Marcus: The M Series, Book Three Read Online Free PDF Page A

him foot covers, too. “Why did I need clearance to enter your home, Marcus?”
    “Mariah's missing,” I say quietly. Daniels finishes with my prints. “They're attempting to piece together what may have happened.”
    “Missing?” Joshua gasps and surveys the room. “You mean kidnapped?”
    I stare at him, unable to confirm verbally.
    He pales. “Jesus! Did you call Rachel? Mother?”
    “Not yet,” Matthew says. “After we try to figure this out. Go stand by Marcus and don't touch anything.”
    “No, of course not,” Joshua mutters, putting on the covers.
    Daniels approaches me as he speaks to the woman. “This is Dr. Cannon, Hunt. We need you as a stand in as we try to recreate his wife’s last actions in here. It may get rough. Do you or your husband have a problem with that?”
    “Of course not,” Hunt says quickly.
    “Neither do I, Daniels,” Parker says. “It’s up to her.”
    Richards approaches. “All right, Hunt, sit in the chair, as is. Don't move it. Mrs. Cannon is six months pregnant, so you should be well accommodated.”
    “Got it.” She goes to the chair with her arms raised, hands clamped to her head, careful not to touch anything. She can't get into it.
    “Who moved the chair,” Matthew yells.
    “I did, when I approached the table to move the milk. It was knocked over.”
    “Did you touch the milk?”
    I wrack my brain. “Not the jug, just the cap.”
    “Have you finished dusting the table,” Richards asks Daniels.
    “Yeah, and we got two sets of prints, but both were eliminated. It's clear,” a tech says.
    “Why? Who’s were they,” Richards demands, scowling.
    “Mrs. Cannon and a Rosa Colon, the housekeeper. Her prints are all over the home, as expected. Ms. Colon’s whereabouts have been cleared.”
    “Damn.” Matthew clamps my shoulder. “Marcus... how big is Mariah's belly now? Is there a pillow or something we can use that’ll give us a better way to simulate her last moves?”
    “Try some of the pillows in the TV room. I won't be able to be accurate without touching her.”
    “It's fine, Dr. Cannon. We’ll do whatever to find your wife,” Hunt says, her hands still on her head. She looks at Joshua. “Sir, will you grab my shirt and pull it back tightly so that Dr. Cannon can measure accurately?”
    Joshua nods. He rolls the sweat top and tightens it until it is flush to her skin.
    I walk over to her and lift my hands toward her sides and still. I haven't touched another woman since Mariah came into my life and I feel awkward and guilty. I turn away, grip the wall and lower my head.
    “Marcus, it's okay,” Matthew assures. “You're not doing anything wrong. Mariah will understand, if you tell her.”
    Parker steps in front of me. “Dr. Cannon, try to relax. Stacy is just a stand in and Matthew is right:  you're not doing anything wrong. It’s just another way of helping us find your wife, and anything you do to aid that, is absolutely right.”
    I think on his words then slowly walk back to Hunt. I put my hands on the side of her waist and immediately remember holding Mariah that way before making love to her last night. I freeze as the memory shakes me to the core. I cross my arms tightly to my chest. She has to be all right.
    “Dr. Cannon,” Hunt whispers. “You're doing fine. Close your eyes and try to remember the last time you touched your wife, all right?”
    I solemnly nod. I had to do this.
    I put my hands on her sides again and close my eyes. I see Mariah in that gown, smiling at me as I touch her belly and I freeze.
    “Here. She's out to here now.”
    Parker places a pillow under his wife's shirt, as Joshua releases the back of it.
    “Do it again, Dr. Cannon. Close your eyes and feel again,” Hunt says.
    I close my eyes and feel. “Yes, that's exactly right,” I whisper.
    “Good,” Matthew says. “All yours, Parker.”
    “Right. Stacy, sit in the chair and prop your left arm up. No, not at the elbow... yes, like that. Dr. Cannon,