Staged Terror

As soon as Marcus heard it, he shouted, "Give it to me!" and snatched the phone from Clint's hand. All he could think about was whether Valerie was safe—he didn't stop to wonder why she had called Clint instead of him.

"Valerie, is that you? Where are you?" Marcus asked, his voice thick with concern.

"Dad." Valerie's voice was weak, barely a whisper.

The moment Marcus heard her, his eyes filled wi