Faith Read Free Page A

later.” Marcus was disturbed by the news Bruce had given him. He picked up the telephone and called his house. The phone rang and rang until the answering machine came on. “Nay-Nay, if you’re there, pick up.” He waited for his wife to pick up. He glanced at his watch, noting that it was almost time for him to go into the meeting. He hung up and dialed his wife’s cell phone number. The call was connected, and he could hear breathing on the line. “Nay-Nay, are you there?” he asked as his hands began trembling uncontrollably.
    A threatening snicker greeted Marcus’s ear. He held the phone away from his ear, and then put it back. “Who is this? Where is my wife?” he asked frantically, rising from the chair so abruptly it nearly toppled over.
    The man on the telephone laughed aloud, and then disconnected the call.
    Marcus sprinted rapidly out of the room to the area that logged incoming calls. He looked almost unbalanced as he shouted at the clerk, “Louise, did you receive a call from St. Bernard Hospital?”
    Louise looked at Marcus and was so taken aback by his expression that her mouth drooped fearfully. She barely recognized him; he had a scowl on his face and held his body rigidly. “Yeah, a call came in,” she looked down and typed on her PC, “about forty-five minutes ago. Why? How come you got a bee in your bonnet?”
    â€œWhat else did the hospital say, Louise? My wife works there, and I can’t reach her.” Marcus made an effort not to yell at the older woman. The vein in his head throbbed uncontrollably.
    Louise’s heart palpitated rapidly. “Oh Lord. They said a woman was assaulted. Smitty went over to investigate the call and take a report. I’m sorry, Marc. I hope your wife is okay. Maybe she got tied up in traffic or something.” Her voice trailed off sympathetically.
    â€œDid the hospital say anything about the woman’s condition? Was she conscious when they brought her in?” Marcus asked fearfully. He felt lightheaded, like he was hyperventilating. He tried to take a couple of deep breaths.
    â€œNo, they didn’t say. I’m sorry, I didn’t ask.” Louise prayed silently, Lord, please don’t let the victim be Monet Caldwell. I think Marcus would go crazy .
    â€œOkay, Lou, I’m going over to St. Bernard’s Hospital to see what’s up.” Marcus rushed back to his desk, picked up his briefcase from the floor, and locked his desk.
    The chief of police stood in front of Marcus’s desk. “Where are you going?” Chief Walter Davis asked with a concerned look on his face.
    â€œI don’t have time to explain everything now, but I need to get over to St. Bernard’s Hospital. I think the woman who was assaulted was Monet.” Marcus’s deep bass voice trembled.
    â€œWhat makes you think the woman is Monet?” Walter asked.
    â€œBecause I called her cell phone and a man answered. I can’t stop and talk right now, sir.” Marcus snapped shut the two locks on his briefcase. The sound was abrupt, and the noise caused Marcus to flinch. He began walking rapidly, almost running toward the door. “I’ll call you later and fill you in.”
    â€œOkay, Marc, be careful. I hope things work out for the best for you and Monet,” Walter said.
    â€œThank you.” A grimace marred Marcus’s face. He exhaled loudly, “I hope so too.”
    He practically ran down the hallway, his stride was so brisk. He heard his partner, Wade, call his name and turned to look down the hallway.
    Wade jogged over to him. “The chief thought I should come with you just in case the victim is Monet,” he said.
    â€œLet’s go then,” Marcus replied, and the men battled the wind as they walked to the parking lot. They got inside an older model brown Crown Victoria and sped away.
    During the short drive to the hospital, Marcus’s heart