Falling into the Horror Boss's Lap novel · Chapter 23 of 24

Chapter 23: The Pier

On the Saturday before Christmas the burned pier smelled of wet ash and woodsmoke, and I had never seen it so full.

Noreen had set iron braziers down the length of the planks.

Blankets hung over every folding chair.

Past the black ribs of Boat Shed Three, the harbor lay flat and silver under the last of the light.

I stood at the head of the pier in a white wool dress, with the green cardigan over it.

It was the same cardigan.

"You're wearing the cardigan of your crime," said Lacey.

She had come in a pink bridesmaid dress and her bomber jacket, with the bat in a velvet sleeve.

"It's evidence."

"It's the least flattering evidence in Maryland. I love it."

"Is everyone here?"

"Eleven heads in their good coats. Two aunts with flasks."

"The old watchman, who has declared himself the father of the bride and cried twice."

"The detective, who says he's off duty, and keeps looking for exits."

She looked at the sky.

"And one chair at the front. I put it where you said."

The green leather chair from my father's office stood in the first row, on a square of clean planks.

It had been cleaned of ash.

There was nothing on the seat.

"Billie," Lacey said, softer. "He's coming."

I turned.

A black car had stopped at the head of the pier.

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