Hitched

“They list all the names!” Regan gasped.

“It’s unfortunate,” Alfred said, as he sipped his coffee.

“How did they get the names? You knew that Tracy, Victoria, and Shauna didn’t want their names mentioned. Especially Tracy.”

“I don’t know. Honest. I don’t know. I didn’t tell them.”

“Then who did?”

“I didn’t tell,” Charisse said breathlessly. “The reporters called back a couple times last night while we were working on your dress, Regan.”

“It’s coming along beautifully,” Alfred interjected.

Regan ignored his weak attempt to smooth things over. “Was there anyone else with you last night?”

“Our assistant who works with us once in a while. He came up for a couple of hours. He answered the phone for us while we were working. So many people were calling. There was so much excitement.”

“There’s your leak,” Jack said matter-of-factly.

Regan shook her head and looked down at the paper. “I hope Tracy doesn’t sue you.”

The names of the brides were there for the world to see: Regan Reilly, Bria

The article continued:

Regan Reilly was on the scene yesterday. Reilly, who happens to be a private investigator, is set to marry the head of the NYPD Major Case Squad, Jack Reilly, next Saturday afternoon at Saint Ignatius Loyola Church in Manhattan. She is the daughter of mystery novelist Nora Regan Reilly…

“How did they find all this out?” Regan asked. Jack raised one eyebrow. “The same way you do, my sweet.” The elevator door next to the greenroom opened. Bria

Bria

Pauly said hello and immediately headed for the food. He helped himself to a donut and a glass of juice, inhaling both, then helped himself to seconds.

“Regan, have you heard anything more about Joyce?” Bria

Regan shook her head. “Did you see the paper this morning?”

“No. It’s so early. I’m surprised I made it in time.”

Regan showed them the article.

“Look at that, Pauly,” Bria

“Uh-huh,” he mumbled as he read the story over Bria

What’s with him? Regan wondered. He seems so nervous.

“You’re the head of the Major Case Squad?” he asked, pointing at Jack.

“Yes.”

“Oh.”

A producer’s assistant appeared in the doorway. “We’re ready for Regan and Bria

“Make them look bridelike,” Alfred advised. “Nothing too harsh or dramatic.”

The assistant pretended she didn’t hear him.

A makeup artist and hair stylist worked side by side in the small room. Regan was always amazed at how fast those people could bring out the best in whoever ended up plopped in their chairs. Over the years she’d been to plenty of these studios with her mother. The hair stylist, armed with a blow dryer, round brush, and can of spray went to work on Regan’s crowning glory while the makeup artist skillfully and quickly touched up Bria

In one corner of the vast room, a seating arrangement for six had been set up. A life-size photo of one of Alfred and Charisses’s dresses was in the background.

Alfred clapped his hands when he saw his creation. “Marvelous!” he cried.

The attractive young hosts, Patrick and Jea

Today’s guests were seated and miked.

Patrick and Jea

When the cameras rolled, Jea

“It’s wedding season,” she began. “A time when brides are ru

The camera focused on Regan and Bria

I feel like an idiot, Regan thought.

“We also have the incredibly talented designers, Alfred and Charisse, with us. In the last couple of years they’ve had write-ups in numerous fashion magazines because the wedding dresses they design are so gorgeous. Take a look,” Jea

“We will,” Alfred promised with a big smile while Charisse waved demurely at the camera.

Jea

“We’re exhausted,” Alfred said. “We were up all night sewing. No matter what, we will have the dresses ready for Regan and Bria

Patient? Regan thought. Bria

Patrick leaned in. “We know that Bria

“Oh, please,” Bria

“I understand that you went home and dug out your mother’s wedding gown but it was full of bugs?”

Bria

After Bria

“Eeeww,” Jea

“You’re working on this case, right, Regan?” Patrick asked.

“As you can imagine, I have more than a passing interest in it,” Regan joked. “The NYPD is also investigating.”

“Your fiancé is a member of the NYPD. I see here that he is the head of the Major Case Squad, Jack Reilly.”

“Yes,” Regan answered with a genuine smile.

Patrick looked earnest. “So you’re kind of a crime-fighting duo. The two Reillys!”

Jack’s going to kill me, Regan thought. “We both enjoy our work.”

“Tell us about this investigation.”

“Basically, we’re looking for two men who came into Alfred and Charisse’s loft, tied them up, broke into the safe, stole a large amount of cash and jewelry, and made off with the dresses.”

Jea

“There was no sign of forced entry,” Regan answered.

“I’m always losing my keys,” Alfred confessed dramatically.

Regan became convinced Alfred would do anything to get camera time.

“Gotta be careful about that, folks,” Patrick warned. “See what can happen when you lose your keys.”

“Change your locks!” Jea

“Poor Charisse was terrified,” Alfred answered.

Patrick looked down at his notes. “Three other brides were affected by this crime. Tracy Timber…”

Regan cringed.

“Victoria Beardsley, and Shauna Nickles. Where are they this morning? I’m sure they have interesting stories.”