Bridal Bedlam: A Delightfully Addictive Cozy Crime Murder Mystery by Hazel Smith

Author:Hazel Smith [Smith, Hazel]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-12-19T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 15

The cursor hovered over the latest file on the SD card, bearing the date of the murder. According to the timestamp, it had been recorded just hours before the body was discovered.

“Do you think Clifford filmed the moment before his death?” Jenna whispered behind her hand.

“I think we’re about to find out,” Vikki replied, double-clicking on the icon.

A new window opened, revealing a video. The first few seconds showed the bright wooden floor of the ballroom. Jenna gasped softly, clutching her hands together. It did seem like they were about to witness the moments leading up to Clifford Hill’s murder.

Ivy leaned closer, holding her breath as the footage resumed.

“I just can’t believe it’s happening for real,” said a voice off-screen. It sounded vaguely familiar, though Ivy couldn’t quite place it. Jenna, however, paled.

“That’s Thatcher. What is he⁠—?”

Her voice trailed off as they watched the camera move erratically, settling after the scrape of a chair on the floor. Ivy’s stomach twisted. The photographer must have sat down, resting the camera awkwardly in his lap.

On-screen, Thatcher’s profile appeared, backlit by sunlight pouring in from the high windows. He was leaning back in his chair, balancing on two legs. His expression flickered between scorn and despair.

Then, for the first time, Clifford Hill’s voice emerged:

“What, did you think they’d cancel the wedding the week of?”

The tone was biting, gravelly, and layered with condescension.

“I don’t know!” Thatcher exclaimed, letting the chair thud back onto all four legs. He dropped his head into his hands, tugging at his wavy hair. “I just can’t fathom watching her say yes to my best friend—and pretending to be happy for them.”

Jenna’s breath hitched audibly.

“What?” she whispered, her hands trembling.

“Well, you’ll have to, mate,” Clifford said dismissively. “Either that or you lose them both. Or you could’ve been smart and said no to being the best man. Would’ve saved you the heartache.”

“I couldn’t do that to Clyde. We’ve been best mates since kindergarten!”

“Well, you dug your own grave then.”

Thatcher’s head snapped up, his glare sharp enough to pierce. “Why do you care anyway? Shouldn’t you be outside, getting ready for Jenna’s arrival?”

Clifford jostled the camera slightly, adjusting it with one hand. “I just don’t want you doing anything stupid and ruining this for everyone. Besides, you don’t want to be the clingy third wheel—she’ll despise you. Trust me, mate. I’ve been with a girl like that before, and it’s not sexy.”

Addison suddenly sobbed, bolting for the bathroom. The slam of the door echoed through the room. Vikki paused the video, and they all turned toward the sound.

“Is she going to be okay?” Imogen asked, her brow creased in concern.

Ivy squeezed her fists tightly. It was now or never.

“I think Addison might have had feelings for Clifford Hill,” Ivy ventured carefully, though doubts churned in her mind. Addison’s reaction seemed more complex than simple grief. Was it guilt? Or fear of something else?

Jenna’s expression crumpled. “I guessed as much. Clyde thought so too, though he promised not to tell me.

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