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"Michael," Joel says, still somewhat uncomfortable greeting and interacting with a man he tried to send to jail for kidnapping one of his friends. "You look well."
"Thank you," Michael says. "Rumor has it you're leaving town?"
"I am. After the wedding," Joel says. "I wanted to be here for Aaron and Felicia, they're friends. Julia wanted to be able to say goodbye to her friends as well."
"We'll be so sad to see you go."
Michael and Joel turn their heads at the sound of Valerie Holden's voice echoing throughout the church. She strides down the aisle, a slinky, low-cut, dark green dress tightly wrapped around her figure. She approaches her brother, blowing an air kiss at him.
"Valerie... this is a surprise," Michael says, confused as to what his sister is doing here.
"I've been out of prison since yesterday," Valerie explains. "I decided to make a grand entrance, rather than show up at the mansion."
"Of course you did," Michael says. "You love nothing more than to cause a scene, don't you, sister?"
"I love you too, Michael," Valerie says, turning her attention toward Joel. "Joel, sweetie... no hard feelings for the arrest?"
Joel refuses to play ball. "Excuse me."
He exits the scene, leaving an irritated Valerie in his wake. Julia leans in, smiling. "I'm sure it won't be long before you're shipped out again."
"Children should learn to be silent," Valerie snaps.
"Yes, Valerie," Michael says, nodding in agreement. "So please be silent."
And now that man is preparing to have a wedding ceremony in a church before half the town. Half the town who still thinks he is a pillar of the community.
Unless Vince stops it.
"Vince," his sister Akilah calls out as she knocks on his door. "Are you in there?"
"Come in," Vince says, adjusting his tie in the mirror. He is surprised to find his sister dressed casually in a t-shirt and jeans. "Why aren't you dressed?"
"I'm not going to that creep's wedding," Akilah says. "I was only going in the first place because mom was making me. But she's run off to Paris or wherever the hell she is, so she doesn't get a say anymore."
"I'm surprised you'd give up an opportunity to cause some more drama."
"Shut up," Akilah snaps. "It's not my fault your friend is running around sleeping with engaged men. He should learn to close his legs. Or his ass."
Vince rolls his eyes. "Stop being a bitch."
"I learned from the best," Akilah insists. "I think I'm gonna go and stop by the hotel, see Aunt Yolanda and go for a swim in the pool."
"You're still supposed to be grounded."
"I do what I please, and I'm pleased to do what I do," Akilah says, grinning. "Have fun at that lame-ass wedding."
"I won't," Vince whispers as his sister goes out the door.
EMERALD PLAZA HOTEL
DENISE PRICE'S SUITE
"I'll be there soon, sweetie," Herald Robertson says, speaking to his daughter Denise Price on the phone. He hangs up and checks his reflection in the mirror once more before heading to the door. Before he can grab the door handle, however, his cell phone rings.
He reaches into his breast pocket and removes the phone. His phone identifies the caller as Depeche, the man Herald hired to kidnap Yolanda Holland to keep her away from Sean Moore.
"What is it, Depeche?"
"I can't keep drugging her," Depeche says. "I think she's pregnant."
"Pregnant?" Herald demands. "That woman isn't... dammit. I knew that Sean was a lowlife, but I never knew exactly how much of a lowlife."
"What do you want me to do?"
"I told you to keep drugging her to keep her out," Herald snaps. "Who gives a damn if she's pregnant? She's going to be killed once Sean comes back from —"
The doorbell rings, sending a loud buzzing echo throughout the suite. Herald excuses himself from the phone call and hangs up, shoving the phone back into his pocket before answering the door.
"I'm looking for that daughter of yours. Since my sister is gone, unfortunately I need to speak with her about the entertainment I've arranged for the wedding reception."
Herald is floored when he realizes that it is Yolanda Holland standing before him.
"Yolanda..." Herald gasps.
"Yes, that's my name," Yolanda says, raising a confused eyebrow. "Are you okay, old man?"
"Denise isn't here," Herald says, slamming the door in Yolanda's face. He leans against the door, taking a deep breath. If Yolanda is standing in the hallway, then that means Depeche has someone else being held captive.
And that could mean the end of Herald's plans... and even his quiet, cozy life in Marquette Cove.
