Page 50 of No One Was Supposed to Die at This Wedding

“No.”

“Then who?”

“Whoever came to the pool next. It could’ve beenyou.”

“Or Emma.”

“Her, too.”

Simone scoffs. “Why would anyone want to kill either of us? Or are you saying there’s a psycho on the loose?”

“I’m not saying anything, I’m just...investigating.”

“You’re not a private detective, Eleanor. You’re anovelist.”

She doesn’t have to say,Not a very good one.

It’s implied.

“If someone is trying to disrupt the wedding, isn’t that something you’d want to know?”

“What’s it to me?”

“The movie?”

She laughs. “Is that what this is, Emma? A publicity stunt? The whole wedding?”

“No!”

“That wasnotyour most convincing performance. Should we go again?”

“Is this helpful, Simone?” Harper says. “We’re all in shock.”

“Terrible pun,” I say.

Harper shoots me a look that tells me to shove it. “Whether this was done on purpose or not, it’s a problem. Look at my phone. That could’ve been any one of us. Even you, Simone, whether you were the intended victim or not.”

Simone stares back at her, then nods slowly. “Yes, of course. You’re right. I’m glad no one was harmed.” She looks at Emma. “Are you okay, Emma?”

“I’ll be all right.”

“Good.” She turns to the attendant who was on the ground with me. “What’s the protocol now?”

“Ma’am?”

“Who are you going to tell about this?”

“My supervisor.”

“All right. That good enough, Eleanor?”

“It’d be good to have the electrician take a look and see how it happened. I think his name is José.”

“Excellent suggestion. I’ll talk to the front desk when I go back up.” She tugs on the ends of her towel again. “If that’s all taken care of, I think I’ll get lunch.”

I check my watch. It’s noon.

“That’s a good idea. We’ll meet you there.”

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