Chapter 2: The Woman Hiding Behind the Flowers
The paramedics arrived before Preston could say another word.
Two officers followed right behind them.
The moment the police stepped into the ballroom, the room shifted.
Guests who had stood frozen for the past ten minutes suddenly couldn't find anywhere to look.
Preston straightened his jacket.
His voice dropped to something smooth and controlled.
"Officer, my niece had an accident.
It's a family matter.
We'll handle it privately."
I almost laughed.
"Her name is Sophie," I said.
"She's eight years old.
And that man h\*t her with a wooden board in front of two hundred witnesses."
One of the officers looked at Preston.
Then at Sophie.
Then at the bl\*od still on my hands.
He didn't look like he believed it was an accident.
The hotel manager appeared at the entrance.
He was pale.
He leaned toward the senior officer and said something quietly.
The officer's expression changed.
"Sir," he said to Preston, "we're going to need to review the security footage."
Preston's jaw tightened.
"That won't be necessary."
"It isn't optional."
My mother stepped forward.
"Our family has been guests at this hotel for twenty years.
I'm sure we can resolve this without—"
"Ma'am." The officer's voice was firm.
"Please step back."
That was when I saw her.
Standing near the far edge of the ballroom, half-hidden behind a floral arrangement.
Preston's new bride.
She wasn't watching the police.
She was watching me.
And her face wasn't angry, or embarrassed, or even cold.
She looked terrified.
Not of the officers.
May you like
Not of Preston.
Of something only she knew was about to come out.
