Chapter 21 - THE GIRL IN THE DIRTY HOODIE
Mia had spent the night in a church outreach van after finding it unlocked. A volunteer unknowingly drove her within two blocks of the wedding that morning.
She carried the blue file beneath her oversized hoodie. Isabel’s sealed document pressed against her ribs.
From behind the flower truck, she saw Carter show her photograph to the security chief. She also saw Lucas on the steps and Valeria hidden behind the partly open church doors.
Grace’s broadcast had reached her through a store television. Mia heard that the guardianship ledger was safe. She did not believe the adults understood the original revocation still mattered.
She was correct about the document and wrong that she alone had to deliver it.
An elderly guest noticed her dirty clothes and asked whether she was lost. Mia said she belonged to the wedding. The woman assumed she meant a service worker’s child and pointed toward the side entrance.
The side corridor led directly toward Brooke.
Mia turned back into the main crowd.
At noon, music began. Guests faced the church. Phones lowered. Carter’s attention shifted toward the doors.
Mia used the moment to move between white tables and floral displays. Her worn sneakers slipped once on the polished stone. She caught herself and kept running.
A security guard noticed her.
Carter noticed one second later.
He said something into the guard’s earpiece.
Mia saw the man begin moving toward her.
She stopped hiding.
“Lucas!” she screamed.
May you like
The music continued for half a beat.
Then Mia pushed through the final row of guests.
