Page 16 of The Girl in the River

And that made Pixie even more scared.

EIGHTEEN

Ellie’s phone signaled a text.

Laney:Estimated time of death based on liver temp and lack of rigor was sometime between four-thirty and six. The fact that Tori’s watch stopped because it was crushed indicates she was attacked at 5:21.

Just before the ceremony was supposed to take place. That fit with the wedding coordinator’s story.

Laney:Called an ambulance for transport.

Ellie sent a return text.

Husband wants to see her. Let me know when he can view.

Laney:Will do.

“What’s going on now?” Mark asked. “Did they find Mia?”

Ellie shook her head. “I’m sorry, no word yet, Mark.” She turned to Liam, giving him a compassionate look. “The medical examiner is transporting Tori for an autopsy. She’ll make contact when you can see her.”

“I can’t believe this is happening,” Liam said, choking on the words.

Worry deepened the frown lines beside Mark’s eyes as he looked at Liam.

“I’m so sorry, Mark, but I have another question,” Ellie said. “Where were you two between five and five-thirty?”

Mark clamped his jaw tight, and anger flared on Liam’s face. “In the groom’s dressing room,” Mark snapped. “Getting ready to meet my bride.”

“And you, Liam?”

“With Mark. We had a toast after the pictures and walked over here together.” Liam fisted his hands, and Ellie noticed a scratch on the back of his hand that looked fresh. “How did you get that cut on your hand, Liam?”

His gaze shot to the red jagged line. “I fell on the rocks during the photography session at the river.”

Ellie arched a brow. “So youweredown at the river?”

His expression bordered on panic as he realized he’d just placed himself at the crime scene. “Like I said, we took pictures there.”

“We did,” Mark said. “And Liam slid on a rock.”

“Did you see anyone else down there? Maybe someone in the woods or on the property?” Ellie asked.

“Not anything suspicious,” Mark said.

“There were guests roaming all over,” Liam pointed out.

Hushed voices rumbled around them, the guests growing more antsy. Emily Nettles, the head of the local prayer group The Porch Sitters, sat with Lola, who was rocking Pixie in her arms. The little girl clung to her, looking terrified.

“Is there any other family we need to contact?” Ellie asked.

“Mia had no one,” Mark said. “Except Pixie.”

Liam swiped a hand over his eyes. “Sweet Jesus, I have to call Tori’s mother.”

“Do you want me to do that?” Ellie asked.

He shook his head. “No, I’d rather her hear the news from me. She’s going to be devastated.”

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