Claire took one last spin in front of the three-way mirror, and turned her attention to Daphne.
Dressed in full bridal array, her friend sat quietly on one of the seats provided for the bride and her maids, hands clasped, and eyes closed, while everyone around her hurried and scurried to don dresses and shoes, add the finishing touch to hair and makeup, and secure bouquets.
“How’s it going?” Claire asked, as she pulled up a chair and joined her friend. Daphne opened her eyes, and smiled.
“Great, because finally, it’s almost time!” she replied, and Claire’s concern was alleviated.
“Okay, good, because I was afraid something was wrong,” she admitted.
“The only thing wrong, is that time isn’t passing faster. I feel like I’ve been waiting for this ever since Daniel and I met.”
“I guess you have. It’s really cool how you knew right away,” Claire remembered.
“It is,” Daphne smiled dreamily. “Not that he had any idea how I felt. Not until after we were engaged! It’s not like I was going to tell him, or anything. Can you imagine?”
“That was probably wise,” Claire smiled. “He felt the same way, though, so who knows. That might’ve sped things along.”
“If I could go back, I’d be tempted to try,” Daphne admitted, glancing at the clock on the wall.
“It’s almost time,” Claire comforted her.
“It is… how are you and Alec?” Daphne changed the subject.
“Good,” Claire replied. “Why? What’s that look in your eyes?”
“He really likes you,” Daphne said.
“Yeah, I think he does. I mean I know he does,” she hurriedly added, then made a face. “At least we’re holding hands, now.”
“Don’t be in a rush,” Daphne replied wisely.
“I’m not. What I am, is impatient. To know the future, I mean,” she said, in response to her friend’s raised eyebrow. “I like him so much. You’d think all I’d be right now, is glad we’re together. And I am glad. But sometimes I catch myself wondering if this will last. I really want it to last.”
“You’re insecure. But don’t be,” Daphne ordered her. “I’ve seen the way he looks at you.”
“Last night, he looked at me the way he does my car,” Claire admitted.
“Considering how he feels about your car, that is a very good sign,” Daphne smiled.
“That ought to reassure me, right?” Claire replied seriously. “Not so long ago, I thought it would. But… I’ve never had so much to lose. I guess I’m scared.”
“Until he met you, he never went out with the same girl twice,” Daphne remembered.
“You’re right… I forgot about that,” Claire realized.
“So be reassured,” Daphne said, squeezing her hand. Claire let out a deep breath, and smiled a little.
“Thank you,” she replied.
“You’re welcome,” Daphne smiled back.
There was a tap at the door, and suddenly the energy in the room felt charged. Everyone turned to look first at it, then the clock on the wall. With a quick glance around the room to see that all were in readiness, Daphne’s mother answered.
“It’s time,” they heard her father’s voice.
“It’s time!” her mother said to Daphne’s waiting attendants. She gave her daughter one last hug, then dabbed at her eyes. “Alright, girls! Line up, and quietly follow me, just like we rehearsed.”
Claire retrieved Daphne’s bouquet, then her own.
“You look absolutely perfect,” Claire assured her suddenly nervous friend.
Or was she? Upon second glance, Claire realized there was nothing but joy in Daphne’s eyes. The closest she came to anxious, was in anticipation. Claire smiled, and as the last bridesmaid left the room, they followed.
One by one, Alec watched the flower girls, then the bridesmaids, as they walked steadily up the aisle and took their places.
As Claire made her slow march to the front, she searched for him among the guests populating the bride’s side of the sanctuary. She found him, and smiled. He didn’t see her, and couldn’t, unless he turned around. But she knew he was watching for her, and when she drew next to the row in which he sat, his eyes lit at the sight of her. She smiled back, and his heart filled with warmth.
Claire took her place at the front of the church, and turned to face the assembled guests. She found Alec again, and they shared another smile.
He was such a good sport. Considering she invited him to be her guest, he could be put out with her for practically ignoring him all day. But he wasn’t. He was understanding, and had no problem hanging out with the rest of the guys who had nothing to do but wait.
Her gaze passed over the rows of guests, pausing almost imperceptibly for a moment, before moving on.
Alec saw her hesitation, and the flicker of… what was it, that crossed her face? Annoyance? Concern? Uncertainty? He studied the groom’s side of the church, and the guests seated there.
Daniel’s mother, grandparents, aunts and uncles, some cousins, friends… Alec wondered though, why one of the guys was staring fixedly at Claire. He sat a couple of rows ahead of Alec, so all he could see was the side of the guy’s face. But he was. He was watching Claire. He wasn’t just watching, his eyes were riveted on her. As for Claire, she didn’t glance in the guy’s direction again.
So who was he? Dean? She and Daphne were talking about him the night before. Claire was annoyed then… and she was smiling at Alec, now. Alec smiled back. She glanced toward the back of the church, so Alec gave Dean another look. Because that’s who it must be. Either that, or she had a stalker. The way the guy’s attention was locked on her, she had a stalker whether it was Dean, or not.
He wondered where Dean’s fiancé was. Or didn’t he have one, anymore.
Alec didn’t know, and it didn’t matter anyway. What he knew for certain, was that Dean had his chance. He wasn’t getting another.
The music ended, and the pastor instructed everyone to rise. The music began again, and Daphne’s father escorted her down the aisle.
For an event that took almost a year to plan, it didn’t take long for it to come to an end. Daniel and Daphne were pronounced husband and wife, he kissed his bride, and the wedding party proceeded back down the aisle. Once there, they exited the church, and walked around to the back entrance, to the church’s fellowship hall, where they would wait until their guests were out of the chapel. Then, pictures would commence.
Alec kept his seat while the rest of Daphne and Daniel’s family and friends exclaimed over the beauty of the ceremony, the bride’s dress, the flowers, and slowly the rows emptied as they made their way outside to their vehicles, and on to the lodge, and the reception.
Dean looked as though he intended to stay, too, but one of the ushers had a word with him. Whatever he said worked, because Dean slowly stood, and followed after the rest of the guests. Since Alec met the usher the day before, and he knew Alec was with Claire, all the young man had for him was a nod and a smile.
Several minutes later, the best man opened the door at the front of the church, and cautiously peered out.
“The coast is clear,” he said to those behind him, and the wedding party once again entered the sanctuary.
The photographer conferred with Daphne, Daniel, and their parents, and picture taking began.
As soon as she was able, Claire left the rest of the group, and joined Alec.
“They’re done with me for now. I think,” she said, as she sank onto the seat beside him.
“How’s your ankle?” he asked.
“Good,” she smiled. “How are you?”
“I’m great,” he replied, his smile lighting his eyes. “I’m glad to see you.”
“Me too, I didn’t realize how busy I’d be,” she said, then leaned closer and lowered her voice. “Daphne’s mother gave each of us an itinerary. Every last second of the day was accounted for. She even scheduled bathroom breaks!”
Alec
laughed at that, and so did she.
“Seriously? I consider myself lucky that we were granted breakfast and lunch.”
“Me too. I feel bad about abandoning you practically all day,” she apologized.
“You’re worth the wait,” Alec smiled, and her heart warmed in response.
“I’m glad you think so,” she smiled back. “Other than a speech after dinner, my responsibilities will be over soon, and then I’ll be completely free.”
“I recall you promising you’d be all mine after that,” he reminded her. The look in his eyes was teasing.
“I never break a promise,” she replied staunchly, and he was satisfied.
“Good. Then you won’t break my heart, either,” he smiled. “Have I told you yet, how beautiful you are tonight?”
“I’m pretty sure I’d remember if you did,” she replied.
“True,” he considered. “You would. Since this is the first chance we’ve had to talk all evening, any previous communication would have taken place through mental telepathy. I imagine being on the receiving end, would be quite memorable.”
“Wouldn’t it, though!” she laughed.
“Texting is another option,” he smiled. “But why bother with that, now that we’re together again, and I can tell you directly.”
“Why indeed,” she replied.
“You’re absolutely beautiful, Claire.”
“Thank you, but… it’s all thanks to a professional make-up artist and hair stylist,” she replied modestly, brushing back one of her curls.
“No, it isn’t,” he disagreed softly. “You’re beautiful. You always have been.”
The look in his eyes caused her heart to skip a beat.
“Thanks,” she said, and somehow managed not to stutter. “That’s really sweet of you to say.”
“I’m not trying to be sweet, I’m being honest,” he declared.
“Then thank you, you’re honestly very sweet,” she replied. A change of subject was in order, or by the time the photographer called her back for more group pictures, her cheeks would be entirely too rosy! She admired him in his suit. “You look really nice, too.”
“You think?” he smiled, straightening his tie. “After meeting with the bank and securing the loan to start up my garage, I didn’t think I’d ever need this again. I’m glad I still had it.”
“You look great. You should raise the bar on the dress code at work. Your guys would love that.”
“Now that you mention it… maybe I will. It would add bulk underneath a jumpsuit, sure, and the coat might bring on heatstroke in the summer, but… imagine how sharp we’d look in our sweat-soaked, wrinkled suits, while being carted off to the emergency room. We’d be sure to get publicity out of it, too.”
“Okay, fine, jeans and a t-shirt it is,” Claire sighed, trying unsuccessfully not to laugh. “You look just as great, either way.”
“Thanks,” he smiled.
A few more pictures, and the photographer deemed the session a success. He also deemed it over, and the grateful wedding party, their guests, and family, were free to go. Piling into their waiting vehicles, they proceeded to the lodge, then gathered in front of the banquet hall’s large double doors. When the bride and groom gave the word, the best man swung them open.
Silver and lavender streamers stretched from the center of the high ceiling, to its edges. On a white covered table at one end of the room, bordered by more streamers and bunches of ivory and Sterling Silver roses, stood an impressive wedding cake of massive proportion. Candlelight flickered at the center of the flower arrangements in the middle of each of the white clothed, round tables that filled most of the room. The chairs encircling them were occupied by the wedding guests, who sat talking quietly, as they awaited the arrival of the bride and groom.
On the opposite wall, a door opened. The aroma of the entrée-filled plates on the multi-tiered food carts filled the room, as servers began rolling them in, one after the other.
It was perfect timing. Claire decided Daphne’s mother must have provided the kitchen with a second-by-second itinerary to follow, too.
“Presenting Mr. and Mrs. Foster!” the best man called out loudly. A rush of applause followed, as Daniel and Daphne entered the room. The rest of the wedding party followed, accompanied by their own guests. The bride and groom took their places at the head table, with the best man and his guest on his left, and Claire and Alec on Daphne’s right. The rest of the wedding party found their assigned seats, as did the family, and dinner commenced.
“Officer Andrews called this afternoon,” Alec remembered, as one of many servers slid plates in front of him and Claire.
“What did he say?” Claire wondered.
“The FBI has the rest of the collectible killers in custody.”
“That’s great!” she replied with enthusiasm. “How about Allen Parker?”
“If they have him, they’re keeping it secret,” Alec replied. “Mark hasn’t heard anything more from him, either. Not since Mark refused to help him.”
“Allen’s probably mad,” she commented.
“Probably. The biggest crime you can commit with some people, is holding them accountable for their own actions. Or refusing to be responsible for their messes, so they don’t have to be.”
“I’m glad Mark stood up to him. How about Bill Heath? Has he said anything?”
“Not much. He claims he didn’t try breaking into the museum that Saturday night.”
“Then was it Allen? Assuming Bill is telling the truth.”
“He may not be, but what do you think? You’re the only eye-witness,” Alec pointed out.
“I guess… it could’ve been,” Claire reflected. “On the one hand, it would explain why the perpetrator disregarded the alarm and tried to beat in the metal door, instead of attempting to bypass security, and pick the lock. But then again, Bill Heath kicked in the door to Juniper Creek Thrift and trashed it. He isn’t known for his finesse.”
“True. Did you know Variant intends to award you for returning the vial?” Alec asked, smiling at the stunned look on her face.
“No! Are you serious?”
“Very. Check your messages, you should have an email from Variant’s CEO,” he replied.
“Wow. I wasn’t expecting that. I had no idea they were offering a reward,” she said in amazement.
“They weren’t. But you earned one. You’ve saved their research scientists a lot of sleepless nights, wondering if the serum ended up in the competing company’s hands after all, and if all their hard work would end in making a name for someone else.”
“Do they know that if I didn’t find it, then it would’ve remained forever concealed, inside the clock, on my end table?” she wondered.
“Would it?” Alec queried. “Think about it. You had someone, probably Allen Parker, in your house, looking for it. If you weren’t there, and if you didn’t throw him down the stairs, he would’ve found it. But you stopped him. And, thanks to you, the serum isn’t still sitting inside the clock where Variant would never find it.”
“I’m glad I could help. They don’t need to award me anything… but maybe it’ll be enough to make some minor repairs to the house,” she considered hopefully.
“And some major ones,” Alec assured her. “They’re doing this because they’re grateful. So… let them.”
“Alright, fine, I will,” she smiled. “Those YouTube videos made me decide painting isn’t as easy as it looks. All the cleaning, sanding, masking, priming, and then finally the painting. If nothing goes wrong, along the way.”
“Then hire someone, or let me help,” he replied. “I’m not a complete amateur. It’ll be fine, either way.”
“You’re the best boyfriend,” she smiled, and so did he.
The best man stood and tapped his glass. While he gave his toast to the bride and groom, Alec and Claire focused on eating. After his speech was over, Claire gave him a chance to sit down, then stood and made her own speech. She made it short
and sweet, then took her seat again.
“And now, I’m all yours,” she told Alec, immensely thankful to have that over with!
“Music to my ears,” he said, then raised an eyebrow as the band began to play. “You hear that too, right?”
Claire nodded as she laughed, and he smiled.
Daniel and Daphne left their places, and joined the photographer by the wedding cake. Several photos later, they moved to the punchbowl, and servers began cutting slices of the cake. Dessert plates rapidly filled the long table beside it, along with glasses of punch. Daniel and Daphne returned to their seats with their own loaded plates, and guests followed suit.
“This is amazing,” Claire said, taking another bite of the delectable dessert. “Whoever said wedding cake isn’t absolutely wonderful?”
“Not me,” Alec replied with feeling.
They watched as Daniel and Daphne had the first dance, then their parents and grandparents joined them. After that, couples slowly began to make their way onto the floor.
“Do you want more?” Alec asked, as Claire cleaned her plate.
“Do you mind?” she asked, giving him a sly look, as she slowly slid his plate closer to her own.
“Not at all,” he smiled. “There’s nothing but icing left on mine. I’ll be right back with another slice.”
“You’re the best,” she said. Since he didn’t seem too attached to his icing, she helped herself, anyway. He laughed, then wound his way around the tables to reach the line of guests waiting to secure more of the scrumptious cake.
Claire smiled as she thought over the complimentary things he said that evening, and the look in his eyes when he said them, as she took her time finishing off the icing.
He was so sweet. He was such a good friend, too…
Claire’s skin suddenly prickled.
“Claire, it’s great to see you!” Dean said, as he slid into the chair next to hers.
“Hello, Dean,” she replied. She thought she sounded ominous, but he didn’t seem to notice.
Lochlan Museum: The Case of the Collectible Killer Page 42