Alex thrust his fist forward for a bump. “Let’s end it.”
Kyle led him downstairs where the mood from the other Harringtons remained somber and quiet as was most of the ride to the church where Ava’s memorial would take place.
Alex’s stomach flip-flopped as the limousine slowed to a stop outside the wood doors. His knees wobbled as he climbed the stone stairs and shuffled into the ominously quiet space.
As Alex entered the church, a shiver ran down his spine. Something felt off, but he couldn’t put his finger on it. The air seemed heavier, the light filtering through the stained-glass windows dimmer than he remembered. As they tooktheir seats, he caught sight of Chris at the back of the church, his gaze distant, his movements stiff. A sense of foreboding settled over Alex like a dark cloud.
The pews were filled to capacity with most of the Hamptons turning out to say goodbye to one of its most prominent member’s wife.
Julia wrapped an arm around him as she led him up the aisle. His lower lip trembled as he caught sight of the large picture of Ava in front of the empty coffin.
He recalled the discussion about even having a casket. “People like to see a coffin,” the funeral direction had said, “even if it’s empty. It gives them a sense of closure.”
He let out a heavy sigh as they settled into the seat, just inches from the larger-than-life framed photo.
He sat with his head low as most of the ceremony went on around him, trying his best not to break down as thoughts of actually saying goodbye to Ava ran through his mind.
As the officiant asked for any memories of Ava to be shared, Julia squeezed his shoulder and rose.
He shook his head, trying to tell her not to go, but she insisted.
“That’s not good,” Kyle whispered.
“She wasn’t supposed to do this.”
“Hi, everyone. Thank you all for coming on behalf of Alex, who I know is just devastated by this sudden loss.” Julia flicked her gaze to Ava’s picture as tears formed in her eyes. “I don’t know most of you, but I did know Ava. She and I were sorority sisters and…well, Ava was just larger-than-life.”
Julia sniffled, bringing tears to Alex’s eyes. “Are you kidding me? Go get her down from there.”
As Kyle rose, the officiant hurried over to them. “Hey,maybe no more memories after this. Alex would like this to be over with.”
“Of course,” the man said with nod as Julia continued.
“Ava was an amazing friend. She would give anything to help someone else. Her life was cut far too short. Ava,” Julia said as tears fell down her cheeks, “you will be missed.”
“Thank you, Julia, that was lovely,” the officiant said. “And now–”
“Wait,” a voice said from the back of the church. All eyes turned to face Chris as he strode up the aisle. “I have something I want to say.”
Alex swallowed hard as the man approached the altar. In his pocket, his phone chimed. He resisted the urge to check his screen, but a nagging about Ava made him reach into his pocket.
He glanced at the display, his heart stopping as he spotted a text from her.Alex, 9-1-1. You have to stop Chris from speaking at the funeral. Do NOT let him admit to anything. Keep him off that altar if it kills you.
His heart skipped a beat, his blood running cold. With parted lips, he flashed the message to Kyle. They shared a glance before they both focused on Chris as he mounted the steps to the pulpit.
He didn’t know why there had been a sudden change in plans, but Ava wouldn’t text him unless it was vital.
They had to do something fast before their carefully laid out plan came crashing down around them and ruined everything.
CHAPTER 28
AVA
Ava gunned the engine as she pushed the car faster to make it to the church in time to save her former fiancé from a grisly end.
They’d pushed him to own up to his part in her so-called death, so he’d be out of their hair, but this isn’t the way she’d expected it.
Her heart hammered in her chest as she took a turn with the tires squealing.
