White Wedding

by Stacy Claflin

  “I don’t remember.” Alex collapsed into the chair.

  “You need food. Coffee?”

  He shook his head.

  “I’ll bring you some in case you change your mind. Maybe there’s a stand around here where I can find you a mint mocha.” She kissed his cheek before leaving again.

  Alex rose and moved the chair to the side. If he got too comfortable, he’d likely fall asleep. That wasn’t an option. He needed to stay awake until Damon was able to go home. Then he’d have to figure out what to do if the foster family thought it was too dangerous to keep him—and he wouldn’t blame them. He’d only spoken with them briefly, as they hadn’t been able to stay at the hospital for long. This mess was getting out of control. Bodies were piling up and people were disappearing left and right.

  If Alex could untangle himself and his family from the mess, he’d do it in a second. But there was no getting out of it. His family was a target—and possibly had been since Ariana’s abduction. Maybe even since Macy’s, before Ariana was even conceived. Now Damon. Nick. Kutcher. Sanchez and Fischer.

  The only question was, could they get through the wedding without someone else going missing or turning up dead?

  Chapter 32

  Nick stared at the dining room table in disbelief. It looked like it could have been the wedding reception itself. They’d added all the leaves to the table, extending it from one end of the room to the other. It would easily fit everyone for lunch after the rehearsal. But that wasn’t what took his breath away—in the time it had taken him to shower and get ready, Genevieve had transformed the room. The table was decorated, as were the walls and even the ceiling.

  She rested her chin on his shoulder. “I hope your silence means you like it.”

  He turned and kissed her. “It’s perfect. I can’t believe how quickly you transformed the room.”

  “I’ve only been thinking about it since we first toured the house.”

  Nick turned and lifted a brow. “You’re telling me that every home we visited, you were imagining our wedding?”

  “No. Just this one. Once I saw the outside, I immediately envisioned the ceremony there. All the other details fell into place as we looked around and since we moved in.”

  “You knew we’d marry here?”

  She rubbed his shoulders. “It was easy to see. Although, I was picturing a spring or summer ceremony—not that I’m complaining. The colors of the trees outside now are second to none. I know the cold weather will be here soon, but it’s hard to believe with as warm as it is now.”

  He ran his fingers through her hair. “And when it does cool down, I can think of some ways to keep each other warm.”

  Someone cleared her throat behind them. “There are children present.”

  Nick turned to see Ava. “I thought you were a teenager, not a child. Last time I called you a child, you—”

  She rolled her eyes. “Dad, I’m teasing. Whatever. So, what are we supposed to wear to this dress rehearsal thing? The actual wedding clothes?”

  Genevieve shook her head. “Nope. The groom has to wait to see the dress until tomorrow. You can wear something semi-casual.”

  “Okay.” Ava spun around and headed for the bedrooms. “No, Parker, you can’t wear your ripped jeans!”

  Nick chuckled and shook his head. “You sure you want to sign up for all the drama we bring your way?”

  She drew closer to him. “Drama comes from people in general. We’re family already. And besides, Tinsley would be furious with me if she didn’t get her three siblings.”

  “Soon to be more.” He brushed his lips across hers.

  “I hope so.” She brought her hand to her stomach. “I’ve been tracking and—”

  Ding-dong!

  “They’re here!” Hanna skidded out from the hallway and raced for the front door.

  “Look who it is before opening!” Nick called.

  She peeked out the window. “It’s Grandma and Grandpa!”

  He nodded, and she opened it, welcoming in Nick’s parents. As they were settling in, Genevieve’s parents arrived. Then came the Mercers and finally, Genevieve’s best friend from college, Mallory. Nick recognized her from pictures, but this was their first time meeting.

  The room was buzzing with excitement. Nick’s stomach tingled with the realization that he was actually going to be married to Genevieve the next day.

  Just one more day, and they would officially be a family. They’d already started the paperwork for the adoptions. Tinsley’s would be the easiest because her birth parents were both dead. Nick’s kids would be a fight even though Corrine only ever communicated with them when Nick initiated it. But still, she wasn’t likely to voluntarily terminate her rights. And she didn’t have to, even in prison. He had seen numerous cases where parents who had beaten their children didn’t lose rights. But that wouldn’t stop Nick from trying.

  Nick helped Genevieve bring out some refreshments to the coffee table. Everyone snacked and chatted as they waited for the pastor to arrive. They had chosen to go with Genevieve’s parents’ church leader. He’d even offered his services without cost, but Nick had every intention of paying him somehow, even if it was in the form of a thank-you gift.

  He went over to Damon, who was speaking with Parker. “Thanks for coming. How are you feeling?”

  Damon gave him a rueful smile. “Pretty good for a guy who just got out of the hospital.”

  Nick put his hand on Damon’s shoulder. “It was more than just a trip to the hospital. How are you holding up?”

  He licked his lips and looked away. “I haven’t really let the news sink in yet.”

  Nick nodded. “And how are things with your foster family?”

  Damon shrugged. “I don’t really know since I haven’t been back yet, and I’m kind of nervous about what they’ll say.”

  Nick squeezed his shoulder. “You’re always welcome here. We have plenty of rooms. You might have to box up some creepy old dolls, though. We haven’t decided what to do with those yet, so we’ve been putting them in the unused bedrooms.”

  Damon snickered. “I don’t know why you’d consider keeping them. But thanks for the offer. I really appreciate it, and I’ll definitely keep it in mind.”

  “I mean it. If anything comes up, let me know. Genevieve’s still an approved foster parent, and I can’t imagine it would take much for me to get qualified.” Nick gave him a reassuring smile and left him to continue speaking with Parker. He joined Alex, who was discussing fishing with Genevieve’s dad, then he made his way around the room.

  Before long, the doorbell rang again. It was the pastor. After introducing himself to those he didn’t know, Pastor Scott asked if everyone was ready to head outside.

  When Nick opened the front door, a chilly breeze blew by. He shivered. Hopefully the cold fall weather wasn’t ready to roll in already. It only needed to hold off one more day.

  Once outside, it was warmer. Genevieve showed Pastor Scott the area where they planned to hold the ceremony. He explained the order of events, and everyone practiced several times until they each got their parts down.

  Nick’s heart raced each time Genevieve showed up at what would be the end of the aisle. She was gorgeous in black pants and a light sweater. No question she would knock him off his feet in the wedding gown. He could hardly believe that by the end of the next day, they would be married.

  After the pastor was satisfied they each had their roles down, everyone headed inside for the meal—almost everyone. Hanna and Tinsley ran around to the other side of the house.

  Nick called and started to run after them, but the pastor stopped him and asked a question about the pre-ceremony.

  Ariana smiled at him. “I’ll get the girls.”

  He nodded to her and turned his attention back to the pastor, focusing on the question. There were so many details, it was hard not to get overwhelmed. But did it really matter if everything went perfectly? Whether a few things went wrong or not, he an
d Genevieve would still be married at the end of the day. That was all that really mattered.

  Someone tugged on his sleeve. He turned to see Ariana, her expression pensive.

  “Is everyone okay?” Nick asked.

  “Yes.” She swallowed. “But you’re going to want to see this.”

  Nick excused himself from the pastor and followed Ari. “What’s the matter?”

  “Hanna and Tinsley found something.”

  “What is it?” Nick immediately imagined a dead body—that wouldn’t surprise him, given their luck. Both girls had already been there, done that, and got the t-shirt.

  “Super creepy,” Ariana said.

  “It’s not a dead body?” Nick tried to make his tone light, but failed miserably.

  “Not exactly.”

  “Not exactly?”

  They came to the back of the house. Hanna and Tinsley stood holding an old doll, not unlike the ones inside the house.

  But this one had a noose around its neck. Its eyes were painted black.

  His entire body went cold. Anger surged through him. He looked around the woods. Couldn’t see anyone.

  “Nick?” Ariana asked.

  He was too furious to respond.

  Chapter 33

  Alex glanced at the door again. Nick and the girls still hadn’t returned from outside.

  Something had to be wrong.

  He tapped Zoey. “I’ll be right back.”

  Her eyes widened. “What’s going on? Why do you look worried?”

  “Let’s hope I’m overreacting.”

  She lifted a brow.

  He squeezed her hand. “If something’s wrong, you’ll be the first I tell.”

  “I’m going with you.”

  Alex shook his head. “Distract Genevieve. I don’t want her to notice five people missing from this meal.”

  “Hurry up.”

  He nodded then made his way outside. A warm breeze blew by, taking colorful leaves with it.

  Alex wanted to call out for Nick and the girls, but he was too close to the house. If he started hollering, he’d draw unwanted attention. And for now, he just needed to figure out what was going on.

  He stepped away from the porch, looked around, listened. Nothing sounded out of the ordinary.

  Then he heard it. Footsteps. Conversation.

  Alex raced around the house. Relief flooded him when he saw his daughter, Nick, and the other girls. “There you are! What are you doing out here?”

  Nick’s face was red. He held up a doll.

  Alex started to say something, but then realized it had no eyes. No, they were painted over with black. And it had something tied around its neck. Rope.

  He made eye contact with Nick, trying to ask a million silent questions. No answers came in return.

  Alex turned to Ariana. “Why don’t you take the girls inside to wash up? We’ll be in there in just a minute.”

  She nodded and took them around to the front of the house.

  Once they were out of sight, Alex turned to his best friend. “Where did you find that?”

  It shook in his hand. “I didn’t. Hanna and Tinsley did.”

  Alex shook his head in disbelief, but why was he surprised? Of course the young girls did. It was the way things went for their two families.

  “Is this a warning not to get married?” Nick asked. “Or not to have it here? Or is it something completely unrelated?”

  “You’ve found clothes, roses, and now a doll?” Alex asked. “Anything else?”

  Nick nodded. “Black seems to be the theme. Black flowers, blackened eyes, and even many of Damon’s clothes were dark—not that I thought about it at the time.”

  Alex clenched his fists. Between this and everything else, it was all too much.

  Nick tilted his head. “Is there something you’re not telling me?”

  He should’ve known it wouldn’t be easy to hide things from his best friend. “Like what? What are you talking about?”

  “You’re a terrible liar. What is it?”

  Alex stood taller. “Nothing you need to worry about. Let me take the doll, then you just worry about your wedding.”

  Nick took a step back before Alex could grab it. “I may be getting married, but that doesn’t mean I can’t handle the truth. Is there more with the case? I already know Cal was hanged.” He held out the noosed doll.

  Alex swallowed. “You’re right. There’s been a lot going on with the case, but nobody wanted to worry you.”

  “Let me decide when I’ll worry.”

  “Okay. Maybe you should sit down for this.”

  Nick shook his head. “Lay it on me. And make it fast. I’m losing patience quickly.”

  “Agent Kutcher was found dead, and nobody knows where Fischer and Sanchez are.”

  He didn’t respond right away. Numerous expressions ran across his face before he finally spoke. “A federal agent working with us was murdered and two of my officers are missing?” Spittle flew from his mouth and his face reddened even more.

  “I wanted—”

  “And nobody told me?” Nick paced, swinging his arms around, his face reddening.

  “I wanted to tell you! It was everyone else who convinced me not to.”

  Nick turned back to him and glowered. “Yet you still made the decision to keep me in the dark!”

  Alex’s heart hammered. “I thought maybe they were right, that you’d be better off enjoying your vacation.”

  “The force is my second family! You know that! Even when off the clock, I’m involved. It’s still me in charge. You and I both know Crawford isn’t going to do as good of a job. He only cares about how he looks to the city officials. Nothing else! He just wants credit, and I’m sure he’s loving the fact that he’s right there in the middle of everything right now.”

  “I know. You’re right.”

  Nick drew in a deep breath and swore. “But at the same time, I do get why you did it. I hate it, but I get it.”

  Alex breathed a sigh of relief. “I’d never keep you in the dark to hide things from you. All I wanted was for you to enjoy this time with Genevieve.”

  “I know.” Nick went back to pacing. “But all of this is connected. Somebody wants me involved. The question is, why?”

  “No idea. But the best thing you can do is not let them get to you. Carry on with the wedding, go off and enjoy your honeymoon, and don’t worry about a thing.”

  Nick held up the doll. “And how am I supposed to do that? I don’t even know what this means! Who is this supposed to represent? Me? One of my kids?”

  “Or Damon? You found his clothes while he was missing.”

  “But the roses had nothing to do with him. That was all about Genevieve. The wedding. Pretty clear on that clue.”

  Alex tried to pull the pieces together. “Maybe they’re separate issues. Damon was missing, but is now found. The second has to do with something other than the ceremony—the other two seem to go with events that already happened. The doll has to do with Kutcher or Cal, maybe both.”

  “I’m not taking any chances. There needs to be extra security at the ceremony.”

  “Just about everyone from the force will be there,” Alex said. “I think you’re covered.”

  “I said extra security. Either hire officers from other precincts or from a security company.”

  Alex started to say something when his phone buzzed with a text. He glanced at the message from Zoey. “Everyone is wondering where we are.”

  Nick’s mouth formed a straight line. He clutched the doll like he was going to throw it, but then stopped and turned back to Alex. “Is there anything else you haven’t told me? Don’t try to protect me. I don’t need it.”

  Alex thought over all the details. “If I’m forgetting anything, it’s not because I’m trying to hide anything. It’s because there’s so much going on, it’s hard to keep it all in the forefront of my mind.”

  Nick nodded. “What do you think about how Crawford is
handling everything?”

  Alex shrugged. He didn’t want to admit to not trusting the man but he also didn’t want to keep anything from Nick.

  “What?”

  “I just don’t trust him. It isn’t anything concrete, and I’m not accusing him of anything. I just don’t trust him.”

  “Why do you say that?”

  “For the same reasons you said—he just cares about how he looks. It’s all politics.”

  Nick shook his head. “No, why did you say you’re not accusing him of anything? What would you have to accuse him of?”

  He’d said too much.

  “Alex.” His boss’s tone held a warning.

  “It seems like someone from the kidnapping ring is on the inside. Or they’re finding a way to get information from our office. I’m not saying it’s the chief. It could be anyone. Probably someone we would never consider, like someone working in the office. Or someone who comes in occasionally. I don’t know who! And I’m certainly not accusing anybody.”

  Nick nodded. “I don’t trust Crawford farther than I can throw a cruiser. If he shows at the ceremony, keep a close eye on him. And at work until I get back.”

  Alex’s phone buzzed again. “I will. We should head inside.”

  “Yeah. I’m getting texts, too.” He held Alex’s gaze. “If you hear of or think of anything else, let me know. I may be getting married tomorrow, but I’m in equally as deep as you are.”

  Alex nodded. “I’ll keep you in the loop from here on out.”

  Nick held up the doll. “Now to figure out what to do with this.”

  “When you go inside, distract everyone. I’ll put it in a room with the other creepy dolls.”

  “This one’ll probably scare all the others.”

  Alex chuckled. “No doubt.”

  “Let me get a picture of it real quick. Then we’ll go in. Can you text Zoey and let her know we’ll be in right away? Genevieve keeps trying to reach me.”

  “Sure.” Alex’s stomach clenched. What message was the doll supposed to send them?

  “What’s this?” Nick pulled a folded paper from the doll’s dress.