Page 34 of Secrets and Lies

“What?” Montrose leaned over to see the picture, as did Connors. There it was, clear as day. Gage was wearing blue jeans. They were clear in the picture, but in the video, the man was wearing all black. They could have been black jeans, but whatever they were, they were not the same pants Gage had on in the picture. Not even close.

“Unless you are going to suggest my client brought a change of clothing with him, I think we’re done here. This video is obviously doctored. That man is not my client,” Logan proclaimed as he pointed to the screen.

Connors drew in a deep breath. “You can go, but tell your client not to leave town, Counselor. We may want to speak to him again.”

Logan nodded. No sweeter words. Connors knew it was over. Everyone in the room did.

Thank you, Logan thought as he led Gage and Dani out of the precinct. Now the only thing on the horizon was the wedding. He was going to be damn glad when this was all over. He was getting too old for this shit.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

ALEX

“Ican’t believe how beautiful it is here. It’s like I always forget until I come back.” Smiling, Alex stood at the window that overlooked the grounds, now decorated for the wedding, and the ocean beyond. “The lawn looks amazing! Your wedding is going to be spectacular.”

Lacy grinned. “It was a lot of work, but I think we finally got everything sorted. Thank God, Logan and Dani were able to get Gage off the hook for the break-in.”

Alex shuddered. “I still feel awful about that.” She went over to the coffee carafe that Drake’s housekeeper had sent up to their suite and poured herself a second cup. “Did you see the video once Dani had a chance to work on it? How did she manage to get a copy?”

Lacy stretched out on the soft white sofa. “I have no idea. I suspect Detective Connors sent Logan a copy because his tech team was having trouble with it. Logan didn’t say who, but that was the gist of it. And yes, I saw the real video with all of the fake stuff removed. It was creepy. The guy really did look like Gage, well, what you can see of him. The hat was pretty low, but the jawline was the same.”

Alex took a long sip of coffee and swallowed. “I’m just glad it all worked out in time for your wedding.” She glanced at her watch. “We need to get moving. The hair and make-up people will be here in a few minutes. I can’t believe how late it is. We really slept in. It was so nice of Drake to let us stay here last night.”

“Yes, it was kind of him,” Lacy agreed as she climbed to her feet.

“No going to see the groom before the wedding and all that? Glad you’re sticking to at least one tradition. I cannot believe you wouldn’t let me throw you a bachelorette party.”

“What do you mean? We went to the spa and had a fantastic time, and then went shopping in Milan. I think that qualifies as a bachelorette.”

Alex grinned. “Okay, true. Still, should we have gone out dancing or something?”

Lacy shrugged. “We tried, remember? And the guys showed up, so I think we just have to let it go.”

“Fair enough.” The knock at the door startled Alex, and she bustled over to answer it. The housekeeper was standing outside.

“The hair and make-up ladies are here.”

“Right. Tell them we’ll be down in a minute.” Alex whirled around. “This is it. Time to get ready.”

Lacy crossed the room, linking her arm in Alex’s. “Let’s do this.”

Two hours later, Alex walked back into the suite to find Lacy lounging on the sofa. “What are you doing? You need to get dressed. Let me help you.”

Lacy smiled and got to her feet. “Are you ready?”

“Do you know me?’ She scoffed. “My bridesmaid dress is in my bedroom. Your hair looks fabulous. I love how you left it down to curl around your shoulders.” Alex narrowed her eyes at her friend. “I am still annoyed that you haven’t let me see the dress. I can’t believe you picked it out without me.”

“You were there,” Lacy said. “You saw all the dresses I tried on. I just went back later and picked one.”

“Yes, but I’m dying to see which one. I know the one I would’ve picked.” Alex loved the strapless gown with the sweetheart neckline and exquisite beading on the bodice. It was exactly the type of dress she would like to get married in someday.

Lacy started toward Alex’s bedroom. “Let’s get dressed. I want to see you in your dress, and then I’ll slip into mine.”

Alex frowned. “Shouldn’t the bride get ready first?”

“Come on,” Lacy grabbed her hand and let out a little squeal of excitement. “I can’t wait any longer.” She tugged Alex into the bedroom and went right over to the dress bag hanging on the closet door. “Open it,” she demanded.

Alex frowned. “This isn’t the bridesmaid dress we picked out. I know because that garment bag is black.” She reached up and unzipped the bag all the way to the bottom. Her heart gave a small lurch as she realized that Lacy had picked the dress she had wanted. “Lacy, this was my favorite. It will look divine on you. I am so happy for you.” Alex shot her friend a smile.

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