Even in the Darkness
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There wasn’t time to wonder what it meant. She scooted across the seat, her muscles stiff, her fingers itching to try the door handle. She waited as Noah said a few more words to their driver. Then, as Noah put his hand on the door frame, bent down his head and started to get into the car, Tori shoved the door open and jumped out. Two steps took her into the street, her feet pounding against the pavement as she dodged motorcycles and tuk-tuks, not daring to look back.
Noah watched her go, grim satisfaction not quite overriding worry. Courier or not, Tori was an American woman in a place she didn’t know well, running from men who’d do more than torture her if they got their hands on her again. And she was an easy mark. She’d forgotten her hat, and her hair shone deep burgundy in the fading light, her tall, slim figure towering over most of the Thais.
Noah fought the urge to race after her and drag her back to the safety of the car. The plan Jack had outlined was simple, almost foolproof. Free the courier from Lao’s prison, follow her to the box, secure the information and bring both the woman and the box back to DEA headquarters in Chiang Mai. Easy. Except Noah wasn’t convinced Tori was the courier.
“You going after her?” Simon Morran looked relaxed as Noah stepped back out of the car, but there was a tension in him that said he was ready for action.
“Just giving her a head start.”
“Don’t make it too much of one. Sang Lao’s men are eager to get their hands on her.”
“I don’t plan to let her out of my sight. Tell your brother I appreciate the ride.” He didn’t bother with goodbye, just started across the street, ignoring the beep of a horn and the unhappy glare of a tuk-tuk driver.
“Better watch it. You get run over and who’s going to protect the woman?”
Simon had moved into step beside him. Except for the coldness in his face, he looked nothing like Hawke. Rumor had it they were stepbrothers. Could be it was true. Not that it mattered. What mattered was that Simon was as quick and lethal as his brother. A strong ally and a dangerous adversary. And for that day, he and Noah were on the same side.
Noah looked at the other man, made a quick decision. “You up for a game of cat and mouse?”
“Got nothing better to do. Besides, Hawke said I’m supposed to get you out of the city.”
“I could use another set of eyes and ears.”
“We trying to catch her?”
“Trying to keep her safe without letting her know we’re following.”
“That shouldn’t be hard. She isn’t even looking back.”
It was true. Tori raced through the crowd with blind determination, perhaps hoping that speed would be enough to keep her safe. After a few blocks, she paused, glanced around and then pushed open the door of a store.
“She’s going into that shop. You know the owners?”
“An elderly widow and her son. Quiet, honest people.”
“Not friends of Sang Lao then. Let’s split up. You take the back, I’ll take the front.”
Simon nodded, breaking away from Noah and disappearing around the side of the building.
The shop looked ordinary—a jewelry smith with sparkling wares displayed in wide, clean windows. Was the box here? Perhaps being kept by a partner of Tori’s who had yet to be discovered by the DEA or Lao? It didn’t seem likely. Not if what Simon said about the owners was true. Not if Noah’s gut instinct about Tori was right. Still, his body hummed with anticipation as he moved past the store and took a seat at a bus stop a few buildings away. From there he had a clear view of the shop door. If Tori walked outside, he’d know. And if any unwanted company arrived, he’d stop them before they made it into the store. Noah prayed it wouldn’t come to that. Not here, on a busy street with so many people around. If it did, though, he’d be ready.
Tori stood in the tiny bathroom she’d been led to and splashed her face with water. A small, hazy mirror sat above the sink, the face reflected in it one she barely recognized. Bruised, hollow-eyed, she looked nothing like the healthy veterinarian she knew herself to be. She patted a soft towel against her cheek, wincing a little as the fabric brushed against her swollen jaw. Every bone in her body ached, but nothing compared to the ache in her heart. Chet had rushed to complete the locket, hoping to please both Tori and Melody’s family, and had delivered it to the clinic yesterday. Now there was no chance that the teen wouldn’t be touched by the evil that had touched Tori.
If anything happened to Melody…
But it wouldn’t. Tori wouldn’t let it.
A soft knock sounded at the door, and she pulled it open.
“My son will come soon.” Parinyah Preteep spoke quietly, her face lined with age and worry.
“Thank you. I’m sorry for bringing this trouble to you.”
“The trouble is no fault of yours. Here—” she handed Tori a thick fold of fabric “—you put on.”
Tori shook out the garment—a dark blue gown that looked similar to a nun’s habit—took off her sweater and pulled the material on over her T-shirt and jeans.
“Now this.” Parinyah held out a silky white scarf. “Over hair.”
Tori draped the scarf over her hair and let the older woman fashion it into a head covering that wrapped around the lower part of her face. When she glanced in the mirror, she could see that nothing but her eyes were visible.
“Now you ready.”
“Thank you.”
“Go safely and have peace.” The words were a benediction, and Tori squeezed the other woman’s hand, wishing she had something more than thanks to offer.
Somewhere outside a horn beeped, and Parinyah hurried to the back door of the shop, calling out a question as she pulled it open. She got an answer, then turned to Tori and waved her forward. “Chet says okay. He sees no one outside.”
Tori wasn’t sure that meant much. Noah had watched her, followed her, been close enough to grab her, and she hadn’t known he was there until it was too late. But she couldn’t think on that. She needed to focus her energy on getting to Melody, making sure she and her family were safe. Then getting the box away from them and to the consulate. She’d worry about the rest after that.
A gray-green mist touched the air with moisture, and Tori shivered as she stepped out the door of the shop. Clothes hung from lines that stretched from building to building across the alley, colorful banners limp in the moist air. Voices called back and forth, children giggling and laughing as they chased each other barefoot through the alley. Tori kept her head bowed as she moved toward Chet Preteep, whose short, wiry frame balanced on a motorbike that didn’t look big enough to carry its driver, let alone a passenger.
Tori fought back hysterical laughter. “Will I fit on there?”
“Yes. Like this.” Parinyah sat sideways behind her son, looping an arm around his waist before sliding off again, her movements surprisingly spry for a woman that Tori knew was almost eighty years old.
“All right. I can do that.” Tori did as she’d been shown, her arm around Chet’s waist, holding on with a grip just tight enough to keep her from falling. “Thank you again.”
“You take care of Melody.”
“I will.”
“Ready?” Chet glanced back, his dark eyes filled with worry.
“Yes.”
He spoke a few quiet words to his mother, then started the motor and headed down the narrow road that ran behind the shop. Several people shouted greetings as the motorbike passed. Some seemed curious, perhaps wondering about Tori. Luckily they wouldn’t remember much about her appearance. Tori was thankful for that. Thankful that Parinyah had thought of the scarf and the long garment that hid Tori’s clothes.
Chet stopped the motorbike at the entrance to a wide, paved road that buzzed with motorcycles, tuk-tuks and a few cars. All were driving at speeds much greater than what Tori imagined the motorbike could achieve. Her grip tightened on Chet. “Is it safe?”
He either didn’t understand, or chose not to answer. The motorbike edged closer to the road, the engine humming impatiently.
Tori shifted, trying to balance her weight more evenly, and felt the hair on the back of her neck stand on end.
Someone was watching.
Slowly, easily, as if she were glancing back for no reason at all, she turned to look. The heavy mist and fading light concealed more than they revealed, and at first Tori saw nothing. Then a dark figure near the corner of a building caught her eye—tall, broad, deceptively relaxed. She didn’t need to see clearly to know who it was. Noah. She knew it as surely as she knew he had let her escape. That he had planned all along to let her go so that he could follow her to the box.
Her suspicions about him had been correct.
It shouldn’t have surprised her. She’d been betrayed too many times to expect anything different. First by Melody’s father, his flowery words and promises of love empty of meaning. Then by Joe. Kind, sweet Joe. The perfect partner, his strong faith more than making up for Tori’s floundering one. He’d seemed flawless until she’d caught him kissing a choir member. And then there’d been Kyle. She didn’t dare think of him. On the hollow emptiness that came from being betrayed one too many times.
No, Tori wasn’t surprised by Noah’s lies and betrayal. How could she be? Betrayal was all she’d ever known.
The motorbike lurched forward, a car horn blasted a warning, and Tori was too busy hanging on for dear life to think about Noah or her own disappointment.
Chapter Four
The road to the Raymonds’ clinic wound uphill through dense jungle. There were no streetlights to guide the way, and already the thin ribbon of pavement seemed to disappear in the deepening shadows. Without the headlight from the motorbike it would be impossible to see what lay ahead. That was fine. Tori was more concerned about what lay behind.
She turned her head, peering into evening gloom. She saw nothing. More importantly, she heard nothing.
“No one follows?” Chet spoke above the chug of the bike’s engine, the worry in his voice obvious.
“No. We’re fine.” For how long? Tori might have had a head start, but Noah wouldn’t be far behind. Even if she’d eluded him completely, it wouldn’t take long for him to find out where she was headed. Mae Hong Son wasn’t much more than a small town, and Tori had visited it several times with the Raymonds. Those visits would have been noticed, talked about.
As if he sensed her worries, Chet patted the arm she still had wrapped around his waist. “No worries. The Raymonds will be fine. They have many friends in Mae Hong Son. Many people they have helped.”
“Maybe so, but money can be a powerful incentive.” She thought of the bamboo huts that lined the outskirts of the town, the agricultural economy so reliant on weather. Who wouldn’t be tempted by a secure future and a life of ease?
“Money is less important here than honor. Our people will protect the Raymonds because it is the right thing to do.”
Tori wished she had as much faith in human nature. She didn’t. “How much farther to the clinic?”
“Maybe ten minutes.”
“Is there any way to get there more quickly?”
“No. This is the only road in. There are a few trails through the jungle, but taking them at dusk would be foolish and dangerous.”
“My entire trip to Thailand seems foolish and dangerous right now. If I’d stayed home, none of this would have happened.”
“It’s never good to look back and think of what we might have done differently. You came to Thailand on good faith that you would be safe. Unfortunately, Thailand, like any other country, has its share of criminals. I’m sorry you had the misfortune to run into them.”
“I survived. That’s what matters.” That, and making sure Melody stayed safe.
“My mother said you were taken from your hotel room?”
“Yes. In Chiang Mai.”
“And the people who took you wanted the box?”
“That’s what they were asking for.”
“Strange. It is a nice piece, but not valuable. The locket you had made is worth much more.”
“I know. It doesn’t make sense.”
“A worry for another time, I think. For now, we think only of getting to the clinic. Then we’ll get the box and get it far from the Raymonds.”
“When we get to the clinic, I want you to turn around and go home. I can’t put you in any more danger than I already have.”
“The Raymonds have been my friends for five years. They’ve taught me English, taught me about God, shown me and my family true kindness and Christian love. I won’t turn my back on them during this trouble. Nor will I turn my back on someone they care about.”
There was no sense in arguing. Despite Chet’s passionate words and clear regard for the Raymonds, Tori couldn’t let him get any more involved in her troubles than he already was. If he insisted, she would have no choice but to sneak away from the clinic without his notice. It wouldn’t be difficult. If she could escape a man like Noah Stone, she could escape the loyal, trusting man who now helped her. But you didn’t escape Noah. He’s behind you. Following. Waiting 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.
“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.”
She didn’t plan to let him drive her anywhere, but she nodded anyway, turning to face the couple who’d offered her both friendship and advice in the years since they’d adopted Melody. “Thinking things through is fine, but it won’t help. We still won’t know what the box is, who wants it or why.”
“We don’t have to know any of that.” Joi paced across the room, her short, compact body almost vibrating with energy as she reached for the phone. “Now let’s pray we’ve got a good connection.”
“Who are you calling?”
“The U.S. Embassy. Maybe they can send someone to escort you to Bangkok or give you the name of someone in Mae Hong Son who can help.”
Tori nodded, surprised that she hadn’t thought of that herself. But then, she wasn’t just running scared, she was running on empty, all of her energy drained, her body pulsing with pain.
“It’s ringing. Here.” Joi handed the phone to Tori.
She pressed it to her ear, her heart thundering as a woman’s cheerful voice filled the line. “United States Embassy. How may I direct your call?”
Good question. “I…”
“Yes?”
“I’m an American citizen and I’ve run into trouble up-country. I’m hoping someone there can help me.”
“Do you need legal representation?”
“No. At least I don’t think I do.”
“If you give me your name, a number where you can be reached, and tell me what kind of trouble you’re in, I can pass the information to the right party.”
“Thank you. My name is Tori Riley. I—”
“Is that Victoria Riley?” The cheerful good humor had dropped away.
“Yes.”
“Please hold. I’m transferring your call.”
“To whom?” But she’d already been put on hold, the soft rhythm of a love song playing across the line.
“Hello? Ms. Riley?” This time it was a man, his voice smooth and soothing.
“Yes.”
“Jack McKenzie. What can I do for you?”
“I’m not sure.”
“Then tell me what the trouble is, and I’ll see if I can figure something out.”
“I bought a box at a wat near Mae Hong Son. I don’t know what it is, but a lot of people are after it.”
“Where’s the box now?”
“I have it. I’d like to bring it to the embassy and let someone there take a look at it.”
“Sounds like a good plan.”
“I don’t know how long it will take me to get there. I’m going to—”
“Stay put. An escort is on the way.”
“I can’t wait.” Not with so many people searching for her. And not when discovery could mean death, both hers and the Raymonds’.
“You won’t need to. He’s there.”
As if on cue, a loud buzz announced that someone had entered the clinic. Tori’s mouth went dry with fear and she knew her eyes were as wide, her skin as pale, as Joi’s.
“Stay here. I’ll go see who it is.”
“No!” Tori and Joi spoke in unison, but Mark was already pushing the door open and stepping out of the apartment.