Thou Shall Not: A Dark Ten Commandments Anthology

by Michelle Brown

  “Your mom’s right,” he concurs. “Make us proud.” He smiles as he takes his hand from my shoulder. Closing my eyes, I take a deep breath, jamming my hands in the pockets of my lab coat. When I open them, I’m standing alone, staring at my own reflection.

  After double and triple checking my appearance, making sure every single hair is in its proper place and my outfit is straight and wrinkle free, I make my way downstairs into the kitchen. I grab my purse from the kitchen counter and pause by the desk on my way into the foyer. The name badge sits beside the card right where I left it, waiting for me. A smile forms on my lips when I pick it up, feeling the power God has hidden inside the light piece of plastic. Tucking it into my purse, I pull out my keys and head out to the driveway and get in my car.

  The hospital isn’t far from my house, so my drive there is short. I drive in silence through the parking lot until I reach the parking garage for the employees. Parking in there could be risky, someone could notice me as an unfamiliar face. Then questions would follow that, and I’d end up messing this whole thing up. Pulling the car around the entrance of the garage, I find an empty spot in the main parking lot and pull in, putting the car in park and turning it off.

  I’m better off being parked out here... I hope.

  Reaching into my purse, I pull out the nurse’s name badge and carefully clip it onto the pocket of my lab coat. After it’s in the perfect position, I flip it around so only the back of the badge is visible. I look nothing like Cynthia, so the last thing I need is for someone to notice the differences between her face and mine.

  Taking a deep breath, I finally climb out of the car, abandoning my purse and walk to the front entrance of the hospital. Pulling up my sleeve, I glance down at my watch and see that it’s almost seven o’clock. I’m right on time. Slipping in the door, I blend in with other people scurrying around the lobby and the hallways as I make my way to the elevator, hopping on as it ascends to the floor where the ICU is. There was a central supply and medication room right inside of the unit that I noticed when I was here after the accident.

  Waiting just outside the glass doors, I check the time and watch as the doctors and nurses all gather together for their shift change and rounds. The nurses huddle together with their backs to the sliding doors in front of me as the doctors all slip into patients’ rooms. Grabbing my badge, I hold it up to the sensor by the door and quickly step into the unit after it allows me in.

  Keeping my back to the wall, I glance around as I inch my way closer to the med room, making sure no one spots me. The door has another sensor on it that unlocks it after scanning my badge. I quietly shut the door behind me and stare at the glass cases and small boxes filled with medications covering the walls from the floor to the ceiling. Walking up to them, my eyes scan all of the different options, but I already know exactly what I need. Opening up the glass cases and cabinets, I pluck each vial I need and sterile needles and drop them into my pocket.

  After collecting the other supplies and medications I need, I quickly return the room to how it looked when I walked in and slip back out into the hallway. I go completely unnoticed and I’m just another nameless face on the elevator, blending in with the rest of the crowd. Smiling to myself, I know it’s quite the opposite. I’m the face of one of God’s children, one he chose for a specific job.

  Slipping my hand into my pocket, I roll the vials around in the palm of my hand. Each one was specifically hand-picked to ensure it was safe for a fetus.

  I did my research.

  I am a doctor, after all.

  Chapter Six

  LINING UP THE VIALS and needles on the kitchen table, I sit down, slowly inspecting each one. Early this morning before going to the hospital, I stalked the Talbot’s medical history and collected as much information as I could in order to get my calculations properly.

  Erin was due to have her baby soon, meaning she was very pregnant at this point. After searching her social media accounts and assessing her pictures, I had a guess at what her weight would be.

  Miles wasn’t a big guy and he was fairly lean, with little to no muscle. Estimating his weight wasn’t very difficult based on his build and the fact that he isn’t pregnant, I don’t need to worry about the medications affecting anyone else.

  Popping off the cap, I wipe it down with an alcohol pad that I took and take the sterile needle from its packaging. Tipping the vial upside down, I pierce the top with the needle and draw the liquid sedative into the syringe and pull it out, tapping the air bubbles and pushing them out.

  Using two different dosages, I draw up separate syringes full of the sedative and label each one. I remove both of the needles since I won’t actually be injecting them with the medication. An IV is the fastest way to get it through a person’s system and I won’t have access to any veins. Injecting it into a muscle will take too long for it to be absorbed and sticking someone with a needle is fairly noticeable. Orally is the only way this was going to work, but I already have a plan for how they were going to be consuming it.

  Then I will just have to wait for them to pass out when the sedative kicks in and I can move on to the next part of the plan.

  It’s only early afternoon and they’re not expecting me until eight o’clock tonight. Grabbing a pen and a piece of paper, I jot down a list of materials I still need and rush out of the house with the keys to my father’s truck. My mother’s car was totaled in the accident, so this old rust bucket was my only option.

  Pulling up to their home, it’s everything I would have expected for the all-American family. They live in a quaint little Cape Cod house, with white shutters and a door to match. To top it off, they even have the picket fence to complete the look. I park in front of the garage making sure that I’m as close to the house as possible so when it’s time to go, I’ll be able to leave without any complications. Grabbing my oversized purse, I carefully arrange all of my supplies inside before zipping it closed and climb out of the car.

  My bag digs into my coat, weighing heavily on my shoulder as I stalk up the walkway to the front door. A large dark green wreath covered with ornaments greets me with a warm holiday welcome. Lightly pushing the doorbell, a smile creeps onto my face as my mind takes in the decorated wreath as a sign. They’re a family that celebrates Christmas, but it’s evident they don’t see the true meaning, the truth behind the materialistic presents and the children awaiting Santa’s arrival. Christmas day is about celebrating Jesus and nothing else.

  Sounds of muffled voices come from the other side of the door as it’s unlocked and pulled open, revealing the Talbots with warm smiles adorning their faces.

  “Rebecca,” Erin says, stepping forward, she pulls me into her arms without hesitation. “We’re so glad that you were able to come,” she admits.

  “I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” I admit quietly, hugging her back.

  Pulling back, Erin holds me at arm’s length, looking me over. “You’re truly a miracle.”

  “Erin,” her husband warns from the doorway.

  “It’s okay,” I assure him. “I’m doing very well and am at peace with what has happened and have found the comfort that I need.”

  Erin looks back at Miles and reaches over and grabs my hand.

  “Please, come inside.” She smiles at me, lightly pulling me toward the entrance to their home.

  “I’d love that,” I return her smile. “And please, call me Becca.”

  Erin and Miles both nod and welcome me into their home with open arms. Their excitement, their happiness, it’s infectious and it adds to the anticipation already building inside me. Their presence is calming and natural, making me feel at ease.

  The plan just keeps getting easier and easier.

  A few hours of conversation had passed by. At this point, I knew everything about Erin’s pregnancy and their whole life stories. They asked a lot of questions about me, but I kept it light and limited. They knew enough about me and expanding their knowledge was only a waste of tim
e.

  “So,” I break into the moment of silence after things had grown awkward after discussing Christmas. “I have a small surprise for the two of you to celebrate tonight.” Erin and Miles glance at each other before looking back at me as I grab my bag and rise to my feet.

  “You didn’t have to get us anything.” Erin smiles, slightly shaking her head.

  “Nonsense,” I retort, returning her smile. “I have to go prepare it, but I will be right back.”

  Walking through the kitchen, I move to the cabinet where Miles retrieved glasses from earlier and pull out three small ones. I separate the cups, moving two to the side and leaving mine away from theirs. Reaching into my bag, I pull out the bottle of sparkling grape juice that I got at the store in place of champagne and fill each glass one-third of the way full. Carefully opening the zipper pocket inside my bag, I find the two syringes with the pre-measured sedative. Glancing over my shoulder, I make sure neither of them are coming and quickly mix the medicine in with their drinks and hide the empty syringes back in my pocket.

  With one drink in each hand, one specifically for Miles and one for Erin, I leave mine behind and head back to them. As I walk back into the living room, glasses in hand, Erin’s face falls slightly when she sees me.

  “Oh, Becca.” She gives me a small smile. “That’s so sweet of you but you know I can’t drink with the baby.”

  Still grinning, I hand them their individual glasses, ignoring their perplexed expressions. “It’s not what you think it is, I promise.”

  Jogging out of the room, I go back to fetch the bottle and my own glass. Holding it up, I show it to both of them, laughing lightly. “See? You’re fine. I wouldn’t do anything to hurt the baby.”

  Erin and Miles look at each other and laugh along with me.

  “Of course it’s grape juice!” Erin exclaims. “That was silly of me, and I can’t believe we didn’t think of this! I’m sorry for thinking you’d give me alcohol.”

  “She would be wishing it was alcohol if she knew what you were actually giving her,” my mother whispers into my ear.

  What is she doing in here right now?

  Quickly spinning on my heel, I see there’s no one behind me. I glance around to double check, but she’s nowhere to be seen. Turning back to the Talbots, I stare at them with wide eyes as they sip their tainted drinks.

  “Is everything okay?” Erin’s voice is full of concern.

  Miles nods, rising to his feet. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost or something.”

  How did they not see her? Maybe they can’t see her.

  I smile to myself knowing that my mother and father are here with me and no one else even knows it. Directing my attention back to Erin and Miles, I shrug lightly, dismissing the whole incident. “I thought I heard something, and it startled me.”

  I can’t tell them what I heard, but I’m not lying.

  “It’s okay.” Miles sits back down next to his wife, patting her on the knee as he takes another sip of his drink.

  Erin quickly pushes his arm away, as he barely finishes taking a sip. “Miles! Where are our manners?” she exclaims. “We’re so rude, drinking without making a toast.” She looks at me apologetically. “Grab your glass, Rebecca, so we can do this properly.”

  I take my drink into my hand, holding it in the air next to theirs.

  “To the end of a year that has been far from easy,” Erin glances at me, gauging my reaction. “To the new year that will bring us more blessings and joy and bring peace and healing.”

  If only they knew that the new year would bring things even greater.

  Erin continues on, dragging out her little speech longer than needed. I need them to drink for that sedative to get into their systems immediately.

  “To the New Year,” I concur, interrupting her. Her face turns a shade of pink and she gives me an embarrassed smile.

  “To the New Year,” they say in unison, clinking our glasses together and we all drain them.

  “Oh my.” Erin laughs. “The bubbles actually make it seem like we’re drinking champagne!”

  Laughing along with her, I grab the bottle and gesture toward her glass. She holds it out eagerly and I fill it fuller this time.

  Miles smiles at his wife. “You better slow down, honey. We don’t need you getting tipsy tonight,” he chuckles as he winks at her.

  We all break out into laughter from the excitement, the promise of the new year. Everyone is light and carefree, as the clock on the wall slowly ticks, counting down the minutes until the moment we’ve all been waiting for.

  Chapter Seven

  “EXCUSE ME, BUT I NEED to run to the bathroom,” Erin admits, slowly rising to her feet. She sways hard, gripping the side of the couch as she struggles to stand upright.

  I quickly stand up, reaching out for her. “Here, let me help you.”

  Miles glances over with nervous eyes under heavy eyelids. “Are you okay? Let me help you.”

  Erin raises a hand, shaking it at him. “I just stood up too fast, I’m fine,” she assures him as he nods and looks back at the T.V. She takes a step forward and stumbles into me.

  “I got you,” I whisper to her, grabbing her arm.

  She nods silently and hobbles out into the kitchen with me. “I hate to worry him,” she slurs. “You’re a doctor.” She looks at me with wild eyes that she can barely keep open. “What’s wrong with me?”

  She sways again to the side, pulling me with her, and I shift my weight, taking on as much of hers as possible to hold us upright. Her legs are slowly giving out on her and being pregnant, her weight is more than I anticipated.

  “Miles!” I yell out to the living room, struggling to hold Erin up as she starts to lose consciousness. “I need your help!”

  “I’m coming,” he slurs from the living room and stumbles into the room after a few moments. “What the hell is going on?”

  “Pull out that chair,” I command, nodding my head at the kitchen table. He pulls it out, just far enough for me to sit Erin down on it. Miles leans hard against the table, swaying back and forth. Tucking the chair against the table, it provides enough support to keep Erin in the chair until I can secure her there properly.

  Quickly turning my attention back to Miles, I walk over to help him before he collapses to the ground. He stumbles over his own feet as he struggles to move them as I turn him around with his back against the table.

  Slowly running his hand over his face, he looks at me with wild, panicked eyes. “What the hell is happening?”

  “I know you are confused,” I murmur, slowly pushing his shoulders back, lying him down on the table. Grabbing his legs, I lift them slightly, just enough to push him on to it farther. “Everything will make sense soon enough,” I assure him and smile. “God has this all planned out for us, so we have nothing to worry about as long as we follow His instructions.”

  “You did this,” he whispers, narrowing his heavy eyes at me.

  Closing my eyes, I nod. “All in the name of our Lord.” When I look back at him, he’s already asleep. The dosage of the sedative I gave them should last about an hour, possibly less. There is a lot of work to be done before they wake up.

  Hurrying into the living room, I grab my large bag I brought along and bring it back into the kitchen. Pulling out a roll of twine and bending down, I swiftly secure Erin’s ankles to the legs of the chair. After double checking the knots, I step behind her and tie her wrists together behind the back of the chair. To ensure the twine won’t come undone, three layers of duct tape are wrapped around her ankles and wrists.

  Taking another piece of twine, I wrap it around her torso, carefully positioning it above her large stomach. The added support helps her sit upright in the chair, even with her head slumped forward, her chin touching her chest.

  Moving over to Miles, I find him lying somewhat awkwardly on the table with his legs bent.

  “This is all wrong,” I mutter to myself, grabbing my bag and hoisting it up onto the
table. Staring at him, I shake my head as a feeling of unease creeps into me. “This isn’t going to work, I messed up the plan.”

  “You’re going to mess up the plan if you don’t start moving faster,” my father interjects as he walks into the room. “Clock’s ticking, Becca,” He points to the watch on his wrist. “It won’t be long before the sedative wears off.” He walks over to me, stopping beside me and gives my shoulder a small squeeze. “Improvise,” he commands as he leaves the dining room.

  Looking back and forth between the Talbots, they’re both still knocked out, but my father’s right. I spent so much time with Erin, I need to get Miles in his place quickly.

  Reaching into my large bag, I pull out the heavy nail gun that I found with my father’s tools in our garage. I walk around to the other side of the table and slide my arms under Miles’ armpits, pulling him farther onto the table. He’s smaller than me so maneuvering him doesn’t require much strength or energy. Grabbing his one hand, I pull his arm out with his elbow straight and rest the back of his hand flush against the table. I feel around carefully on his wrist for the perfect spot between the two bones. After feeling for an artery and finding none, I position the nail gun against his wrist and pull the trigger, releasing a nail through his flesh and into the solid wood surface. Red beads of blood form around the head of the nail and slowly dribble down the sides of his arm.

  After nailing his other wrist to the table, I make my way down to his feet and wrap the rest of the twine I have around them. For extra precaution, I insert additional nails in the spaces surrounding his kneecaps to limit his range of motion.

  Taking a step back, I look at the two of them in the perfect positions that the plan requires.

  And now, we wait.

  Miles slowly wakes up moaning and groaning, turning his head from side to side with his eyes still shut. I go to stand by the table and watch him in awe as he finally tries to move his arms. His muscles flex as he tries to move them and his eyes fly open when they don’t move. They pull ever so slightly against the nails in his wrists, tugging on his flesh and causing them to bleed more.