Chapter 51: The Wedding
Frank was to act as bait. As soon as the shapeshifter appeared, ready to attack, Dean would seize the opportunity to ambush and eliminate it. The plan was simple and direct, but effective. As the saying goes, it doesn't matter if the cat is black or white, as long as it catches mice.
Thus, Frank and Dean needed to operate separately. Frank had to be alone to give the shapeshifter a chance to strike.
After Dean left, Frank headed to Sheila's house. The shapeshifter had impersonated Officer Eddie to try to kill him, so Sheila's home might also be at risk.
"Frank! I can leave the house now. I went outside!" Sheila exclaimed as Frank entered, rushing to hug him.
"What happened to your face?" Frank immediately noticed the swelling on Sheila's left cheek.
"That jerk hit my mom! If he dares come back, I'll kill him!" Karen fumed from the living room, where several freshly sharpened kitchen knives lay on the table, their blades glinting under the lights.
After calming Sheila, Frank learned about the previous night's visit from "Officer Eddie." It was certainly the shapeshifter. Frank realized from the timeline that it had gone to Sheila's before it came for him.
This realization sent a shiver down his spine. Had the shapeshifter intended to harm Sheila and Karen, they wouldn't have survived.
Fortunately, the fact that the shapeshifter hadn't harmed them indicated it was only after Frank. Sheila and Karen were safe for now.
"Forget about Eddie, Frank. Did you know? I went outside yesterday, which means I can attend today's wedding! Look at the dress I made!" Sheila excitedly displayed a floral dress.
"It's beautiful," Frank complimented.
"Now, stop frowning. You'll get wrinkles. If I see him again, I'll teach him a lesson," Frank assured Karen, sitting beside her and ruffling her hair.
"But it's so frustrating. He never hit anyone before, yet he hit Mom," Karen said, leaning on Frank's shoulder.
"Today, we're all going to a wedding. Let's not dwell on unpleasant things. Today will be perfect—wonderful, safe, and sunny. I can almost hear the church bells," Sheila said.
"Oh, I made something for you too. Try it on," Sheila urged, pulling Frank up.
By noon, Lip arrived at Sheila's house, dressed in a suit.
"Hmm? You're here," Lip said upon seeing Frank.
"My eldest son, you look handsome. You should wear suits more often," Frank remarked, admiring Lip.
"Is Lip here?" Karen asked, descending the stairs in a stunning black dress.
"Wow, you look amazing," Lip said, impressed.
"Wait for me, I'm ready too," Sheila said excitedly.
"Sheila, you're coming too?" Lip asked, surprised.
"I was able to leave the house yesterday, so I can today too," Sheila said.
"I've got my wallet, gifts, gloves, serotonin reuptake inhibitor, monoamine oxidase inhibitor, and my anti-anxiety disco biscuits. I'm prepared for anything."
"I managed to go out yesterday, so today will be fine too!" Sheila encouraged herself, looking at her bag of medications.
However, when she grasped the doorknob and pulled the door open, she froze, breathing heavily, and her body trembled slightly.
"Maybe you should stay, Mom. We'll bring you back some cake," Karen suggested.
"Thank you, sweetheart. I just remembered I have so much to do," Sheila said, closing the door and handing Karen the gift.
"It's okay, there are other ways to attend the wedding—like live streaming. We can keep a video call going," Frank suggested.
"Yes, a video call! Why didn't I think of that?" Sheila and Karen brightened at the idea.
Thanks to her recent experience with live streaming, Sheila was familiar with video calls and comfortable setting it up.
Frank, Karen, and Lip left the house, with Karen holding the phone for the video call. Sheila stayed home, her eyes glued to the computer screen, her hands clenched with excitement—an unconventional way of attending the wedding.
"Thank you, Frank," Karen whispered as they walked.
"What about Veronica's brother?" Frank asked Lip.
"Fiona and the others locked him in the bathroom. No worries about him causing trouble," Lip replied.
"Good," Frank nodded.
While speaking, Frank kept a vigilant eye on their surroundings, wary of the shapeshifter's potential attack.
Although John had mentioned that shapeshifters avoid drawing attention and wouldn't attack in public, Frank remained cautious.
They arrived at the Alibi Bar. The wedding wasn't in a church but at the bar. Kevin and Veronica were unconventional and, since this was a fake wedding, going to a church would cost money. The bar was free, saving on venue costs.
The bar was packed with people, many regulars, all there to celebrate with Kevin and Veronica. Fiona and others were present too.
Frank scanned the crowd, alert to the possibility that the shapeshifter could have taken on someone else's appearance to blend in.
"Hey, Frank. I ran into Officer Eddie today. He's looking for you. I heard about the Purity Ball incident and sent him away. He seemed off. Be careful and avoid him," Kevin whispered, pulling Frank aside.
"I know, thanks," Frank said, his heart racing. The shapeshifter wasn't done with him yet.
However, Kevin's information suggested the shapeshifter was still using Eddie's form, which was somewhat reassuring.
"May the trivialities of daily life not burden you with endless anxiety. May the pursuit of wealth not dominate your life. May your heart always strive for the original vision of living carefree in paradise. Amen!" the priest said.
Though the wedding wasn't in a church, a priest was still needed to officiate.
"Amen!" the crowd echoed.
"You may kiss your bride now!" the priest announced with a smile.
As Kevin and Veronica embraced, the bar erupted in cheers and laughter.