The Dark Places

by R. S. Whitfield

  “I’m not ready for that, Eamon,” she said.

  He smiled. You seemed pretty ready, he thought. “I’m in no rush, Surin. I told you I just want to be with you.” When he leaned in and kissed her again, she responded immediately. He pulled back, grabbed her hand and helped her stand.

  “How about I walk you home,” he said, and in that moment, when she smiled at him, he knew that she was going to be his forever.

  ***

  Baltimore, Maryland, Present day

  Surin was trying to work out what to say.

  “Surin,” Parker urged, “you can’t drop a bomb like that and then close down,” he added, sitting beside her on the couch. She looked over at him and smiled sadly.

  “I was kind of a different person in high school,” she started, “you know, the typical story, cheerleader meets quarterback, the eternal high school sweethearts.”

  Parker sat forward. “Wait, you were a cheerleader?” He grinned. She punched his arm.

  “Head cheerleader, actually,” she added and continued. “But, yes, I was everything that I thought I wanted to be.” She stood and walked into the kitchen, then leaned out. “Coffee?” she asked. Parker shook his head and decided to follow her and sat at the table.

  “I always wanted to do criminology, always wanted to be a cop like Dad, but there was a time in my life that I wanted what all girls want.” She pulled a cup out of the cupboard and waited for the machine to do its magic.

  “A pet pony?” Parker joked.

  Surin smiled. “The perfect jock boyfriend,” she corrected.

  Parker understood. Being a jock in high school himself, he’d had a long line of girlfriends, including the elusive head cheerleader.

  “Eamon was that guy,” she said and sat down opposite him, cradling her cup in her hands. “He was the epitome of the teen dream,” she said and fanned herself mockingly. “Charming, athletic, popular and oh so gorgeous.” She smiled, a memory popping into her head. “He chased me for years,” she said, without a trace of vanity. “When I finally agreed to date him, well, we became the star couple of the town.”

  Parker couldn’t imagine Surin on the arm of a jock, and he was trying not to imagine her in a tiny cheerleading outfit.

  “He was great, really. At first, he treated me like royalty.” She ran her hands through her hair. “I had never had a boyfriend before, so I wasn’t used to so much attention.” She blushed. “We were together for almost all of senior year, but then he became somewhat impatient with me.” She avoided Parker’s gaze, and he could guess what she was eluding too. “I wasn’t ready, and he was having a hard time taking no for an answer. He kept reminding me about all the girls that wouldn’t say no.” She sat up straight and looked at Parker. “So, I broke up with him.”

  Parker sat back. “He gave you the necklace?” he asked.

  Surin nodded and fingered her neck unconsciously. “Yes, the first night we got together, he walked me home and put it around my neck.” She smiled sadly. “It was one of the happiest moments of my life up to that point, how sad is that!” She laughed. “When we broke up, I gave it back and honestly haven’t thought of it again until I found it in Isabelle’s things.” She shook her head. “I thought it was a coincidence,” she continued, “I mean, how many fucking pendant necklaces are there in the world!” She pressed the space between her nose and eyes to release tension. “But then when we found it in Lana’s belongings, well, I freaked out.”

  Parker sat back and rubbed his neck. “Dark hair,” he mumbled.

  “What?” Surin asked.

  “The girls, all of them.” He scoffed and shook his head. “I can’t believe I didn’t notice.” He stood up and paced the floor, Surin eyed him confused.

  “For the love of God, Parker, can you please put together a single declarative sentence?”

  He turned and looked at her, concern clouding his features. “They all look like you.”

  Surin froze.

  “Don’t be… don’t be ridiculous,” she stuttered.

  He nodded, continuing. “Strong, independent, beautiful dark-haired women.”

  Surin’s head fell into her hands. “This can’t be actually happening,” she whispered. “So what are you suggesting, Rhodes?” she asked, her head snapping up to look at him, the anger in her voice rising an octave. “That what? My high school boyfriend was just so in love with me that ten years after we broke up, he started killing look-alikes?”

  She stood up and walked past him into the lounge room, not sure where to go when all she felt like doing was hiding.

  “I’m suggesting, Surin, that this could involve you, that is all,” he said calmly from behind her, his hands raised in the air.

  “Well, that is a fucking ridiculous theory, Detective,” she snarled sarcastically, then started looking around the room, the air began to feel thin.

  “Surin?” Parker asked as he watched her slowly unravel. “Is there more to your story?” he said hesitantly, and she immediately looked up at him, her eyes fearful.

  “I told you everything,” she uttered but looked away. Then realising there was nowhere to run, she sank down onto the couch. Parker stood motionless beside her, letting her collect herself.

  After a while, she felt her breathing slow and sighed. “Wow, two breakdowns in one week.” She sadly smiled up at Parker. “Surely you must be rethinking your lucky partnership by now?”

  He chuckled. “Not for a second.”

  Surin smiled and shook her head. “Agh, you know what this means, right?” She sat back and ran her hands through her hair that was still slightly damp.

  Parker perched himself on the edge of the chair carefully. “No, what does it mean?” he asked.

  She sighed. “It means I have to go home.”

  ***

  Surin was already packed and on the phone when Parker returned to her place with his suitcase. She motioned for him to wait a second as she finished her conversation. He noticed that she had changed out of her jeans and was now wearing a smart black business suit and blazer. Her hair was pulled back into a French roll and she had put makeup on, something he had noted she didn’t wear very often. She had strapped on her holster and badge and looked like she meant business. It was hard to imagine, looking at her now, how fragile she had been a few hours before. He didn’t want to show it, but he was secretly excited to see her hometown, meet her parents and get a glimpse at what teenage Surin Elliott may have been like. He knew that if she knew this, he would most likely get kneecapped.

  “Thanks, Madison, talk soon.” She hung up and turned to him.

  “Ready to roll, Rhodes?” she asked, oozing with fake enthusiasm.

  “That was Madison?” he asked, pointing to the now disconnected cell phone in disbelief.

  “Yes,” she said. “I am a woman of my word,” she added. “I have her working on the necklace, you know, suppliers and such.” She bent over and picked up her carry on. “Basically, a dead-end line of enquiry that will distract her to the fact that we are leaving town.”

  Parker smiled. “That sounds more like it,” he replied, grinning. “I’ve cleared the trip with the chief, and the Comfort Inn is booked, we can leave as soon as you’re ready.” Surin nodded, and they walked out the front door together.

  “By the way, Parker…” She stopped and turned to face him. “If you mention one word about looking through photo albums with my mother, I will shoot you in cold blood on their kitchen floor.”

  Parker conceded with a nod and a smile. “The thought didn’t even cross my mind,” he lied. “Anything else I should know?” he asked sarcastically.

  “Yes,” she replied, slamming the trunk of the car shut. “I’m driving.”

  26

  Lucy was nervous. She had made a point of keeping her distance after the other night. She tried to forget and move on, but the truth of the matter was that she was in love with him. Staring at her reflection in the hall mirror, she self-consciously adjusted the shoulder strap of h
er blue cocktail dress and smiled. All couples have difficulties, she told herself, and really Lucy, what did he do that was so wrong? Got a bit physical during consensual sex, then apologised and explained himself. Tonight, they were taking the next step, they were actually announcing their relationship, going public, and she could hardly wait. It had been a difficult, few months. She had never had to keep a boyfriend secret before. It had been exciting at first, for sure, but after a while, lying to her friends and family and avoiding all social events that required a plus-one started to take its toll. She had felt like he was embarrassed by her like they had something to hide, but finally, it seemed that months of insecurity were about to pay off. A romantic home-cooked dinner, some honest, open communication and their relationship would be back on the up-and-up. She squealed to herself and clapped her hands together theatrically. Time to go, she thought and clasped her purse tightly to her side. She had promised that she would meet him outside a little café near his apartment, somewhere neutral and private. This was an important moment for them, and the last thing she wanted to do was screw it up. “The rest of my life starts tonight,” she said aloud to her reflection and happily walked out the door. The taxi was waiting out the front of her building when she got downstairs. She slipped gracefully into the backseat.

  “Café Noir, please,” she asked the driver.

  He nodded, and off they went.

  ***

  She was late. He shook his head and chanced a glance around the side of the building to the front of the café again. The whole plan depended on her being here now. He could feel the anger start simmering deep inside him, and he clenched his fist and squeezed his eyes shut in an attempt to calm himself down. Where was that fucking bitch, he said to himself. Tonight, needed to go like clockwork. He was already taking a risk even being seen in the general vicinity. Just as he turned to leave, he spied a taxi pulling up to the kerb. After a few seconds, he watched as Lucy shimmied out of the back seat and closed the car door. She paused for a moment, tilted her chin up and sauntered inside. He smiled, phase one complete. Turning rapidly, he retreated into the shadows of the neighbouring building and jogged the back way to his apartment.

  It was twenty-five minutes later that persistent knocking drew him to his front door. He smiled before opening it, getting himself equipped for tonight’s main event. Step one, get into character.

  He unlocked and swung the door open with a grin. “Lucy, you’re here,” he said and drew her into a long kiss. When he pulled back, her cheeks were flushed. She was still holding a note and a bouquet of roses.

  “Crazy thing,” she started with a smirk as he quickly pulled her inside. “I get to the café and the owner asks my name.” He looked at her faking confusion, she smiled. “Then hands me this note.” She holds the grey metallic paper in the air and reads aloud. “Take a relaxing stroll two blocks downtown, then stop and smell the roses.”

  He closed the door behind her as she continued with her story, walking slowly over to the lounge chair.

  “So, I did just that, and to my complete surprise, two blocks later was a flower vendor who also asked my name.”

  He smiled, enjoying her happiness, however fleeting it would be.

  “Then, he hands me these beautiful long-stem roses.” She held the bundle towards him. He shrugged like he had no idea what she was talking about.

  She giggled. “Another note was attached to the wrapping, shall I read it?” she asked, rolling her eyes.

  He held her hand and pulled her gently down to the couch. “Please do,” he replied seductively.

  “Take a detour to the stars,” she finished. He smiled. “Clever,” she said and kissed him on the lips.

  “Thank you.” He finally conceded. “I’m glad you got the hint.”

  She sat back and pouted. “You live on Constellation Avenue, sweetheart. I’m not simple.”

  He laughed aloud. “I didn’t mean it like that, of course you’re not.”

  She relaxed and slipped off her shoes. He looked at ease and exactly how she had hoped. His hair was tussled and the top button of his collared shirt was undone. She looked at him for a moment, and a strong feeling of love overtook her. What the hell had she been thinking, avoiding this man.

  “I’m sorry,” she blurted out suddenly. He looked back at her but said nothing. “I was being silly and emotional and irrational.” She wrung her hands together. “I got scared, but honestly, I do love you, and I know we can make this work,”

  He sat forward and grasped both of her hands in his. “It’s OK, let’s just enjoy tonight, all right?”

  Lucy smiled and nodded, wiping her eyes quickly with the back of her palm. She sighed loudly, glad to have said what she wanted, and then noticed that the table had not yet been set for dinner.

  “What are you cooking this fine evening?” she asked with a grin.

  “Oh, Lucy,” he replied, leaning in closer, “I thought we might skip dinner and go straight for dessert.”

  She noticed his pupils were dilated, and she could feel his excitement pressing into her leg.

  “Oh, OK, then.” She smiled shyly and let him pin her hands behind her back slowly. He moved forward, laying his entire body weight on top of her, and finally kissed her. She closed her eyes and surrendered herself to the warmth of his touch. His tongue explored her mouth seductively, and she moaned aloud. His hand travelled up her body, and she stilled as it whispered over her breasts and then carefully around her neck.

  He watched, calmly, as she started to writhe and moan under his touch, then he increased pressure. Her eyes immediately burst open with alarm.

  “What—” she croaked, trying in vain to wriggle her hands free from behind her, but his weight was too much. He was able to continue to hold them tight with just one of his large hands while his other maintained its lethal pressure on her windpipe.

  Realisation dawned, and he saw her eyes register what was happening. Panic ensued. She started kicking and bucking, trying to shift his weight from on top of her, but it was no use.

  “Lucy, don’t struggle,” he whispered. Tears were teeming down her cheeks. “I know you love me, I really do.”

  Her eyes were moving back and forward rapidly, looking for any escape. He continued the pressure, ignoring her last desperate attempts to liberate herself from his hold. She managed to wrench one hand free and bought it quickly around to her neck, scratching and tearing at his hand, trying to alleviate the pressure on her windpipe. He grinned at her futile attempt and continued.

  “In the last few minutes of your fairly petty existence, I feel I owe you a small explanation.”

  He shifted his weight slightly, pressing his erection sharply between her legs and her entire demeanour altered. He smiled. It had always intrigued him that someone who was already afraid for their life could still register fear at an even higher level at the threat of violation.

  Lucy’s eyes started darting wildly as she tried unsuccessfully to clamp her knees together. He realised, in that moment, that he was enjoying this more than he had expected, so he eased off ever so slightly on her throat, allowing a small gasp of air to pass. This gave her renewed vigour, and she began rearing and thrashing. Her feverish movements were causing the friction between their legs to increase, and he slammed into her roughly as he started to come closer and closer to climax.

  “Oh, Lucy,” he groaned as he leant in and licked the side of her face. “This is what we were missing!” he said breathlessly. “I have never wanted you more than I do right now,” he gasped. “I’m more aroused outside of you than in.” And with that final insult, he came loudly, never letting go of her neck. After collecting himself, he realised that Lucy had stopped moving. Looking down at her tear-stained face, he saw the very familiar look of someone about to take their last few breaths.

  “I know you love me,” he repeated, whispering into her ear as he increased the pressure on her throat to finally finish her off, “but I don’t even exist.”

 
; 27

  Madison hung up and smiled. We are making progress, she thought. Surin had just revealed the details of the engraved pendants, a little fact that she hadn’t even told her other colleagues at the station yet. This means we are building trust, baby steps, she reminded herself and shifted forward in her chair to type the new leads into her ongoing database about the case.

  “Silver ball chain, engraved pendant, capital letter E,” she orated. Surin had suggested she reach out to her various contacts and try to find out how one would go about ordering such an item and how it could be tracked. She decided to have a go herself first. She fired up Google and started pretty basically.

  Ball chain with pendant, she typed and hit enter. A few seconds later, she received her response. One million three hundred and seventy thousand possible matches. “That’s a big fucking haystack,” she muttered. “Let’s narrow that down.” She placed her cursor back in the search field and added the words engraved and bulk purchase, figuring whoever this guy was, he wasn’t going to make multiple orders of the same item and draw unnecessary attention to himself. She hit enter and had a result back in 0.51 seconds. Eleven million possibilities. “Well, shit,” she muttered as she scrolled down the page — eBay, Etsy, Walmart, Amazon and a hundred other companies that did big business by the billions. She sighed, knowing that it was never going to be that easy but hoping maybe it could have been. Focusing back on her screen, she jotted down in her notebook a few of the more common sites and then picked up her phone and made a call.

  “Yeah?” A grumbling male voice answered on the third ring.

  “Hello to you, too,” she replied, a smile tugging at her lips. “How’s life? Where you are?” she asked casually, twirling her hair between her fingers.

  “Madison,” he replied, a warning in his tone. “A. You’re not even supposed to know where I am. B. You better not tell anyone where you even think I am and C. What is it you want?” He waited for her response.