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marriage had taken a turn for the better, ever since Griff had confided to her about his frequent trips to Europe.
“I can’t really explain everything,” Nic had told Maleah. “But it seems that someone from Griff’s past—the past he shares with Sanders and Yvette—has resurfaced and is posing a threat to them and to me and Barbara Jean. To anyone close to Griff.”
She had wanted to question Nic further, but hadn’t. If Nic was satisfied with Griff’s explanation, who was she to doubt him?
Maleah paused near the open patio doors and pressed herself against the wall to hide herself from view.
“It is not possible,” Yvette said, her dark, almond-shaped eyes wide with concern. “Malcolm York is dead. We killed him. Whoever this man is, he is not York.”
“I agree,” Griff replied as he put his arm around Yvette’s slender shoulders. “But he’s been seen more than once by those who knew York, and they swear the man is his twin.”
Yvette grasped the lapels of Griff’s sport coat. “You have to find him, whoever he is. Use whatever means necessary. Take Meredith with you. Go back to France. I cannot relive that nightmare. Do you hear me, Griffin? I will not!”
Griff shook her gently, then wrapped her in his arms and held her. “I have to be totally honest with Nic.”
Yvette jerked her head up and stared at Griff. “You cannot. She will not understand. If she knows…She will never forgive you. You will lose her.”
“If I continue lying to her, I’ll lose her anyway.”
“Then tell her, but not yet. Wait as long as possible. Buy yourself some time.” Yvette caressed Griff’s cheek. “Without Nicole, you cannot be happy, and you deserve to be happy always.”
Maleah heard the hum of Barbara Jean’s wheelchair. She eased away from the wall and walked across the room, all the while wondering if she should tell Nic about what she’d heard.
How could she tell her best friend, who was just now getting her marriage back on track, that her husband was still keeping secrets from her?
Cathy stood in front of the cheval mirror and studied her reflection. She had chosen a simple, white silk and satin dress with a rounded neckline, a fitted waist and a billowing skirt that skimmed the floor. Today was the happiest day of her life. The early springtime weather had cooperated by giving her a warm, sunny day with the trees budding, flowers blooming and birds singing.
Lorie knocked on the door and stuck her head in. “Ready?”
“Ready.” Cathy held up her bouquet of white roses.
Lorie disappeared, and the door opened wide. Seth stood there in his black tuxedo, looking every inch the handsome young man he was. She walked over to him and took his arm. They smiled at each other.
“Nervous?” he asked.
“A little,” she admitted. “I’ve waited a lifetime for this day.” She reached out and caressed Seth’s cheek. “I love Jack with all my heart.”
“He feels the same way about you.” Seth grinned. “I know because he told me he did. And I told him he’d better take good care of you or he’d have to answer to me.”
Cathy laughed. “What did he say to that?”
“He made me a promise. He said that he’d spend the rest of his life doing everything possible to make you happy.”
The organ music began, signaling them that it was time for the wedding to start. Seth led her down the hall and to the doors opening into the Methodist church sanctuary. She watched as Lorie, wearing a spring green silk dress and carrying a yellow rose bouquet, walked down the aisle right behind Jack’s sister, Maleah, who wore a spring pink dress and carried pink roses.
When the wedding march sounded, everyone in the church rose to their feet as Seth led her down the aisle. Jack waited at the altar, Mike Birkett at his side. Jack stepped forward and took Cathy’s hand.
Seth gave Jack a pat on the back and then kissed Cathy’s cheek. “I’m really glad my parents are finally getting married,” he whispered so softly that only the three of them could hear. “I love you guys, you know.”
“We love you,” Cathy told him.
Seth took his place on the first-row pew, and during the ceremony, when Patsy Floyd asked, “Who gives this woman to be married?” Seth replied, “I do.”
Dear Reader,
Now that you’ve finished reading SILENT KILLER, I’m sure you’re wondering about some loose ends that were not tied up, some relationships that were left in limbo. I hope you’re