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

screamed, ignoring her neighbour’s porch light as it flicked on. “I know there were others before Madison.” Grayson started taking backward steps as she walked towards him poking her finger at his chest. “But you shoved it in my face with her, in our bed. That’s pretty hard to ignore.” She stopped and shook her head, all ire evaporating.

“I’m sorry,” Grayson whined, “I just wanted to hurt you,” he said. “I knew you didn’t love me like I wanted you to. It was always the job first, right?” he added, his chin jutted forward in defiance.

Surin turned and walked back to her door, disgusted. “Grayson, you have five minutes to get off my lawn, or I will shoot you in the fucking kneecaps, understand?” She didn’t turn to face him. “I never want to see you again, am I clear?” Her voice was controlled and level, but tired.

“Crystal,” he replied.

She stood and listened as he shuffled off down the street. When all was quiet, she slumped back down onto the steps and put her head in her hands. She was not sure how much time had passed or if she had fallen asleep, but a kind voice brought her head up.

“Busy night?” he asked.

She smiled before she even saw his gentle blue eyes. “Oh, you know, just a normal night in suburbia.”

He chuckled quietly. “I parked behind your house earlier, I didn’t want your nosy neighbour to start gossiping about us, but I have a fair idea that she has a lot to talk about now.” He reached out for her hand and helped her to stand. Surin inhaled his scent, closing her eyes. “Let’s get you inside” he added.

“How much did you hear?” she asked quietly.

He didn’t answer. Instead, he wrapped his arm around her shoulders and scooped her up.

“All of it then,” she said and surrendered to his warm embrace. “Parker, that had nothing to do with you,” she explained.

“Shh,” he said, “we can talk about it later, you need some sleep.” He carried her down the hallway and placed her gently on the bed. Removing her shoes one by one, he tucked her under the blanket. She was mildly disappointed when she realised, he wasn’t getting in with her.

“Behave, Surin,” she said aloud.

Parker looked up. “Behave?” he asked.

She laughed at herself. “Did I say that out loud?”

Parker shook his head with a chuckle. “Night, Surin.” And with that, he closed the door quietly and walked into her guest room.

He smiled as he heard the sounds of soft snoring coming from her bedroom. Someone is going to have a very nasty headache when they wake up, he thought, then rolled onto his side and fell asleep almost instantly.

***

Surin stood under the shower for a full fifteen minutes, letting her body soak up the glorious heat. She gently rinsed her hair, running her fingertips firmly over her scalp. She loved the feeling of being underwater, the peace and quiet making all thoughts and troubles dissipate. Turning off the faucet reluctantly, she stood on the mat, drying herself, and recapped what had happened the day before in her mind. She dressed in faded jeans and a black polo shirt, leaving her hair out and wet. She could hear Parker milling around her kitchen, and her stomach rumbled at the thought of breakfast.

“Morning,” she mumbled, walking into the room and went immediately for the medicine cabinet.

“Good Morning, Detective,” he said with a wide grin.

“OK, save it, Parker.” She grimaced, popping two pills with a mouthful of tap water. She slumped down at the table, and he placed a stack of buttermilk pancakes drenched in maple syrup in front of her. “A girl could get used to this.” She smiled.

“Well, I thought bacon might not agree with you today,” he replied.

“An excellent observation,” she added, and started eating. “God,” she groaned, “these are amazing!”

Parker smiled. “Coffee?” He motioned to the machine.

“Do you really need to ask?” she answered.

He stood and grabbed a pod, putting it carefully into the machine. “So, last night, eh?” he started, trying to sound blasé.

Surin put her fork down. “I’m sorry you had to hear that,” she said. “He was drunk, hell, I was drunk, and I let it get a bit out of hand.”

Parker nodded. “Is that the first time you’ve seen him since the whole, gunpoint incident?”

“Yes and no,” she said between mouthfuls. “I have seen him once or twice, driving past here, but that was the first time I’ve actually spoken to him.” He handed her a coffee. “Thanks,” she said and held it firmly between her hands, letting the comforting aroma hit her nostrils. Parker sat and waited.

“He rang Madison, asking about you,” she said casually.

“Me?” he uttered, surprised.

“He must have seen you over here a few times and thought that we, well, you know, that we were involved.” Her cheeks flushed.

“Not that it’s any of his business if we were,” Parker replied. “He rang Madison?”

Surin nodded and chuckled. “Yeah, she was just as shocked as you are, I think.” She tucked a damp strand of hair behind her ear. “She rang and told me to be careful. I’m pretty sure I was awful to her,” she added, shaking her head. “This is why I don’t drink bourbon.” She smiled sadly.

Parker looked at her uncertainly. “I heard…” He shifted in his seat. “I heard that he had cheated before, is that true?” He hesitated. “You don’t have to tell me,” he quickly added, holding his hands up.

“No, it’s OK,” Surin countered. “There were three others that I know of.” She put a forkful of pancake into her mouth and chewed appreciatively. “Until Madison, I could ignore it and tell myself that I made him because I was never home, and he was lonely, which obviously was not the