Chapter 2 - The Ghost in the Frame
The sound of the dead man’s voice reverberated against the marble floor. Julian lunged past Clara, his formal black tuxedo coat billowing, and strode directly to the AV deck where Lily stood.
"Where did you get this recording, Lily?" he asked, dropping to one knee so he was eye-level with the girl.
Lily did not shrink back. She reached into the pocket of her pale yellow cardigan and pulled out a worn brass locket, holding it out in her open palm. "My mother gave this to me before she disappeared last Tuesday. She said if she didn't come to pick me up from school, I had to bring this drive to your wedding. She told me you were the only one who could stop him."
Julian took the locket. The metal was warm from her palm. He thumbed the clasp, and inside was a miniature photograph of a woman with radiant dark hair and striking hazel eyes—Elena. Julian’s late business partner, his former fiancé, and the woman whose tragic car accident had left a gaping wound in his soul five years ago.
"Elena..." Julian breathed, the air escaping his lungs in a painful rush.
A sharp gasp came from the front row. Julian’s older brother, Marcus, stepped into the aisle, his face pale and eyes wild. "Julian, turn that damn thing off! This is a sick joke! Someone is playing a prank to ruin your wedding and drag our family through the mud!"
Julian stood up slowly, clutching the locket. He looked at Marcus, then at Clara, who had retreated behind two bridesmaids, looking terrified not of Julian, but of the exit doors at the back of the room.
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"It's not a joke, Marcus," Julian said, his voice deadly steady. "That voice belongs to Elena’s father, Arthur Vance. And according to our family records, Marcus, you signed his death certificate."
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