Dawn broke over Crescent Isle. The floral arch still stood by the sea, though the white roses were blown awry by the harsh wind. Lily's wedding had ended, but the guests hadn't left, and a police cordon was set up at the pier.
Edwin stood waist-deep in the water, desperately feeling around beneath the surface with his bare hands. "She's right here," he frantically insisted. "She can't swim. I have to find her!"
A police officer stopped him, urging him to get back on shore.
"Why aren't you guys looking?" Edwin demanded. His pant legs were completely soaked, and his arms were covered in bloody scratches from the sharp reef rocks.
Cedric knelt by the edge of the pier, his face ashen. Edwin's parents sat nearby, their legs too weak to stand, while Mom cried uncontrollably. She sobbed, aski
