Page 86 of Sweet Lies

“The last thing we want is to end up sitting with another family,” I answer.

“True—they want to kill us.” He smiles as we move to find our seats.

“We take that chance with my own as well.”

He chuckles. “Good point. You’re the gambling woman; what are the best odds?”

“The Rossis.”

Whether intentional or not, each family was sitting together. We had the midsection. It seems Claire and Alex had claimed our spot earlier on. We slide in next to Elijah.

“Did you get a lot of questions about Lily?” I ask him.

“A few. Not many. I told them she was staying with little Becca, that she wasn’t used to our world yet, and I’m working on getting her adjusted. This wasn’t the event for that process.”

“They believed you?” Andre asks, eyeing the room.

“Doesn’t matter. It is what it is. I don’t need their permission,” he snaps as the music starts.

No bridesmaids appear. It seems they want to get the ceremony over with as quickly as possible. Probably afraid the bride will make a break for it. I can’t say I’d blame her. The bride and her father are quick to walk down the aisle, and Daniel passes his daughter off before taking his seat next to his wife and other children.

William lifts the veil, and even from far away, I can tell the bride isn’t in a happy place. Her eyes are puffy, and everyone can read her ire. The priest makes quick work of the vows.

“She looks less happy than you did the day of our wedding,” I hear Alex mumble to Claire.

“I don’t think she’s going to have a happy ending,” she whispers back.

Everyone claps once they kiss, but it’s a solemn clap, one that’s been marked for years by our families. Everyone knows it isn’t a love match. It’s a deal, just like all the rest.

“At least no gunfights yet,” Elijah says as we stand.

“Yet being the key word,” Andre responds.

“Keep a lookout once we’re outside,” Alex adds as the first few pews are released.

The sun shining through the stained glass windows didn’t prepare me for the outside. It’s almost blinding. Holding my hand to my eyes, I try to block the rays and have the fleeting thought that if this is the moment everything goes downhill, my last thoughts will be about the sun.

“Down!” Andre screams as I’m shoved down the steps. Gunshots ring out as others drop, reaching for their weapons.

For a moment, I lie on the ground with my arms covering my head before I remember who I am.

“Give me a gun,” I order Claire.

She pulls a small one from her ankle and hands it over, and I aim. I get one bullet out before the cars are gone. There are a few wounds but nothing appears fatal.

“Who were they aiming for?” I ask Andre, hoping he has an idea.

“It was sporadic. Either their aim sucked, or they had no idea who they were after.”

I look at my brother for confirmation.

“I couldn’t tell. It was as if they were just hoping to hit their target. Either they wanted it to seem random, or it was.”

“That doesn’t give us much information,” Claire says, standing.

“No, it doesn’t,” Elijah answers. “We’ll find out soon. They can’t hide for long from any of us. They’ll be dead by morning. If not by us, then another family. Not sure what they were paid to do this, but whatever it was, it wasn’t worth it.”

“They took Isabella,” Luna yells through the crowd. Her hand is pressed against a bleeding wound.

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