The Wedding Party

Part 66: A Journal

"Look, some guests have already left. What's the harm in a few more of us going?" Killian argued, his eyes darting between Helena and Preston. "Braeden, your boat is our only chance to get off this island."

"Amelia is still missing," Preston interjected firmly, his voice carrying an air of authority. "We can't just abandon her."

Helena sighed, rubbing her temples as a headache began to gnaw at her skull. She glanced around at the tense faces of her friends and made a quick decision. "I'll try contacting the mainland for help on the shortwave radio at the police trailer. Maybe they can send someone over."

"Good idea," Preston agreed, shooting a warning glance at Killian. "In the meantime, everyone needs to stay put. We have to find Amelia."

***

Macey stirred, groaning as pain radiated up her leg. The coppery scent of blood filled her nostrils, and she noticed a stray dog whimpering nearby. As her vision cleared, she saw Marc standing over her, holding her pistol.

"Wh-what happened?" Macey croaked, clutching her wounded leg, feeling the warm, sticky blood seeping through her fingers.

"Caught in one of my traps," Marc replied, his tone matter-of-fact. "Sorry about that."

"Your trap?" Macey questioned, gritting her teeth against the pain. "What are you even doing here?"

"Been on the island a few weeks," he said, his gaze distant. "Looking for the killer. Found something you might be interested in." He held up a worn, leather-bound journal. "Bo Brandt's prison diary."

"Wait, what does that have to do with anything?" Macey asked, her heart pounding in her chest as she tried to make sense of it all.

"Turns out, Helena's involved," Marc said, his voice low and dangerous. "She's the most precious thing your father could lose."

"Helena?" Macey whispered, her mind racing with the implications as she struggled to process this chilling revelation.