Page 64 of Dead to Me

“What happened?”

“Just come into the hallway.”

Her expression grew tense.

“Where’s Malcolm?”

I watched every emotion cross her face.

“Where’s my fiancé?”

The best man ran a hand over his mouth.

“China.”

She grabbed the front of her dress.

“What happened?”

“I don’t know everything yet.”

China spoke louder.

“What happened?”

He looked into the room, then at me. His eyes met mine for just a moment too long. I understood. They had found him. China saw where he was looking, then turned to me. I tried to look concerned.

“What?”

His best man came into the room and shut the door behind him.

“The police are on seven.”

No one moved. China shook her head.

“No.”

He spoke slowly, choosing his words.

“They found Malcolm in his room.”

China stared at him.

“What do you mean they found him?”

He swallowed hard.

“China.”

“What do you mean?”

His voice became quiet.

“He’s dead.”

The room erupted into chaos. Someone screamed. A champagne glass fell and shattered on the floor. China stayed where she was. She stood in the center of the room in her wedding dress as everyone else reacted instead of her.

One woman began to cry. Another bridesmaid reached for her phone. China didn’t move at all. She let out a small, disbelieving laugh.