That silenced Celeste more completely than any threat could have.
The police arrived within minutes, though Fay suspected they had been closer than chance allowed.
Two uniformed officers entered first, followed by a broad-shouldered detective in a gray coat.
Detective Reyes looked around the ballroom, took in the broken glass, the trembling guests, the guarded exits, and Celeste’s white gown.
Then his eyes landed on Griffin.
“Eventful engagement party?” Reyes asked.
Griffin handed him the recorder.
“Listen.”
Reyes did.
By the time the recording finished, Celeste had stopped crying.
Her face had gone smooth again, but the perfection was gone.
Without trust to reflect it, her beauty looked empty.
When the officers approached, she turned once more to Griffin.
“You’ll regret this,” she said.
“No,” he replied.
“I regret not seeing it sooner.”
They took her out past the champagne tower, past the white roses, past the guests who had envied her less than an hour before.
The man with the gray ring followed in handcuffs, his head lowered.
