Page 26 of Kiss Marry Kill

Looking relieved, Archie said, “That’d be great. I can’t really leave the guests right now. My mother-in-law will have a coronary ifbothJanelle and I disappear.”

“No problem,” I said. “We’ll be right back.”

Maxwell and I excused ourselves from the others and made our way through the crowded room. The band was doing a brief sound check before their next set, and to the side of the stage, I noticed a dark-haired guy hovering. I recognized him as a fireman named Kobe Garrett. According to the rumor mill, he was on suspension at the moment for possible drug use. I didn’t know Kobe well, but he looked agitated as he paced back and forth near the stage. I wondered if he was a friend of the bride’s or the groom’s.

I went out the side door with Maxwell, where there was a patio. The patio area was for outside seating during the warmer months. There was a lattice covering overhead, and coral honeysuckle intertwined around the wooden slats. Just past the patio was the parking lot. A small white wrought iron gate separated the outside seating from the lot. Just as we stepped through the little gate, we spotted Janelle, running around the corner of the building, eyes wide.

When she saw us, relief flooded her face. Once she was near us, she grabbed onto Maxwell, pointing in the direction she’d come. “Kimora is here,” she wailed. “I saw her. She’s really here.”

I frowned. “Kimora? Who’s Kimora?”

Maxwell grimaced. “It’s kind of a long story.”

“Come with me,please.” Janelle tugged on Maxwell’s arm. “I know you won’t believe me unless you see her with your own eyes.”

Giving me a contrite glance, Maxwell allowed her to drag him in the direction she’d come from. I followed along, feeling annoyed that neither of them was forthcoming with details.

As we rounded the building, Janelle stopped short. “She’s g… gone,” she whispered. “But… she was right here a second ago.”

“Janelle,” Maxwell said softly. “Have you been drinking?”

Janelle’s eyes were wild. “I’m telling you, Kimora was here.” She pointed to the side of the building, where there was nothing but sparse grass, a few cigarette butts, and an empty beer bottle. “I swear. I swear she was there.”

Maxwell patted her arm, looking pained. “Perhaps you should come inside, Janelle, and sit. You’re obviously very upset.”

Her face flushed as she listened to him. “I know I sound crazy, but I swear I’m not. She was standing right there in her wedding dress. I’d know her anywhere.”

“Who the heck is Kimora?” I asked.

Ignoring me, Janelle said, “Her hair was covering most of her face… but her eyes. They were full of hatred.”

“Listen,” I grated out, “I want to know what’s going on right now, Max.”

Maxwell met my gaze, and he nodded. Turning to Janelle, he said, “I need to be honest with Royce. We can trust him.”

Her face fell. “He’ll think I’m nuts.”

“We still need to tell him what’s going on with you.” Maxwell sounded firm.

“Oh, all right,” she said softly.

Maxwell turned to me. “She thinks she’s seeing Archie’s dead wife.”

Shock rippled through me. “I’m sorry?”

Maxwell sighed. “She swears she’s being haunted.”

Bugging her eyes, Janelle turned to me. “It’s really her ghost. Her skin is pale and translucent. Her eyes so dark and cold.” She shivered. “She wants him back.”

It was pretty obvious to me Janelle was either drunk, high, or unhinged. But she didn’t seem to smell of alcohol, and her pupils were normal. That left unhinged. “I think you should listen to Dr. Thornton. Let’s go inside and sit down.”

“You’re just trying to pacify me.” She scowled. “You don’t believe me.”

“There’s no such thing as ghosts, Janelle,” I said quietly.

“Don’t you think I know that?” She sounded borderline hysterical. “All I know is she’s dead, but she’s coming to me. That must mean she’s a spirit. I… I didn’t ask her to come. I don’t want her to come. I’m terrified of her.”

I sighed. “Janelle, this is your wedding day. I’m sure it’s very stressful.”