The Couple Next Door

Marco thinks how Bruce suggested how easy a “pretend kidnapping” (242) might be. For a cut, he offered to watch the baby and handle the ransom demand. All Marco had to do was get the baby out of the house. They planned to ask for $2 million and split it evenly. Marco agreed but now the plan is in shambles, and “Marco is completely fucked” (244). As he gulps down drink after drink in the same bar, Marco understands that Richard is calling the shots and he is out of the loop. He considers going to the police and pinning everything on the dead man and portraying himself as victim. He catches his reflection in a mirror but “barely recognizes himself” (257).

Anne decides to confront Cynthia over the affair she assumes she and Marco are having. Feeling lightheaded, Anne heads next door. Cynthia dismisses any idea about an affair but shows Anne the video from the backyard. Anne watches, horrified: her own husband kidnapped their baby. Cynthia calmly negotiates with Anne for blackmail money, threatening to go to the police. Anne flees, her mind in turmoil trying to figure out why Marco would do this. She comes up with only one answer—money.