Chapter 17. Suspect.

Parker Bennett.

Confused to see that William is crying, holding Emma’s photo I ask him, “Why are you crying over Emma’s photo?”

He, seeing that he was surprised, stood up quickly, wiping away his tears. He cracks a smile and says, “It’s nothing, Parker. Forget it.”

I frown and say, “Ah-ah, William. I cannot let go. You’re crying, man! It's rare to see you cry. You didn’t even cry when your parents died.”

He sighs and says, “It’s nothing, Parker. Really.”

“Okay, then answer this. Why do you have Emma’s photo in your hands?”

“God damn it, Parker! Can you just let it go? I do not want to talk about it!”

I sigh and say, “Okay. I’ll let it go…for now.”

He nods silently. He clears his throat and says, “I found two suitcases that we can use to store the girls’ belongings.”

He leaves the photo on the bed and takes one suitcase. He hands me the biggest one and says, “You should put all of Emma’s things in here. I’ll go put Maddie’s belongings away.”

I nodded silently and watched him leave the