The Plan Behind the Wedding

For one second, neither Emma nor I moved.

Stephanie knocked again.

Harder.

“Emma, I know you’re in there.”

Her father was still connected through my phone.

I heard him breathe.

Then Richard said, “Charles, don’t do anything foolish.”

I stared at the screen.

“Interesting choice of words.”

I ended the call.

Stephanie tried the handle.

Locked.

“Emma!”

Emma looked terrified.

“You don’t have to stay,” I told her.