Even in the Darkness

“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.

“You can’t really intend to go back out there? Whatever that box is, it’s too dangerous for you to carry it around with you.” Joi spoke in a whisper.

“And too dangerous for me to stay here with it. The men who abducted me haven’t given up. They want me and they want this box. If they trace me here, you’ll all be in danger. I have to leave before that happens.”

“But where will you go?” This time it was Mark who spoke, his voice calmer than Joi’s had been.

“Bangkok. I’ll take the box to the embassy. Someone there will know what to do with it.” Tori stood up, lifted the caftan and shoved the box into the pocket of her jeans.

Mark put a hand on her arm, holding her in place when she would have shoved open the apartment door. “Wait. Let’s take a few minutes. Think things through, decide if you going to Bangkok is the best idea. Then if you still want to leave, I’ll drive you to town.”