The Wedding Party

Part 55: A Wave

Helena stepped out into the crisp morning air, the sun casting a golden glow across the island landscape. As she closed the door behind her, Marc appeared from around the corner, his eyes filled with urgency.

"Helena," he said, catching his breath. "I need to talk to you. Ash... she's innocent."

Helena's heart clenched at the mention of Ash. "What do you mean? What's going on?"

"Ask Macey about the first time Bo Brandt came to the island. There's more to this than we know."

Before Helena could respond, a memory from ten years ago surfaced. She was searching the woods near Cole's house, calling out his name, panic clawing at her chest. The horrifying image of Harry Adkins, Griffin's brother, being dragged by a noose flashed before her eyes. Helena remembered crying out in terror as Brandt brutally killed him with a head spade. It had been Braeden who saved her that day, driving up just in time to distract Brandt and allow her escape.

Snapping back to the present, Marc was gone, Helena watched as two bloodhounds sprinted past her, barking wildly as they chased after Ash. Preston, desperate and determined, ran close behind them, closing the distance between himself and his half-sister. They reached the docks, and with one swift motion, Preston tackled Ash to the ground.

"Gotcha!" he panted, his grip firm but gentle.

"Let go of me!" Ash struggled against his hold, tears streaming down her face.

"Please, Ash, just listen to us," Preston begged.

As Helena approached, she caught sight of Macey returning to the Manor. Her sister's expression was somber, and Helena knew it was time to confront her about Brandt. With every step towards Macey, Helena couldn't help but recall the gruesome scene she had discovered in the woods all those years ago – Cole, hanging lifeless.

"Helena," Macey greeted her cautiously. "What's wrong?"

"Tell me about Cole and Bo Brandt," Helena demanded, her voice shaking with suppressed emotion.

Macey hesitated for a moment before revealing the truth. "Cole had dated Brandt back in Halifax. He moved to the island to get away from him."

The revelation hit Helena like a tidal wave, and she struggled to process the information. Her thoughts raced, and she couldn't help but wonder how this connection would impact their search for justice.

"Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the sound of crashing waves in the distance. As she turned to leave, Helena knew that the ghosts of the past were still haunting them all, and it was up to her to find a way to lay them to rest.