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

“Dad, this is my partner, Parker Rhodes.” Parker extended his hand forward, and Michael grabbed it in a firm handshake.

“Nice to meet you, Rhodes,” he said with an honest smile, then stood and wrapped his arm around Surin, squeezing her to him. “How you going working with this firecracker?”

Erin and Michael both laughed as Surin shrugged him off. “Thanks, Dad,” she replied, shaking her head.

“It’s an honour actually, sir,” Parker replied.

Michael turned to face him, tilting his head and placing his hands on his hips.

“Surin is probably the most highly regarded detective in the homicide squad, so I am privileged really,” Parker added. There was nothing pretentious or fake in his tone; his face was honest and open. Surin was staring at him. Not once in her life had she ever had to fight the urge to kiss someone like she did in that moment. Erin’s hands involuntarily came up and covered her mouth, and Parker noticed tears prick the corners of her eyes.

“Talk about stubborn, though,” he added quickly to lighten the mood. Everyone laughed except Surin.

“That she gets from me,” Michael added immediately and patted Parker affectionately on the back. “You follow football?” he continued.

“Absolutely,” Parker added, and they sat down together and continued to chat quietly.

Surin followed her mother into the kitchen, knowing full well that Parker had no interest whatsoever in football. She pulled up a stool at the breakfast bar and watched as Erin fussed around making cups of coffee.

“Sury,” she said in a whisper, “he is just lovely!” Her hand fluttered up over her heart.

“Ma, I didn’t bring a boyfriend home for God’s sake,” Surin said exasperatingly. “He’s my bloody partner.”

Erin put the mug down quickly. “Don’t you speak like that, young lady,” she scolded.

Surin rolled her eyes. “‘Bloody’ isn’t a curse word, Ma,” she mumbled, feeling like a chastised thirteen-year-old.

“Well, I like him, and so does your father, does that count for nothing?” she whined.

Surin smiled. “Of course it does, he’s the person who I trust with my life every day so I would hate it if you didn’t like him.”

Erin smiled and reached out to touch Surin’s face; the gesture was brief but full of love. Neither of her parents had liked Grayson. At first, of course, they raved about him, especially being a big shot lawyer and a man who, on the surface, accepted that Surin was a dedicated police officer. As the years went on and his resentment towards her job grew, they watched it slowly poison the two of them. One of the last times Surin’s parents had visited her when she was still engaged to Grayson, they had gone out for dinner. Grayson had gotten so horribly drunk that he started provoking Surin, and when she failed to take the bait, he stormed out of the restaurant, knocking over a waitress with a tray full of martinis.

“Well, it’s nice to see you with someone who recognises how good you are at what you do,” Erin said absentmindedly as the kettle started to boil.

“He is also a detective, Ma, and a very good one,” Surin added.

Erin looked at her with a sly smile. “You like him,” she said.

“Ma!” Surin groaned.

“Surin,” her mother started, “there is many a thing I do not know, but girl, I know you.”

Surin looked down at the kitchen bench in front of her, cursing the tears that were threatening to come. “He’s my partner,” she whispered.

“I know sweetie, and I know what that means. I’m a cop’s wife and a cop’s mother,” she continued. “Partnerships are forged in ultimate trust. Risking that sacred relationship for something that may not work.” She sighed. “It’s a big risk to take.”

Surin looked up and agreed with a nod.

Erin leaned forward and held her hand. “But Surin, nothing, nothing is too big a risk when it comes to love.”

***

Parker was staring at the TV, listening to the mindless commentary. He was vaguely aware of Erin whispering in the kitchen and was curious as to what they were talking about. Michael turned to him.

“So, Parker, you play?” he asked and gestured towards the screen.

“Ah yeah, I used to back in college.” He shifted in his chair. “A lifetime ago.” He smiled.

Michael nodded. “Not the biggest sports fan any more, eh?” he asked.

Parker grinned. “What gave me away?” he asked.

Michael chuckled. “I was a cop for thirty years, Rhodes, some things you never forget, like knowing a lie when you see one.”

Parker nodded. “I’m sorry, I didn’t intend to offend you,” he added, holding up his hands.

Michael shook his head. “And you didn’t,” he replied. “I’m not that precious, son.”

Parker smiled. He liked these people. Real and down-to-earth. He was beginning to understand why Surin was how she was.

“So, tell me about Miami,” Michael asked casually.

“Wow,” Parker replied, sitting back on the couch instantly feeling like he was about to be interrogated. “You have done your homework!”

“My baby girl gets a new hotshot partner? You bet your ass I did my research,” Michael replied unapologetically.

Parker nodded. “Well, I busted up with a girl and needed a fresh start,” he answered honestly. “I was given the opportunity to work with Surin and jumped at it.”

Michael was eyeing him carefully. “You have a degree in psychology?” he asked.

“Yes,” Parker replied.

“You shot anyone?” Michael continued.

“Yes,” Parker answered.

“You worked serial before?”

“Yes,” he responded.

“You spent the night at my daughter’s?”

“Yes,” Parker answered before he recognised the trap.

Michael grinned.

“Rookie error,” Parker said, shaking his head. “I guess being an expert in interrogation means you’re a nightmare on first dates,” he added.

Michael laughed loudly. “You’ve done your homework too, I see.”

Parker nodded. “New partner? Female ass-kicker? You bet I did all the research