Page 80 of The Bridesmaid

Fitzwilliam takes the pager back. ‘Ortiz thinks more than one bridesmaid attacked Simone?’

‘The injuries on the forensic report … that wouldn’t make sense,’ I say. ‘The bruising on Simone’s body was extremely consistent. It would fit with one person making very calculated blows. But different people? There’s no way they would land blows with equal force.’

The pager beeps again. Fitzwilliam frowns.

‘What’s happening?’ A coil of anxiety is spreading slowly around my stomach.

‘This isn’t good. Mark Li didn’t agree to the deadline extension. He pulled his permission for us to be on the island. And … it sounds like he’s just landed.’

‘Which means?’

‘Ortiz wants us on the next staff boat.’

My mind trips to the mysterious bell tower hidden in the jungle. ‘How long does that give us?’

‘Ten minutes.’ He shakes his head. ‘I’m sorry, Holly. We’ve run out of time.’

Chapter Sixty-Three

ADRIANNA

Georgia and I have arranged an emergency meeting in the dining room at the main house, while Mark freshens up from the flight.

It’s a strange backdrop for a family crisis. A perfectly laid table of fake food and a picture window with a view out across the island. Storm clouds are on the horizon and the tropical heat is turning. Palm trees dance with the heightening wind.

Since I got the news of Silky’s social media post, I’ve been numb. It doesn’t feel real. I guess this is what shock feels like.

‘We can fix the flowers, right?’ I confirm. ‘Without Silky.’

Georgia’s forehead crinkles. ‘Of course we can,’ she says. ‘Silky was always just the name we attached. I never expected her to manage the execution in any meaningful way. But … You’re really sure this is what you want? A big announcement that the wedding is still on?’

I shake my long chestnut hair, and fix a smile on my face.

‘Mark and I arerelieved.Simone’s killer has been exposed. I’m safe …’

The door bangs open, and Dad enters, looking tired and hot, without his usual security entourage. Petra has the decency to stay away for once, I notice.

‘I came as soon as I could,’ he says. ‘How are you doing?’

It’s the first time I’ve heard anything like sympathy in Dad’s tone. He moves closer and kisses me on both cheeks, then moves to kiss Georgia.

‘The sponsor pulling out is bad news,’ he says, instantly reverting to business. ‘But we can handle it. I’ll call the drinks brand,’ he decides. ‘Harvey owes me a favor. They can take the main slot.’

‘Dad,’ says Georgia. ‘Do you not think this is too much stress for Dri?’ Her eyes scoot back and forth between us. ‘Shouldn’t we call it off?’

‘And leave one hundred highly influential guests stranded on the tarmac at Bogota?’ I demand. ‘The business would never survive it.’

Dad’s face falls. ‘Adrianna,’ he says, ‘we can find a way …’

‘With one sponsor already gone? I’ve seen the figures,’ I tell him shortly. ‘And in any case, IloveMark.’ I close my eyes. ‘This isgoodnews. The killer has been caught. Why wouldn’t we go ahead? We can stage a victorious family photoshoot on the balcony.’

Georgia cradles her head briefly in her manicured fingers. ‘Dri, you always do this!’

‘Do what?’

‘You have this twisted idea that as long as your life looks good in pictures, everything is fine. Real life isn’t a TV show. You can’t just face your demons and they vanish like smoke. Even if the pictures make it look that way.’

We’re interrupted by Mark entering the dining room. He looks immaculate as always, clean-shaven, in a geometric print shirt and pressed linen shorts.