CHAPTER 2 — THE VIDEO PRESTON NEVER KNEW EXISTED
Every head turned toward the giant screen.
The detective looked at the hotel manager.
"What video?"
"The bridal suite."
The manager swallowed.
"It recorded three hours before the ceremony."
The ballroom became so quiet...
The projector could be heard humming.
The footage appeared.
Preston stood inside the bridal suite wearing his tuxedo.
His mother closed the door.
His father checked the hallway.
The video had no sound.
The manager pressed another button.
The audio came alive.
Preston laughed.
"This'll be easy."
His mother reached into her handbag.
She placed the titanium phone into his hand.
"When the little girl isn't looking..."
"...put this in her pocket."
Preston smirked.
"And if she cries?"
His father answered without hesitation.
"People always believe adults."
"Especially when the child comes from your sister."
Several guests gasped.
The bride covered her mouth.
"No..."
She whispered.
"No..."
On the screen, Preston slipped the phone into his jacket.
His mother straightened his tie.
"Once everyone thinks she stole from you..."
"...your sister will finally stop bringing that little girl around."
Preston laughed again.
"I've wanted them out of this family for years."
The ballroom erupted.
Guests shouted.
Several people stood up in disbelief.
The detective paused the video.
Then slowly turned toward Preston's parents.
Mrs. Whitmore's face had gone completely white.
Mr. Whitmore refused to look at the screen.
The detective asked quietly,
"Would either of you like to explain this?"
Neither answered.
The silence spoke for them.
The detective nodded to another officer.
"Stay with them."
"We're not finished here."
Just then...
The hotel manager frowned.
"Wait..."
He leaned closer to the computer.
"There are still two minutes left."
He pressed play again.
The footage resumed.
A fourth person walked into the bridal suite.
The ballroom froze.
Because everyone recognized him.
It wasn't family.
It wasn't a guest.
It was the family's attorney.
He placed a thick envelope on the table.
Then quietly said,
"If this goes wrong..."
May you like
"...burn everything."
END OF CHAPTER 2.
