Victoria staggered backward.
“How dare you speak to me that way?”
“How dare you speak to her that way?”
Ray nodded toward Angela.
The woman in the pink dress stepped forward boldly.
“Who is she? Some kind of criminal you’ve arrested before?”
Ray’s laugh was bitter.
“Lady, you have no idea.”
“Then tell us.”
Ray looked at Angela questioningly.
She gave the slightest nod.
“She’s someone with more authority than anyone at this wedding.”
“Authority?” Harrison scoffed. “What kind of authority could she possibly have?”
“The kind you don’t question.”
Victoria’s confusion turned to rage.
“Stop speaking in riddles. If she’s so important, why is she crashing our wedding?”
“Maybe she’s not crashing it.”
“Of course she’s crashing it. We didn’t invite her.”
“Did you invite everyone who belongs here?”
The question silenced the crowd.
Angela checked her watch again.
“Detective Coleman, perhaps we should let them enjoy their celebration.”
“Of course, ma’am. Whatever you think best.”
His continued deference was driving Victoria insane.
“Ray, what has gotten into you?”
“Nothing. I just know who I’m dealing with.”
“And who exactly are you dealing with?”
Ray looked around the circle of hostile faces, at the staff members watching nervously from the sidelines, and at the mansion rising behind them like a monument to old-money privilege.
“Someone who could change all your lives with a phone call.”
“That’s ridiculous.”
“Is it?”
Ray’s smile was grim.
“Mrs. Bradford, do you know who actually owns this property?”
Victoria’s face went white.
“What kind of question is that?”
“A simple one. Who holds the deed to this estate?”
“The Bradford family. Obviously.”
“Obviously.”
Ray nodded slowly.
“And you’re sure about that?”
“Of course I’m sure. It’s our home.”
Angela closed her briefcase with a soft click.
The sound seemed louder than thunder in the sudden silence.
Ray Coleman pulled out his phone.
“Mrs. Bradford, let me help clear this up.”
“There’s nothing to clear up,” Victoria snapped. “This is our property.”
“Then you won’t mind if I run a quick property search.”
His fingers moved across the screen.
“Nassau County property records are public information.”
Victoria’s eyes darted nervously.
“That’s completely unnecessary.”
“Just being thorough.”
Ray’s police training showed in his methodical approach.
“Let’s see. 47 Meadowbrook Lane, Southampton.”
The crowd pressed closer, sensing drama.
“Here we go.”
Ray’s face grew grim.
“Interesting.”
“What’s interesting?” Margaret demanded.
Ray looked at Angela, who nodded her permission.
“According to county records, this property was originally owned by James Washington, purchased in 1924.”
“That’s ancient history.”