’s fair,” he corrected, steering the conversation back to him. He watched the colour return to Surin’s face, sighed and sat back in his chair.

  “Jolene. Well, I’m sorry, Elliott, it’s not exciting, and there is no intrigue. I fell out of love, and she didn’t. It was sad, and I hurt her.”

  “So, you left?” Surin enquired unbelievably.

  “Well, yeah, eventually I did. Jolene didn’t cope with the breakup very well. She started calling me at all hours of the night, showing up at my apartment, sending me text after text.” He looked down at his hands. “I felt bad, so I tried to make it work with her, but it was horrible.” He looked embarrassed. “I think I ended up hurting her worse by trying to fix what I had broken.”

  “How long did it last once you took her back?” Surin asked.

  “Two weeks. And it was the most dreadful two weeks of my life to date. Nothing to do with her at all, I don’t mean it like that. I just didn’t love her, I knew I was making it worse by leading her on, but I didn’t know what else to do.” He looked at her over the bowls of food. “She knew, the whole time she knew I didn’t love her and yet she stayed. It must have been torture for her, can you imagine? I mean, I could hardly touch her without feeling guilty, knowing that it would mean nothing to me and everything to her. So, I packed up my things, put in for a transfer and waited. Thankfully, it only took two weeks to get this position. I told her work had relocated me, a non-negotiable offer and that there was no way we could sustain a long-distance relationship.”

  Surin sat quietly, listening.

  “And you know what, she was OK with that. It was like the thought of me not loving her was tearing her apart, but when it was work that finally ended it, it was OK, and she was able to move on because it wasn’t her fault.” He placed his napkin on the table.

  “Do you talk to her still?” Surin asked.

  “I did at first. She would ring a few times a week, but now she is seeing another teacher from her school, so it’s extremely awkward.” He smiled. “I’m happy for her, honestly. I’m glad she has found someone, and I hope I will too in time,” he said without thinking.

  Surin looked into his eyes and for a minute was overwhelmed. The trust and respect she had developed for this man in the last few months had shocked even her. It was not in her nature to spill personal information like she just had, but with Parker, she felt compelled to share. She wanted him to know how she felt and who she was, and more importantly, she wanted to know him.

  They both finished their meals in a comfortable silence and Parker settled the bill as promised.

  “Let’s go and get this interview over and done with,” Surin said as she walked out of Miguel’s and into the sunshine, pushing her sunglasses down over her eyes. “Then I need a hot shower and a long sleep,” she added. “I was rudely awoken this morning if I recall correctly.”

  Parker laughed, and they drove off towards the station.

  14

  Lucy was pretty sure she was falling for him. God, already, she thought. It’s only been a month. They hadn’t even been intimate yet, which was at his insistence. Goodness knows she had been frustrated at the number of times he had pulled away, but as he explained, he had old-fashioned values, and she was trying hard to respect them. So other than a bit of casual hand-holding, one session of couch-cuddling and a few amazing kisses, they hardly knew each other. There was something so deliciously mysterious about him, and the way he looked at her so intensely, was like he exuded heat.

  They had so much in common with each other that it was almost comical. Both vegetarian, both loved running, both worked in similar fields, same favourite band, same favourite movie. Lucy chuckled. It was like her dream guy had jumped off the pages of her blog and into reality. Shaking her head, she glanced once more at her appearance in the foggy bathroom mirror. She had decided that tonight was the night to take the next step. Wearing a tight-fitting royal-blue dress that hugged her curvy figure in all the right places, as well as a magical push-up bra that gave her modest bust line new life, she smiled and pushed a strand of long black hair behind her ear.

  “Tonight’s the night,” she said out loud to herself. If all goes well, she thought, I can finally tell my parents and friends about him, they will be so excited. She glanced down at her watch and realised she was going to be late.

  “Shit!” she cursed, grabbed her silver clutch and ran out as fast as her heels would carry her, slamming the door as she left. The elevator opened, and she quickly slid in. He had been extremely specific about when and where to meet him tonight, and she didn’t want to disappoint. Butterflies started to flicker in her stomach
as excitement and nerves began to surge through her body. He had promised her that tonight would be a night she would never forget, and she couldn’t wait for it to begin.

  15

  The days seemed to be getting longer, the nights darker and more intense. He looked at himself in the mirror, always fascinated at what he was able to create. How easy it was to transform, to blend in. A strong, handsome face stared back at him. His hair was just the right length to say professional but stylish. He smiled, and perfect white straight teeth appeared, complemented by dimples. His mind drifted back to the night before, and his reflection abruptly turned dark.

  Last night had almost taken him to breaking point. He thought of the desperation in her face, in how she dressed. It almost disgusted him. It was, however, a necessary part of keeping up appearances, he told himself. A good-looking, smart man would have a girlfriend; questions were being asked. He’d had a couple of ladies in the past. He thought he could get by with vapid, showy women on his arm, but he soon discovered that when it came down to spending time alone with them, the urge to slice off their lips just to stop them from talking was too overwhelming.

  Then he had seen Lucy. Cute, in a homely girl-next-door-way, shy but at least mildly intelligent. He had studied her from afar and read her whiney but predictable online blog, ensuring that she was the right fit for what he required, then he orchestrated the meet. Last night had been the consummation of their ‘relationship’. He had known it was inevitable, but that didn’t make it any less revolting. She had been hinting at it from as early as their second date, trying her hardest to look seductive in her simple clothes, sliding a hand up his thigh discreetly, lingering too long on a kiss. He knew he had to go all the way at some stage to keep her happy. So he had, and it had been fucking god-awful. His throat closed at the thought of it. The way she had gently stroked his face, wanting to make love and stare deeply into his eyes, it had almost been too much. He had glanced down to her neck at one stage, and it appeared to come to life, pulsing and begging him to wrap his large hands around it. Just the thought of her wide-eyed and struggling for air got him hard enough to get through. He had closed his eyes and pictured Emma, her beautiful, crystal-blue eyes brimming with fear and unspeakable pain. He started pounding harder and faster, forgetting Lucy and ignoring her pleas to slow down. When he came, he came for all his girls and of course for her, the only one that really mattered. She was never far out of his thoughts. His whole life had been building up to the moment he could be inside her, completely own her, and finally watch the life fade from her eyes.

  Lucy had stayed the night — another thing he hated about these women. So needy, so inconvenient. At first light, she had rolled over and gently started stroking his back; it was enough to make him sick, and he felt the bile creeping up his throat. Jumping up out of bed, he invented a hectic work schedule for the day, and with a painfully long kiss goodbye, he pushed her out the door and into a waiting cab. She had been waving like an idiot, face flushed and hair tousled, and with the promise of a phone call, she disappeared down the street. He sighed. Alone at last, gazing back at his perfect reflection in the mirror, he realised he already felt the need to get another. If he was going to have to put up with Lucy, he would definitely need something to take the edge off… or someone. Smiling broadly, he ran his fingers through his hair. I need a shower, he thought. With that, he stripped naked and stepped under the steaming faucet, closing his eyes to the mundane image of Lucy, and instead, conjuring a picture of the only face that had ever meant anything to him. Not long now, he smiled.

  ***

  “Well, we now know nothing more than we did forty minutes ago!” Surin scowled as she lay her head on her desk. Parker was sitting beside her, spinning slowly in his office chair like a ten-year-old at the fair.

  The cab driver they had just interviewed had absolutely no new details that could help map out Isabelle’s final moments. He drove past in the early hours of the morning, got out to relieve himself after a long, busy night shift and saw her lying there. He didn’t even approach the body to check if she was alive or not; he simply rang 911 and waited in his car, sipping coffee.

  “Yep, a total bust,” Parker agreed, coming to a stop facing her. “But I think we both know we aren’t going to get anything easily with this guy. There’s minimal forensics and let’s face it, we found her because he wanted us to.” Surin looked up at him as he continued. “Surin, you’re the only person over how many years who has even connected all the victims to the one killer, I wasn’t even sure myself until Isabelle.” Parker leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees. “This one is smart, Surin. Smart, cunning, organised, he has been doing this for a long time, and he likes what he does.”

  Surin let a long sigh escape her lips. “I know, I know.” She sat back in her chair and ran her hands through her hair, she stopped on her neck and started rubbing the knots that had built up there.

  “Let’s call it a day,” Parker stated. “My shout at Blarney’s,” he added and stood, grabbing his grey jacket off the back of the chair.

  “Actually, I’m exhausted,” Surin replied. “How ‘bout I meet you there later? Let me catch a few z’s, and we can meet up, have something to eat, and talk about exactly how we’re going to catch this sicko.” She looked up at him for a reply, and for the first time, he noticed the dark circles developing under her eyes. She did look exhausted.

  “Sounds like a plan,” he answered with a smile. “I’ll see you ‘round eight then?”

  “Excellent, try not to miss me,” she added, standing and grabbing her briefcase firmly. “We have been joined at the hip lately. Lucky for you I’m easy to work with!” she said, grinning.

  Parker responded with a loud laugh and wheeled his chair back over to his desk. He glanced over his shoulder and watched her walk out slowly, waving to a few of the others as she passed and laughing at a comment made that he couldn’t hear. A few hours of rest would do them both some good, but the last thing Parker felt like doing was being alone with his thoughts. He sighed aloud, sat down and leaned back into his chair, stretching his arms overhead.

  “Parker?” Dennis called from the other side of the room.

  “Yep, still here,” he replied.

  “We’re heading to Blarney’s. Think your old lady will let you come?” he said.

  “Dennis, you know I’m single,” he answered, shaking his head.

  “Yeah, I know that,” Dennis replied with a smile. “I was talking about Surin.”

  There were a few chuckles.

  “You wouldn’t be saying that if she were here, would you?” Parker replied with a laugh.

  “Fuck, no!” Dennis started walking over to Parker’s desk. “She’d kick my ass.”

  Yes, she would, Parker thought to himself with a smile. Well, he was meeting Surin there anyway, and drinks with the boys, sure beats being home alone.

  “Yeah, OK, hold up I’ll get my things.” He stood again and grabbed his wallet and keys off the desk.

  “It’s been that kind of day,” Dennis stated to no one in particular.

  “Yeah, it has.” Parker nodded, and they headed out the door.

  Blarney’s was your typical cops’ bar. It was in fact owned by three ex-cops who had bought the place when it was a run-down bookstore going into foreclosure. Once the three of them retired, they renovated and reopened as Blarney’s which was a nod to their Irish heritage. Blarney’s quickly became the go-to watering hole for all types of uniforms from all over the place. Parker walked in and was immediately met by a warm ambience and the sounds of laughter. The bar itself was the focal point of the room: long, sleek and made of dark-cherry oak. There were high-backed booths that framed the walls; the scattered tables and chairs were crafted from the same rich wood but padded with soft black leather. Behind the bar stood Patrick O’Callahan. He was leaning over talking to a patron, his big, bare, arms resting beside a large pint. Patrick had been a detective with the District Detective Unit, specif
ically Witness Services. He looked up and waved in their direction.

  Dennis headed over to grab some drinks while Parker and the others chose a booth furthest from the door. As the other men fell into comfortable conversation, Parker let his eyes stray to the wall beside them. A large plaque quite eloquently positioned read, “Brothers in Blue”. Surrounding it were scores of photos, some black-and-white, some in colour, polaroid and candid shots as well as professional academy portraits. The fallen, Parker thought to himself. Blarney’s was definitely somewhere cops felt they could go and be surrounded by people that understood. Parker checked his watch, six p.m. He hoped that Surin was getting some well-earned rest. Dennis strode back over with a beer and placed it in front of him, slapping him gently on the back.

  “My shout, Rhodes.” He smiled and took a long pull on his own drink.

  “Thanks,” Parker replied and followed suit.

  ***

  Madison had been to Blarney’s a handful of times, she actually quite liked the place. Besides the comfortable surrounds and really great music, a drunk cop was a chatty cop. Some of her best stories had started with a few beers in the back booths of Blarney’s with rookies trying to purge what they had seen or done.

  She sat in her car a block away, wondering why she was hesitating. Sighing loudly, she realised it was because of Surin Elliott. That woman was like a thorn in her side. If she wasn’t publicly humiliating her, she was blocking her at every turn. She put her head in her hands, recalling the quick but unmistakable look of hurt that flashed over Surin’s features every time the two saw each other.

  “Fuck, I really didn’t know he was your fiancé!” Madison said exasperatingly. My mother did warn me about this, she thought. Be careful what you use that beautiful face of yours for, Maddy. Those words echoed in her mind as she got out of her car and slammed the door shut. Warning or no, she was definitely on to something, and if Surin was going to stonewall her, then she would go to the next best source — Parker Rhodes. This time though, Maddy had done her homework.