Chapter 2 - The Locked Room
I sprinted through the swinging doors into the chaotic catering kitchen.
Chefs and servers yelled in surprise as I knocked over a tray of champagne glasses.
Eric and three of his heavy-set guests burst through the doors right behind me.
I threw a metal utility cart into their path to slow them down.
The cart crashed into a counter, sending heavy silver platters crashing to the tile floor.
I ran down the narrow service hallway toward the bridal suite.
My heavy white gown made it almost impossible to move fast.
I tore the expensive lace train off my dress and left it on the floor.
I reached the bridal suite and slammed the heavy oak door shut.
I locked the deadbolt just seconds before someone slammed their body against the outside of the door.
Eric shouted through the wood that I was making a massive mistake.
I ignored him and frantically searched the room for another exit.
There were no windows in this part of the historic venue.
I remembered the note mentioning documents hidden in a desk.
I noticed Eric's leather briefcase resting on the bridal suite sofa.
I grabbed it and smashed the brass lock with a heavy marble bookend.
The briefcase popped open and spilled its contents onto the carpet.
I dropped to my knees and sifted through the papers.
I found a life insurance policy taken out in my name.
The payout was for five million dollars.
The sole beneficiary was Eric's mother.
The policy went into effect the exact moment we were legally married.
My heart pounded furiously against my ribs.
I flipped to the signature page.
My signature was already perfectly forged at the bottom of the document.
May you like
Then the digital lock on the suite door suddenly beeped green.
Someone had a master key card.
