Chapter 2: The Footage at the Door
Nobody moved.
Nobody spoke.
Then Gareth stepped forward.
"Get out of my way, Marissa."
"No," I said again.
My voice was steady.
My hands were not.
Nora was still pressed against my side, shaking.
The ribbon at her neck was dark and wet.
A hotel staff member had appeared at the edge of the room with a first aid kit, but my mother held up one hand and he stopped.
She actually stopped him.
"Let's handle this privately," my mother said, smiling at the guests like nothing had happened.
"Please, everyone — enjoy your champagne."
I looked at my father.
He was staring at the floor.
That's when Gareth's new wife, Claire, walked over slowly.
I thought she was going to say something kind.
Instead, she crouched down to Nora's level, tilted her head, and said very quietly:
"Sweetheart.
Just tell us where you put the rest of it."
The rest of it.
I felt the room tilt.
Gareth hadn't just accused Nora of taking his phone.
He'd told Claire there was more.
He'd planned this accusation before the reception even started.
Then a voice came from the back of the room.
"I have the footage."
Everyone turned.
A young hotel security officer was standing near the ballroom doors, tablet in hand, face pale.
"The CCTV footage from the last two hours," he said.
May you like
"Someone needs to see this right now."
Gareth's smile disappeared.
