Page 87 of Dead to Me

“Where is Milan’s phone?”

I looked toward the bed.

“I don’t know.”

China’s phone was still there. Mine was in my room. That could become a problem.

Ramos stood.

“We’re going to need you to come with us for a formal statement.”

I nodded.

“I understand.”

He looked at the paramedic.

“Can she travel?”

The paramedic nodded. I got up slowly. My legs were shaky. For once, I wasn’t faking it.

As I walked through the suite, I glanced at China one last time. Her face was turned a little toward the window. I wondered if anyone would notice something was wrong. I wondered if the first person to see through me would be someone I cared about.

Then I remembered there were hardly any people left. That made it easier. The lobby was packed with guests, police, hotel staff, Malcolm’s family, and China’s bridesmaids.

The moment Sierra saw me, she screamed my name.

“China!”

She ran toward me.

Before anyone could stop her, she wrapped both arms around me. I froze. Sierra sobbed into my shoulder.

“Oh my God.”

I slowly hugged her back. She smelled like champagne and hairspray.

“You’re alive.”

I closed my eyes.

“Yes.”

Sierra pulled away.

“What happened?”

I started crying again. She looked past me toward the suite. Then her face changed.

“Is Milan…”

I nodded. Sierra covered her mouth. I watched her face twist in shock. Then she hugged me again. That was the first time I realized I could really go through with it. Maybe not for long, but long enough. Long enough to leave the hotel. Long enough to be the woman everyone thought would survive. Long enough to bury Milan Hart with the others.

I left the hotel with police on all sides. As the doors shut, I caught my reflection in the glass. I nearly smiled, but stopped myself. China wouldn’t smile today.

Not yet.

Milan