Chapter 9
Marcus said no before I did.
“You are not going anywhere near her.”
I looked at him.
“She has your father.”
“She wants you.”
“She wants the baby.”
His face broke.
“That is worse.”
Detective Stone set up a sting.
The chapel sat at the edge of the Mercer estate, older than the mansion, full of stained glass and family graves.
Victoria had married Arthur there.
Baptized Marcus there.
Held a fake memorial there.
Of course she wanted another performance under holy windows.
I stayed in a surveillance van near the road.
Marcus went inside wearing a wire.
Caleb covered the back entrance.
Police surrounded the woods.
At 11:58, the chapel lights flickered on.
Victoria appeared at the altar in a black dress.
No fear.
No shame.
Just annoyance.
“You brought police,” she said.
Marcus stopped.
“Where is Dad?”
Victoria smiled.
“Still thinking of others. That is why you disappoint me.”
“Where is he?”
A side door opened.
Two men pushed in a wheelchair.
Arthur Mercer sat slumped in it.
Alive.
Eyes open.
Weak.
But alive.
Marcus choked.
“Dad.”
Arthur’s eyes moved.
His lips formed one word.
Run.
Then Victoria lifted a remote.
Detective Stone whispered, “Marcus, back out.”
Victoria’s smile widened.
“The chapel doors lock from the old control panel. Your wife is nearby. I know she is.”
My blood froze.
A knock sounded against the surveillance van window.
I turned.
May you like
A man in an orderly uniform stood outside.
Then smoke filled the van.
