Cold Case Chronicles

2nd Story: Meeting the Parents

The warmth of the house wrapped around Jack and Sarah as they stepped inside, the inviting smells of Thanksgiving dinner filling the air. Jack could hear the faint sounds of football playing in the background, and the holiday atmosphere felt like a peaceful break from their usual routine.

Sarah's mom, Karen, was the first to greet them. She was in her mid-fifties, with sandy blonde hair cut short, framing her face in soft waves. Her kind eyes sparkled as she spotted Sarah, and she was all smiles, wearing a deep green sweater that gave her a cozy, festive look. She immediately pulled Sarah into a warm hug, holding her tightly.

"There you are!" Karen exclaimed, stepping back only to take a look at Jack, sizing him up with a glance that was all warmth and curiosity. "And this must be Jack!"

Jack gave a polite nod, smiling as he extended his hand. "Nice to meet you, Mrs. Hall."

Karen waved his hand away with a laugh. "None of that 'Mrs. Hall' business, call me Karen," she said, pulling Jack into an embrace without hesitation. "I feel like I've known you forever with how much Sarah talks about you!"

Jack, a bit caught off guard but grinning, replied, "Well, it's great to finally meet you."

Karen stepped back, still holding his arm, and turned to Sarah. "Oh, sweetheart, I knew the minute I saw him! He's the one. You've found your Mr. Right, haven't you?"

Sarah flushed slightly, giving a shy smile while Jack chuckled under his breath. "Mom," Sarah warned lightly, "don't embarrass him."

Karen waved a dismissive hand. "Nonsense, sweetheart! You've got yourself a good one. I can tell."

As Jack and Sarah moved further into the house, Jack's eyes fell on Sarah's dad, Robert, who stood by the fireplace with his arms crossed, observing the exchange quietly. Robert was in his early sixties, a tall, broad-shouldered man with silver hair and piercing blue eyes. His face, lined with age and experience, held a calm, steely expression, one that made Jack immediately recognize the veteran detective behind it.

Robert extended his hand, his expression giving little away. "Jack, I'm Robert," he said evenly, his voice firm but measured.

Jack returned the handshake with equal firmness. "Nice to meet you, sir."

There was a beat of silence as Robert studied him. Sarah had warned Jack that her dad could be tough to impress, but Jack wasn't intimidated. He knew this kind of man well—one who didn't give his trust easily.

"Dinner's ready!" Karen announced, breaking the tension as she ushered everyone toward the dining table.

The meal was lively, with Karen keeping up a constant stream of conversation, peppering Jack with questions about his work and life, while Robert remained more reserved, quietly observing the interaction. Every now and then, he'd ask Jack a question—about his work as a private investigator, or how he liked Oakridge—but it was clear he was still sizing Jack up.

After dinner, with everyone relaxing in the living room and the football game on in the background, Robert finally seemed to soften. He sat across from Jack, sipping his coffee, and gave him a more appraising look.

"So, Jack," Robert began, his voice carrying a new tone of curiosity, "you ever come across any cases that just stick with you? Ones you can't let go of, no matter how much time passes?"

Jack, sensing this was the start of a deeper conversation, nodded. "A few. Some cases get under your skin. You do everything you can, but they don't always have a clean ending."

Robert's eyes flicked to the side, as if recalling something distant. "There's one that's been with me for over 30 years. Never could solve it. Lana Garrison—murdered back in the early '90s. I chased every lead, followed every trail, but it all went cold." He looked back at Jack, his expression showing the weight of that failure. "It's haunted me ever since."

Jack's ears perked up at the mention of Lana Garrison. He could see the frustration and disappointment lingering in Robert's eyes, a man still burdened by the unsolved mystery.

Before Jack could ask more, Sarah chimed in from across the room, her voice carrying a note of pride. "Dad, people tried for years to crack the Sarah Collins case with no luck. Jack and I solved it within a few months."

Robert's eyes shifted to Sarah, then back to Jack, with newfound respect in his gaze. "Is that so?" There was respect in his voice now, a slow nod of acknowledgment. "I've had plenty of people offer to take a look at Lana's case, but I've never trusted anyone with it." He paused, studying Jack for a moment longer. "You, though... if you're interested, I'd like you to take a look at it. See if you can find what I couldn't."

Jack felt the weight of the offer. It wasn't just a cold case—it was a matter of trust, built over a career of hard work and unshakable ethics. "I'd be honored to look at it," Jack said, his voice steady. "But only if you're ready."

Robert held his gaze for a moment, then nodded. "I am. It's time."

After a few more shared stories, Robert rose from his chair and walked over to a cabinet. He pulled out a large, weathered box—filled with papers, old files, and photographs—everything he had collected over the years on Lana Garrison's case. Jack's eyes widened slightly as Robert placed the box on the table with a thud.

"This is everything I've got on Lana," Robert said, his voice quieter now, as though the weight of those years was bearing down on him. "I couldn't solve it. Maybe you can."

Jack stood, carefully picking up the box. It was heavy, both in its physical weight and in the responsibility it represented. "Thank you, Robert. I'll take a look, and I'll be in touch if I have any questions."

Robert gave him a firm pat on the back, his steely expression finally softening. "You're alright, Mercer. I'm glad Sarah found you."

Jack nodded, the box held securely in his arms. "I appreciate it."

As they left the house, Karen hugged Jack again. "You'd better come back soon," she said with a grin. "You're part of this family now."

In the car, Jack placed the box carefully in the back seat before getting in. As they drove away, Sarah looked over at Jack, her eyes full of warmth. "Well, that went better than I expected," she teased. "Looks like my dad's finally met his match."

Jack chuckled. "He's tough, but I like him. We're a lot alike."

Sarah nodded. "I knew you two would get along. And now he trusts you with the Lana Garrison case. That's huge."

Jack glanced at the box in the back, his expression thoughtful. "Yeah, it is. I'll do my best with it."

Sarah smiled, squeezing his arm. "I know you will."

With a grin, Jack turned the key, and the Camaro's engine roared to life, the deep rumble filling the air. As they pulled out of the driveway, Jack gave the gas pedal a quick rev, and the Camaro's engine revved loudly in response.

Sarah shot him a playful smirk, her eyes sparkling. "Really?" she teased, though her smile gave her away.

Jack smirked back, glancing at her. "Couldn't help it."

Sarah shook her head, still smiling, as they drove off into the night.

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