Echoes of Murder (Till Death do us Part Book 2) Read Free Page A

number? Why didn’t you call me?”
    “I thought I misread the signs, thought you didn’t feel the same way I did. But now, seeing you again, I know I was wrong.”
    Reagan opened her mouth to reply and reality hit her. “Evan, have you seen your sister since you left the reception?”
    “I haven’t. Why?”
    “Nathan can’t find her.”
    “What do you mean he can’t find her?”
    “Nathan went to check on Isla, to see what was holding her up. When he returned, he said she wasn’t in her room. He didn’t know where she was. That’s why I came here—to see if you’ve talked to her.” She glanced at the digital clock on the nightstand. “They should have left for the airport a while ago.”
    “Isla said she’d stop by my room on her way out. She wouldn’t have left without saying goodbye.” Evan put a shirt on and grabbed a jacket and a sweater, extending one to Reagan. “Here. It’s getting cold out there.” 
    On their way out, they passed Brand’s open door. Evan poked his head inside. “Hey, you seen Isla?”
    No response.
    Evan waved his hands in the air. Brand popped out an ear-bud, looked up. “What?”
    “Have you seen Isla? She’s missing.”
    “Nope.”
    “We’re going to look for her. Wanna join?”
    “I’m really feeling my drinks, bro. I’m sure she’s fine. I wouldn’t worry about it.”
    Evan and Reagan left Brand’s room and located Nathan in the reception hall. He was attempting to get the DJ to stop the music so he could address the guests. The DJ kept shaking his head, confused, the music too loud for him to fully understand Nathan’s request. Reagan wound a hand around a speaker cord and yanked back. The music grinded to an abrupt halt. There was no talking and no laughter, nothing but an eerie silence and a room full of eyes—all of them fixed on her.
    “What’s your deal?” the DJ started.
    She placed a hand on her brother’s arm, ignoring the DJ. “Any sign of her?”
    Nathan shook his head.
    Reagan held her palm out to the DJ. “I need to borrow your mike.”
    “What—why?”
    Evan stepped forward, snatched the microphone from the podium, handed it to Reagan. Microphone in hand, Reagan whipped around, facing a sea of confusion, everyone watching, waiting. “Has anyone seen Isla since she left to go and pack her things?”
    Chatter ensued, each person trying to talk over the other.
    Reagan waved a hand in front of her. “Stop! I can’t answer all of your questions right now. Please. If anyone has seen Isla in the last hour, speak up. Otherwise, be quiet.”
    For several seconds, no one spoke. Then a hand raised.
    “You’ve seen her?” Reagan asked.
    “I’m CeeCee. Isla’s grandmother. I walked her to her room. She said she needed to change out of her dress and gather her things.”
    “Did she say anything to you that seemed out of the ordinary?”
    “No, dear. She was fine. She couldn’t wait to go on her honeymoon.”
    “Do you know what time it was when you two spoke?”
    “Oh, I’d say it’s going on forty-five minutes or more now.”
    “Has anyone seen her since then?” Reagan asked.
    Silence.
    “We’ve checked her room, and she’s not there,” Reagan continued. “I’m sure there’s a good explanation, but until we find out what it is, I suggest we look for her. Anyone willing to help, please line up in front of me.”
    “It’s dark out,” Sallie chimed in. “How will we find her now?”
    Embarrassed with her mother’s lack of sensitivity to the situation, Reagan avoided addressing the comment. “Who here has flashlights on their phones, in their cars?”
    Several hands went up.
    “Great. Those of you with flashlights, you’ll search outside. Those without, please check everywhere else—bathrooms, hotel rooms …”
    As the guests gathered together and a line formed, Sallie shuffled to the front, her voice loud enough for everyone to hear her, without the mike. “Have you considered checking the