The Wedding Party

Part 74: A Tunnel

In the dimly lit kitchen, Miguel and Killian frantically searched for any sign of Jaylee. The broken lantern lay shattered on the floor, its flame long extinguished. A cold shiver ran down Miguel's spine as he noticed dark red blood seeping out from under a nearby door.

"Help me with this," he grunted to Killian, and they both threw their weight against the door, breaking it open. Killian's eyes darted around the room, eventually landing on the refrigerator. He yanked it open, his heart pounding in his chest, fearing what he might find inside. Instead of Jaylee, there was only more blood.

"Damn it," Killian cursed under his breath, slamming the fridge shut. "Where could she be?"

As if on cue, the rest of the group filed into the kitchen, drawn by the commotion. Olive's gaze fell on the pool of blood beneath the cart, her face pale and her hands trembling. Preston, ever the protector, moved the cart aside, revealing a hidden latch embedded in the wall behind it. With a deep breath, he pulled it open, unveiling a secret door.

"Secret tunnels?" Tess gasped, her eyes wide with disbelief. "I've been planning events at this Manor for years, and I never knew about these. The Manor was built during the war of 1812, but still..."

Olive clenched her fists, determination etched across her features. "I'm going in. I have to find Jaylee."

"Wait," Preston said firmly, placing a hand on her shoulder. "You need to stay here with Jairo." He handed her his rifle, the weight heavy in her hands. "Keep each other safe. We'll find her."

"Be careful," Olive whispered, her voice laced with worry. As the group disappeared into the darkness of the secret tunnel, she clung to Jairo's arm, praying they would find Jaylee alive.

Olive stepped into the dimly lit bar, her heart pounding in her chest as she clutched Jairo's arm. Zackary leaned against the counter, a forced smile on his face as he attempted to be civil. "Any news?" he asked, swirling a glass of whiskey in one hand.

"Jaylee's missing," Olive whispered, her eyes darting around the room, searching for any signs of him. Yusuf joined them, concern etched on his face. "I found something in the last place she was seen." He handed Olive a small, rectangular card with an image of a tower on it.

"Rapheal," Olive murmured, realization dawning on her. "She must have gone to see the psychic."

"Stay here," Zackary ordered, as he and Yusuf moved to leave the bar. "We'll look for Jaylee, have you seen Jairo by the way he said he had to check something and hasn't come back."

"Be careful," Olive called after them, her voice barely audible. As soon as they disappeared from view, she hesitated for only a moment before slipping out and making her way to Zackary's truck. With determination fueling her actions, she climbed behind the wheel and started the engine, intent on finding her brother.

Meanwhile, in the tunnels beneath the Manor, Killian led the group deeper into the darkness. His flashlight cast eerie shadows on the walls as they followed the trail of blood. "This doesn't look good," he muttered, glancing back at Helena. "What if you're the killer?"

"Shut up," Helena hissed, her voice tight with tension. "Why don't I just go right up ahead and you all can go left, we'll cover more ground that way." They hesitated for a moment before breaking into two groups, each following a different path marked by crimson stains.

Back at the Manor, Zackary tried to strike up a conversation with Yusuf, who was clearly agitated. "You know, I've always admired your ability to make money."

"Save it," Yusuf snapped, walking away. Zackary scowled and began carving his name into the bar with a switchblade. Tess appeared out of nowhere, her voice shrill as she yelled at him. "What do you think you're doing?"

"Marking my territory," Zackary sneered. "Not like anyone's going to want to stay on this island again after everything that's happened."