Read Online When Rain Falls by Tyora M. Moody - Free Book Online Page B

himself from his roots in the Carolinas, after the divorce he came right back. Even to church. His momma must be smiling at him from heaven. At least he hoped. After all, he was on the right side of the law now.
    As they walked toward the building, Darnell glanced over at Brunson. He stopped walking when he saw his partner pull a cigarette out of a pack. “Hey, man, it might not be too cool to light up one of those right now. You know what I mean.”
    â€œAh, come on! Like church folks don’t smoke. We’re still outside.”
    Darnell grimaced. Unfortunately, Brunson was right, but this was not the time to argue. “Look, man, I’m sure this property is a smoke-free zone.”
    â€œWhatever.” Brunson stuffed the cigarettes back out of sight.
    The two detectives entered the community center’s foyer, which was full of people and the aroma of fried chicken. Darnell sniffed the air, remembering breakfast was a long time ago.
    â€œDetective? Detective Jackson?”
    Darnell cringed at the sound of the approaching female voice. “Man, don’t tell me that’s who I think it is.”
    Brunson reached his hand back into his coat pocket. “It is.”
    Darnell turned around and plastered on his best grin. He knew it oozed with phoniness. From the look on Serena Manchester’s face, he suspected the reporter didn’t care. That was a problem.
    â€œDetectives, it’s good to see you. Don’t tell me you’re gathering suspects here at the church? Although, I imagine a funeral makes a perfect spot to start.” Serena swept her hand through her dark brown tresses with honey highlights, directing a beauty pageant smile in his direction.
    It was no secret to him or anyone on the force, for that matter, that the seductive news reporter had a thing for Darnell. He still suffered from his temporary lapse of judgment a few months ago.
    Brunson’s already thin lips formed a straight line across the bottom portion of his face. His partner gave him a wary look and walked off with his hand in his suit pocket. Darnell’s smile faltered. Any other time Brunson would have stuck around to duke it out with the reporter. He didn’t appreciate having to deal with the woman alone.
    Serena plowed forward, giving him no time respond. “Just to be clear, I want to remind you how important this story is to the people. We definitely want to get to the bottom of this tragedy.”
    â€œOh, I’m sure you do.” With all her Southern charm, he never figured Serena would use him to get a story. He expected that in L.A. but had learned an ambitious reporter had no state boundaries. Accused of leaking valuable information to the press in a previous case, Darnell wanted to keep his distance from Serena. What in the world was he thinking? Would he ever redeem himself? “Serena, what do you want, anyway? The woman was just laid to rest.”
    Serena snapped back, “Of course I realize that. I’m wondering if you know that. People want information. You don’t think these folks can sniff out a cop. You obviously are here to pay more than respect.”
    Darnell bent toward her, his face inches away from hers. “Just be patient. This is more than about being the first to get the story. We don’t need anyone messing up this investigation.”
    Serena puckered her lips. Darnell stepped back.
    â€œNow, Darnell, you know I mean you no harm. You’re not still mad, are you?”
    He glared at her. “The captain will have a press conference soon. You’ll get your information when everybody else does.”
    â€œYou think?” She placed one hand on her hip and flashed that annoying smile at him. If he wasn’t careful, that same smile could suck him into a world of trouble. Darnell willed his mind not to react.
    â€œBy the way, I have a good source that says Ms. Coleman was hot and heavy with someone powerful enough to want her