compromised!"
Chief Parker came out from behind his desk and his expression took on that of a father figure. He calmly waited for Larsen to stop talking and used the silence to relieve the tension in the room.
Finally he spoke, "I realize you’re not happy with the living arrangements at the Colony. But, it is our main chance to uncover the possible involvement of, ‘The Promise’ in Miss Taylor's disappearance.
I am confident if there is a connection, you will find it. I am also confident that you are professionally and personally strong enough to make this a successful operation, Elie."
The use of her first name and the caring look on his face gave Detective Larsen a ray of encouragement.
It lasted about ten seconds.
"Chief, I just can’t do this job. Every instinct in my body tells me this is a disaster waiting to happen. I need a private room, I don’t trust that Oden character and with his sister I,"
Chief Parker cut her off, "We need to go ahead and give this a try Agent Larsen. It is critical to this case."
The fatherly image was gone. The Chief was giving her an order. Elie Larsen stopped talking and hopelessly stared at her boss.
"So, this is a command, sir?"
The fatherly expression returned, "I’m afraid so, Elie, and I know you will follow it to the best of your ability. Do your job. Get as much information to us as soon as possible.
I need to see if there is any connection between this secret group and Miss Taylor. It means a lot to this department, Elie.”
Agent Larsen knew there would be no more discussion on this subject. She was committed to this plan whether she liked it personally or not.
The Chief was ordering her to make this damn thing work. If she refused, he would find someone else and she would be on her way back to Quantico as a failure.
"I move my stuff in tonight, sir." "I’ll give it my best shot."
Chief Parker smiled, "That’s what I wanted to hear, Larsen. I couldn’t have asked for a better person to handle this job."
Elie Larsen grumbled to herself, “ That’s because no one is dumb enough to take this job. I should have listened to my instincts and become a therapist.”
She asked him, "Are there any updates on the investigation?"
Chief Parker returned to his chair and sat back for a few moments before speaking. He turned away from Larsen and looked out his office window as he collected his thoughts.
After a long pause he spoke slowly and with a little pain. "I was on the phone today with Archer Taylor and he was naturally distraught over his daughter's disappearance. It was a difficult conversation. He said a lot of things I expected an upset father to say."
Parker's voice trailed off at that point.
He seemed to be musing over his conversation with Mr. Taylor as though he was searching for the proper perspective on it.
After more pausing, he continued, "I had met Arch Taylor on a few civic occasions and I had seen his business side. He is a self-made individual with very little tolerance for personal weakness.
He can be very intimidating at times. He would have made an excellent detective and probably a better chief than me."
Elie Larsen smiled at that last revelation.
Chief Parker was a very humble man who combined his toughness with a sensitivity to those he worked with in his profession.
He knew he was a good leader and an excellent director of police operations. His respect for Arch Taylor was obvious. But, there was something behind his statement and she