AllFreeNovel
Share Us
"It's always my hips that give me trouble," I sighed, worrying that the dress might not fit perfectly.
The seamstress chuckled softly and patted my arm. "Don't you worry, dear! I can work wonders when it comes to alterations. We'll make sure this gown fits you like a glove."
Her kind words and expertise put me at ease, and I felt confident she would work her magic on my dress. Meanwhile, Ariel, Meagan, and Mum also received expert attention from their respective seamstresses. The boutique's atmosphere buzzed with excitement as we were transformed into the vision we had dreamed about at some time in our lives.
As we each stepped out of the fitting rooms, we admired one another in our chosen gowns. The boutique's mirrors reflected our beaming faces, and it was evident that we had each found the perfect dress for our roles in my upcoming wedding. Then, we took turns twirling, laughing, and capturing the moment with our cameras, creating memories we would cherish forever.
"Strike a pose, Amy!" Meagan called out, holding her phone up to snap a photo.
"Make sure you get my good side," I teased, tossing my hair and winking at the camera.
Mum stood next to me, beaming with pride. "Amy, you look absolutely stunning. I can't wait to see you walk down the aisle."
As we continued to laugh and snap pictures, the joy in the room was palpable. With each click of the camera, we were capturing not just images but moments that maybe someday would be shared with our children.
With a final glance in the mirror, I knew I had made the right choice. The Vera Wang gown was everything I had ever dreamed of. As I was admiring the delicate lines of the dress, Melody approached with an exquisite lace-edged veil. With a flutter of excitement in my chest, I accepted it, knowing it would be the perfect complement to my gown. As I placed it on my head, the delicate lace cascading down my back, I felt my bridal look was complete. I couldn’t wait to wear it on my special day.
Finally, it was time for our amazing day of pampering to end. I'll admit I felt a bit like Cinderella one minute after midnight. We reluctantly changed back into our street clothes, thanking Melody and the seamstresses for their incredible assistance. Then, we sauntered to the boutique's entrance, where the waiting limo greeted us.
As we settled into the luxurious seats of the limo, we each pulled out our phones, only to realize the men we loved had tried to call us while we were busy selecting the perfect gowns for my wedding.
"How odd," I mused aloud, "It seems they all called around the same time. I guess they must have missed us."
ChapterTwenty-One
Mitch
As we hurriedup the steps of San Diego County jail, Amy held my hand tightly while Meagan and Chase followed closely behind. I could feel the tension radiating from both women, their emotions a turbulent mix of fear and determination. Lazarus Blackwood had been caught with the yellow bike in his truck the previous day. Although he denied any wrongdoing, he admitted to being drunk and riding his bike alongside a group of cyclists on the day when Amy was accosted on the beach. However, one question persisted - why did he mention the cryptic message "Don't count your chickens before they hatch" that day? This was not something people typically say to each other in passing.
Amy and Meagan sat closely on uncomfortable chairs inside the cold, sterile room, their hands interlocked for support. Their faces were pale, and I could see that the gravity of the situation weighed heavily on them. As Chase and I stood beside our gals, we listened intently to their conversation, trying to understand the complex emotions they were experiencing.
"We’ve been waiting for this day," said Amy, her voice trembling slightly. "But it doesn't feel like what I had imagined." I could sense her fear, and I knew she was worried about how this situation might affect her mental well-being, especially with our wedding day fast approaching and her new role as a mother to Ava.
Meagan swallowed hard, her eyes darting nervously around the room. "Yes, I agree. I feel creeped out. I don't have time to return to therapy. The twins need a full-time mom. Not one crippled by her past," she added, her voice barely above a whisper. The prospect of facing her attacker was clearly bringing back painful memories and nightmares she had tried to suppress without the help of her therapist. I could see the fear in her eyes and the way she squeezed Amy's hand for reassurance.
Chase and I exchanged glances, helpless and concerned for the two women we loved. We wanted to protect them and remove their fear but knew we couldn't. It was their battle to fight, their memories to confront. We could only stand by their side and offer our support.
After a few moments, the door opened. Agent Carter, the investigator on Rosedale's ongoing case for a long time, entered the room. He motioned for us to follow him into his office. His demeanor was serious, and his face showed signs of exhaustion.
"Thank you for coming in today," Carter said once we were seated in his cluttered office. "I know this is difficult for all of you." He looked at Amy and Meagan with empathy. "We're here to conduct a lineup to see if you can identify the man who accosted you. Giuseppe Russo insisted we do this today, so we're moving forward without having interviewed Blackwood yet."
Meagan's eyes widened in surprise. "You haven't interviewed him yet?" she asked, her voice barely concealing her disappointment.
Carter shook his head. "I'm afraid not. But we need to know if you can identify him as your attacker. If not, we'll no longer have reason to hold him."
He then went on to explain the double-blind lineup procedure. "This is a double-blind lineup, which means that neither the officer administering the lineup, nor the witnesses know the suspect's identity. This helps to prevent any unconscious bias or influence on your identification."
Amy and Meagan exchanged anxious glances as Carter continued. "There will be six individuals in the lineup, including the suspect. They'll be presented to you one at a time, and you'll be asked to state whether or not each person is the one who accosted you. Take your time and make sure you're certain before giving your answer. Remember, it's just as important to clear an innocent person as it is to identify the guilty party."
As he finished his explanation, I could see the growing anxiety in both women. The responsibility of potentially deciding someone's fate weighed heavily on them, and their hands visibly trembled.
Meagan's breathing became more rapid, and she fumbled through her purse, pulling out a small pill box. She quickly swallowed a pill with a sip of water, trying to steady herself. Chase and I exchanged worried looks, our concern for her mounting with each passing moment.
"Are you okay?" Amy asked Meagan, her own voice trembling.
"Yeah," Meagan replied, her voice strained. "This is the first time in a long time I've had to take my anxiety medication. Thank God I still have a few pills in my purse."
Carter nodded in understanding. "I know this is a lot to handle, but we'll be right here to support you throughout the process. So, take as much time as you need. Just be honest about what you remember."
