Now there was a video. It was dated twenty-two minutes ago. The location, listed in the upper right-hand corner, read simply FRENCH POLYNESIA.
Sutton hit the play button.
Peter Bennett appeared. He wore a long unkempt beard. He smiled for the camera.
“I’m alive, Battlers,” he announced, smiling big for the camera, “and now that you know the truth, I’m coming home.”
Sutton’s phone rang in her hand. The video disappeared. She took the phone back and moved away, holding the phone to her ear. “I just saw it,” she said excitedly to whoever was on the other end. “I know, incredible, right? He’s alive!”
Matthew looked down at Wilde. “What do you think?”
“About?”
“Were the fan boards right? Was Peter behind it all the time?”
Wilde told the truth. “I don’t know. Maybe.”
Matthew looked over at Hester. Hester shrugged.
“But since you’re here,” Wilde said, his nerves returning, “I want to ask you both something.”
Matthew moved closer. Hester sat up.
“What’s up?” she asked.
“Do I have your permission to ask Laila to marry me?”
Hester and Matthew both smiled. Hester said, “You need our permission?”
“And your blessing,” Wilde said. “I’m old-fashioned that way.”