Even in the Darkness. Shirlee McCoy
for a chance to grab the box. And when he gets it…then what?
The thoughts worried at Tori’s mind as the motorbike sped on. How much time did she have before Noah caught up with her? Probably not as much as she needed. She glanced back, but the road was still empty. To either side, towering trees and thick foliage bristled with life; nocturnal animals emerging from their daytime sleep, diurnal animals tucking themselves away for the night. If Tori were at home, she’d be starting her day, heading to the veterinary clinic to see her first patient. Instead she was running for her life.
She blinked back hot tears and shoved aside thoughts of home. Right now, her focus had to be on getting the box and carrying it far away from Melody. There’d be time for everything else later.
“There. The clinic.” Chet gestured to the right where bright yellow lights spilled through the trees, the sight a welcome relief.
Seconds later, he rounded a steep curve and pulled the motorbike up in front of a long, low building. Tori didn’t wait for him to turn off the engine. She was off the bike, sprinting to the clinic door, bruises and pain forgotten as she pushed the door open and stepped into the wide lobby. It was empty. Something she’d expected so late in the evening. The Raymonds’ apartment was at the back of the clinic, and she headed that way, knowing a buzzer had already announced her presence. Any minute now, either Mark or Joi would come to see who’d arrived.
As if on cue, the soft pad of feet sounded in the hall and a feminine voice called out. “Sawatdee kha.”
“Joi? It’s Tori.”
“Tori!” Joi Raymond raced around the corner. “Praise God. We’ve been worried sick. Your grandfather called us and said you’d never arrived home. Are you…?” Her voice trailed off as she caught sight of Tori’s head covering and tunic. “Tori?”
“Yes. It’s me.”
Joi lunged forward, pulling Tori into an embrace that threatened to crack her bruised ribs. “Where have you been?”
“It’s a long story.” And she didn’t have time to tell it. “Are Melody and Mark in the apartment?”
“Yes. What—?”
Chet stepped into the clinic, his arrival cutting off whatever question Joi planned to ask. He spoke in Thai, the words a jumble of sounds that Tori couldn’t understand. What she did understand was the expression on Joi’s face—one of disbelief and worry. Before Chet finished speaking, Joi reached out and tugged the scarf from Tori’s face. Her gaze touched on Tori’s cheek and jaw, her fingers prodding at bruised flesh. “Who did this to you?”
“I don’t know. I only know what they want. The box Melody’s locket was in.”
“Why?”
“I wish I knew.”
“We’ll figure it out together. Let’s go take a look.” Joi looped an arm around Tori’s waist, her calm, even tone at odds with the worry in her eyes. “Chet, why don’t you head home? It’s getting dark and the road in is difficult at night.”
“I will stay and give Tori a ride back.”
“If she leaves, Mark can give her a ride.” No doubt, Joi was as worried as Tori about Chet’s well-being.
As they argued, Tori could almost hear the clock ticking away precious seconds. Noah might show up at any time. “It’s late. I may stay the night. Go home, and if I need a ride, I’ll call you.”
He hesitated, then nodded. “I will pray for your safety.”
As soon as he stepped out the door, Joi hurried Tori through the clinic and into the family’s apartment. “Mark! Melody!”
The fact that she shouted the names told Tori exactly how shaken she was. A former E.R. doctor, Joi never panicked, her calm confidence as evident in her family life as it was in her work.
“What’s up?” Mark stepped out of the den, his salt-and-pepper hair standing on end as if he’d run his hands through it again and again. He stopped short when he caught sight of Tori. “Praise God! We’ve been worried sick.”
His words so neatly mimicked Joi’s that Tori almost smiled. “I know. I’m sorry.”
“From the look of things, it wasn’t your fault. Sit down.”
“Tori?” Melody stepped out of the hall that led to the apartment’s two bedrooms, her slim frame a replica of Tori’s at the same age.
“Yep, I missed you so much I had to come back.” This time, Tori did smile, though she was sure it was a weak imitation of the real thing.
“What happened to your face? It looks like someone beat you up.” Melody’s eyes were deep green and filled with concern. At thirteen, she had her parents’ compassion and need to heal.
“Just an accident. Listen, could you bring out the box I sent your locket in? The little rosewood one.”
“Sure. I love the locket, by the way. Thank you so much.” She grabbed Tori in a bear hug that stole her breath, then released her and ran back down the hall.
As soon as she disappeared from view, Mark placed a hand on Tori’s shoulder and urged her to the couch. “Sit down. You’re white as a ghost.”
“I’m always white. Goes with the red hair.” She sat anyway, hoping she’d be able to get up when the time came.
“Not this kind of white. The bruises on your face are obvious. Where else are you hurt?”
“Everywhere, but not serious enough to worry about now.”
“Here it is.” Melody hurried back into the room, waving the small rosewood box.
“Thanks.” Tori accepted the box, her flesh crawling as if she were holding a snake. Two inches by two inches and less than an inch tall, it was beautifully detailed with inlaid mother-of-pearl. A tiny gold clasp and gold hinges were the only other adornments.
Tori pulled the box open, saw nothing but gleaming wood.
“See anything?” Joi leaned close.
“What are we looking for?” Mark joined his wife, sliding an arm around her shoulders and peering down at the box.
“I don’t know, but whatever it is, it’s important. Mind if I take this with me, Melody?”
“No. Do you need the locket, too?” Melody fingered the silver heart that hung from a chain around her neck. An exact replica of the one Tori owned, it contained a copy of her grandparents’ wedding portrait. Seeing Melody wearing it brought bittersweet longing—both for the grandmother who’d taken Tori in when no one else would, and for the daughter Tori had given up.
Or maybe it was just for the things she’d lost, things she could never have again.
She forced the feelings aside, not allowing regret or discontent. Her life was what she’d made it, her choices her own. All she could do now was move forward. Wherever that might lead. “No way. That’s yours. Now I’ve really got to go.”
“What?” The words were shrill, Joi’s expression one of disbelief. “And go where?”
“Away from here.”
“Melody, why don’t you go in your room and finish your homework?” Mark spoke to his daughter, his concerned gaze on Tori.
“It’s done.”
“Go anyway.”
“Fine. I know when I’m not wanted.” She smiled, bent to place a quick kiss on Tori’s cheek.
“Goodbye, Melody.” Tori kept her voice light, her grip loose as she leaned forward and stole one last hug. “I love you.”
“Love you, too.”
With that, Melody hurried back down the hall.