Chapter 23 - THE BRIDE WHO KNEW HER FACE
Valeria stepped outside in her white wedding gown and veil.
She looked toward Lucas, then saw Mia beside him.
Her perfect expression disappeared. Her face turned pale.
Mia stared back.
The last time they had seen each other, Valeria stood at the shelter office while Carter’s investigator searched the rooms. Mia remembered her voice giving the building number over the phone.
Valeria remembered the red star sneakers and the child hiding behind Grace.
Neither memory allowed a graceful reunion.
Valeria pointed at Mia.
“Why is that girl here?!”
Panic overwhelmed the controlled plan. She saw Carter’s security chief moving and feared he would seize Mia and the file.
“Security! Get her out of here!” she shouted.
Guests erupted in whispers.
Lucas turned sharply toward Valeria. Even knowing she had cooperated with investigators, he was confused by how terrified she looked and by the words she chose.
The guard rushed toward Mia again.
Mia gasped and hid behind Lucas, gripping the back of his tuxedo with both hands.
Lucas stepped in front of her and blocked the guard.
Mia peeked around him, crying.
Valeria kept pointing.
“Catch her!”
Lucas slowly looked from Mia to Valeria.
“You know her,” he said.
Valeria’s panic broke into horror at herself. She had meant get her away from Carter. What every witness heard was a bride ordering security to seize a frightened child.
Carter moved first.
“This girl has stolen confidential property,” he announced. “For her own safety, she must be placed in protective custody.”
Mia tightened her grip on Lucas.
May you like
He faced the guests and the police liaison.
“No one touches her.”
