The Darkness of Evil (Karen Vail #7)(51)

Victoria had been gone for thirty-eight minutes. Nathan kept checking his luxury watch, no doubt stressing over what was going to happen to them.

“I’d like to see that,” Marcks said, gesturing at the timepiece.

“See it or steal it?” Nathan asked.

Marcks gave him an icy stare. “What kind is it?”

“Tag Heuer. My fifteenth anniversary present.”

“Very touching.” He held out his left hand.

Nathan unhooked the latch and handed it over, then gave Cassie a brave wink. Trying to add a positive spin to the grim situation. If Dad was confident all would be okay, everything had to work out.

Marcks tried to put the watch on, but it was too tight. He slipped it into his jeans pocket.

“Where do you keep your medicine?”

Nathan turned away from Cassie. “What?”

“Your medicine cabinet. For the kid. Where is it?”

“Her bathroom, down the hall.”

“Let’s go. Lead the way. Cassie, take my hand.”

She stopped crying long enough to shake her head, an emphatic no.

Marcks was not deterred. He gathered her up into his arms, bear-hugging her as they walked down the hallway.

“Don’t hurt her,” Nathan said.

“I’m not hurting her,” he said as they passed the master bedroom. “Wait.” He pushed Nathan inside, then went to the vanity that Nathan and Victoria used. “Where’s your shaver?”

Nathan slid a drawer open.

Marcks removed a Norelco, a comb, and a pair of scissors. He saw a leather Dopp kit embossed with a George Mason University logo and inserted the grooming items, then took the bag with him back down the hall.

They entered Cassie’s bathroom and Marcks set her down next to the sink.

“Open the cabinet.”

Nathan did as instructed and Marcks perused its contents. There were a few over-the-counter bottles, a couple of homeopathic remedies, Children’s Tylenol, and—Benadryl.

“Open the Benadryl and fill the little plastic cup.”

Nathan struggled with the child protective top.

“Calm down, Nathan. Take a breath.”

He did just that and steadied his hand long enough to remove the cap. He poured the red liquid, then handed it to Marcks.

“No, it’s for her.”

“For her—no. She doesn’t need—”

“Don’t f*cking argue with me, Nathan.” He clenched his fist. “It’s not a good idea. Or I’ll give her the medication and I might not be so gentle.”

Nathan turned to his daughter and told her to open her mouth. She looked at him, showing some understanding of what was going on—that her daddy was being forced to do things he did not want to do. Still, he was asking her to take medicine, which didn’t always taste good. But it was something her parents told her was good for her.

She opened her mouth and Nathan poured it in. She made a face but swallowed.

“Now you,” Marcks said. “Same thing.”

Nathan did as he was told.

“Now take that bottle with us back out to the living room.” As they walked down the hall, Marcks said, “Where’s your duct tape?”

“Duct tape?”

“Everybody’s got f*ckin’ duct tape, Nathan. I’m not in the mood to play games.”

“Garage.”

They retrieved a half-full roll and went into the kitchen, where Marcks made Cassie sit in one of the seats. He went about securing her wrists and ankles to the arms and legs, then placed a strip across her lips and around her neck. By now the Benadryl was having its intended effect, and her crying had become soft, drowsy whimpers.

As he sliced the last strip of tape, Marcks heard the vibration of the garage door rolling up. In walked Victoria.

“Is—is everything okay?”

“We’re all fine,” Marcks said. “Thanks for asking.”

She did not think that was funny. Her eyes found Cassie as she walked into the kitchen. “What’s wrong with her? What’d you do to her?”

“You have something for me?”

Victoria handed over an envelope about a half-inch thick and went over to Cassie’s side.

“Leave her alone, Victoria. She’s fine just the way she is.” Marcks gave a quick glance inside and saw greenbacks. “And now we’ve got something for you. Nathan, give your wife a dose.”

“What?” Victoria turned to Nathan and watched as he filled the cap. “Benadryl?”

“Just looking out for your well-being. Drink it.”

Nathan nodded and she tipped it back into her mouth.

“One more, Nathan.”

“Two? But—”

“I said one more.”

Victoria drank that as well.

“Great. Now, Victoria, did you say anything to anyone while you were gone?”

“Of course not. I did what you asked.”

“Winter coats?”

Victoria looked at Nathan, then indicated the hall closet.

Marcks took hold of Victoria’s arm. “Nathan, go get three wool hats.”

“How do you know we’ve got three wool hats?”

Marcks stared him down. “Go get the hats.”