Page 6 of Little Dark Deeds

CHAPTER 4

“What is it, darling?”Giovanni asked.

I crossed one leg over the other, trying to avoid souring our wedding day by expressing my concerns.But he knew me too well, and he knew when something was off.

“Tiffany was supposed to be here to help me get ready for the wedding,” I said.“She never showed.After the ceremony ended, I looked through the crowd, and I didn’t see her.I don’t think she’s here.”

“Is it possible she missed her flight?”

“I think she would have texted me to let me know if something happened.I checked my phone before the reception.She hasn’t called or texted.”

“Why don’t you give her a call?”

“It’s our wedding reception.Everyone wants to talk to us, dance with us, celebrate the night.I don’t feel right about ducking out to track Tiffany down.”

“I’m not suggesting you track her down tonight.You said you had one more dress change before the DJ starts his set in half an hour’s time.Go, get changed, and give Tiffany a call.”

Wanting to remain present on my special day, I hadn’t carried my cell phone around with me.Today was about us and our guests, and in the spirit of savoring every moment, I’d left my phone behind in our room.

The urge to check in with Tiffany was too tempting, and I stood.

“I’ll just be a few minutes,” I said.“I’ll be back before you know it.”

“Take all the time you need.I’ll inform the DJ not to start without you.”

We kissed, and I smoothed down the front of my second dress of the evening, an ivory, one-shoulder crepe dress with a feathered cape sleeve.A black, sequined floral pattern ran across the top and down one side, tapering off at the waist.The dress was just about knee length.And where the fabric ended, two feet of fringe began, running all the way down to my three-inch, strappy heels that sparkled whenever they hit the light.

I grabbed my vintage pearl-beaded clutch off the chair, slipping the chain-link strap over my shoulder as I searched for the easiest way out of the reception tent.No one was at the back of it, and I decided exiting that way was my best bet if I wanted to avoid any interactions.I headed in that direction.It worked in my favor until I stepped outside and found Harvey on the phone, pacing back and forth, his expression one of distress.We made eye contact, and his eyes widened as if he was surprised to see me.

He lifted a finger, indicating I should wait a moment, and then turned back to the call, saying, “I’m sorry, I need to go.I’ll let him know.”

He shoved his phone in his pocket and looked at me, saying nothing.There was no mistaking the emotion in his eyes—emotion I felt wasn’t associated with my wedding.

“Harvey, is everything all right?”I asked.

He cleared his throat once, then twice.“Of course, why wouldn’t it be?”