Chapter 36: Mark's View
Mark went back to Erickson's office and sat at his desk. He didn't know, or care where Erickson was. He had placed the box in his car and forgot about it. Amanda had fallen asleep next to the tub. Mark noticed a tape recorder lying on the floor next to her.
What does it say, Manda? He asked her silently. He looked at the fresh body on the floor. Who was it? Did he know her? How did she die?
Just then Mark's phone rang.
"Hello?" He answered.
"Hello, Mark." Mrs. Perkins said. "Look, I hate to do this considering the circumstances, but something's come up and I have to leave town for a while. So I won't be able to watch John. I'm sorry." Mark sighed.
"Uh, it's fine. Don't worry. Um, when do you leave?" Mark asked. He rubbed his tired eyes as he walked back to his office.
"Tonight. Around 8:00." Mark groaned quietly. It was already 6:30.
"Alright, I'll be over in a little bit to pick up John." Mark said as he grabbed some paperwork off his desk.
"Thanks for understanding." Mrs. Perkins said before hanging up. Mark saw Erickson nn the hallway on his way to the car.
"Watch that screen. If she wakes up, or if anything else happens, call me immediately." Mark ordered Erickson. Erickson nodded in understanding. Mark got into his car and looked at the box in the passenger seat.
He turned away from the box as he drove home. Mrs. Perkins was waiting outside her house with John.
"He was just fed and changed." Mrs. Perkins told him as he took John from her. She put her hand on his shoulder. "I hope you find her." She gave him a reassuring smile and turned away and went back into her house.
Mark went back to his house and placed John in his crib. John stared up at him, obviously wide awake.
"I'll find her, John." Mark said. He stroked John's hair. "I promise. I'll bring her home for you. Don't worry. She'll be okay."