The Dark Places by R. Whitfield (novel24 TXT) 📕

and get something to eat,” Bethany replied and smiled, placing her hand gently on Surin’s shoulder.

“I will,” Surin said and turned back towards her car.

She watched as Bethany walked back into the lobby of the hotel and out of sight, then she opened her hand again. She held the necklace up to the light and stared at the little pendant that twirled slowly in the air. “E,” she breathed, reading aloud the pendant’s single engraved letter, closing her eyes as again she fought the wave of nausea that rose up her throat. Fighting to reassemble some of her composure, she placed the necklace into the centre console. “What the fuck is going on?”

19

The crowd let out a final deafening roar as the full-time siren blew. An overexcited voice from the loudspeaker confirmed the Baltimore Ravens’ victory over the New England Patriots.

“Great game.” Lucy smiled as she reached for his hand.

“Super,” he replied coldly.

She let her hand drop to her side and felt her lower lip start to pout as they slowly made their way out of the stadium. He had been distant tonight, distant and angry. She felt panic start to build in her chest; he’s going to break up with me she thought as her eyes welled up.

“Why don’t we get a cab to Little Italy and have something delicious for dinner?” she asked, turning to face him.

He instantly recognised the desperation in her voice. Stopping still, he took her by the shoulders gently. “I’m beat, honey. I think I’m going to turn in early tonight.” He looked at her, and she smiled weakly.

“Oh, OK,” she replied, adding, “I could do with an early night too actually, I’ve been so busy at work.”

He rolled his eyes and cut her off quickly. “Lucy, I want to be alone tonight, do you understand?” He realised his voice was laced with anger and impatience, but he was past caring. Her face dropped, and for an agonising second he thought she was going to cry. Don’t you fucking dare, he thought.

Regaining his composure, he took a deep breath. “Truth is, I’m not feeling too well, and I wouldn’t forgive myself if I got you sick, especially with your big presentation coming up.” He smiled at her.

“You remember my meeting?” she squealed.

“Of course,” he answered. “If it’s important to you, it’s important to me,” he replied. The lie rolled out of his mouth effortlessly; it was all he could do not to gag.

She grabbed him by the sleeves and planted a wet kiss on his lips.

“I thought you were breaking up with me,” she said, quietly looking up at him through her lashes.

He looked at her strangely. “Because I wanted a night to myself?” he asked. What the fuck is wrong with you women!

“Yes, that,” she said, looking down at her feet, embarrassed, “and you haven’t been yourself tonight.”

I hate to break it to you, honey, but I haven’t been myself with you, ever, he thought, and it made him smile.

“I know,” he replied, sighing dramatically for effect, “and I’m sorry. I’m just going to grab a cab home, OK?” He quickly kissed her cheek and jumped into the waiting taxi before she could object.

“I’ll call you,” he yelled, leaving her standing alone on the sidewalk. He watched her deflated figure fade into the distance and sighed. It was getting harder and harder to be in her company. This was true, but the thought of starting again with another one was far worse.

He paid the cab driver without uttering a word and strode purposefully up to his building. His body was racked with tension; he could feel the need coiled inside him like a snake ready to strike. The last one had proved very disappointing, which only confirmed what he already knew — that the years of using surrogates were over. He needed the true object of his obsession — only then would he finally fulfil his desire.

He had watched her today. The years had definitely been kind. She looked just the same as she had all that time ago. Beautiful, confident, strong. Only he knew the real her. He closed his eyes briefly to recall the sweet sound of her cries as tears had trickled down her face, staining those perfect cheeks. The time for them to be together was fast approaching, but now more than ever, he had to be careful. He wouldn’t let the anticipation of it all overwhelm him. He had to remain stoic, sensible, and above all, he had to remain in control. There was absolutely no margin for error. Unlocking the door to his apartment, he let the darkness inside envelop him. Walking over to his closet, he pulled down an old black briefcase from the top shelf. Clicking the locks open, he took out the yearbook and flipped to the well-worn, dog-eared page.

Her face stared back at him with that all-American-girl-next-door smile. Tenderly, he rubbed his thumb over her picture, imagining the feel of her soft skin. He took a deep breath, feeling the tension in his chest slowly dissipate. When he opened his eyes, he stared at her again. Reading the comment below her picture for the millionth time, he grinned. “I want to make a difference,” he said out loud. Shutting the book, it was returned to its hiding place.

“Oh, I promise you will,” he said, smirking, switching on his lamp and saturating the bedroom with warm light. “Your name will be remembered forever.”

***

Fell’s Point, Baltimore, was Madison’s hometown and her absolute favourite place in the world. The little waterfront community nestled comfortably on the Northwest Branch of the Patapsco River. Antique stores, coffee shops and restaurants littered the historical sidewalks. Comprising of a large immigrant population, the town retained a rich heritage that paid homage to its Irish, German and Polish founders. It also had