| Mystery and Crime Fiction posted March 14, 2025 | Chapters: |
-1- 2 
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An Invitation
A chapter in the book Emerald Isle
Emerald Isle
by Begin Again
FELLOW AUTHORS
WILL YOU COME OUT AND PLAY?
We are starting another multi-author story and are looking for other writers to join the fun. If you are interested, please read the first chapter below and then message me so I can assign you your chapter. Lori will be writing chapter 2. I hope you are looking to be creative with us and will join in the fun.
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CHAPTER 1
The seaplane glided over turquoise waters, the sun catching the surface like scattered diamonds. Lush green hills rose in the distance, framing a picture-perfect private resort—secluded, luxurious, and exclusive. As the plane descended toward the island, excitement buzzed among the nine passengers — strangers, with an invitation to a week in paradise.
The seaplane glided over turquoise waters, the sun catching the surface like scattered diamonds. Lush green hills rose in the distance, framing a picture-perfect private resort—secluded, luxurious, and exclusive. As the plane descended toward the island, excitement buzzed among the nine passengers — strangers, with an invitation to a week in paradise.
You have been chosen for an exclusive luxury retreat on Emerald Isle. We wish you joy on this special occasion. Everything has been arranged for your pleasure.
Enjoy.
Your Host
"This is incredible," Cassidy murmured, squeezing Jake's hand. "I mean — a free honeymoon? We must be the luckiest people on the planet."
Jake stared out the window, muttering, "Maybe, but it feels strange celebrating before the wedding."
Noah Reed, seated across from them, adjusted the cuff of his expensive tailored shirt. "You think a honeymoon is stressful? Try taking over a company division. That's real pressure."
Cassidy rolled her eyes but smirked. "And here I was, thinking we left stress and real life behind."
With an easy confidence, Mark Stanton, older, broad-shouldered, chuckled beside his wife, Olivia. "Well, some of us came for romance, and others, apparently, to talk about work."
He nudged Olivia, who smiled softly. Olivia, reserved yet elegant, took his hand. "Twenty-five years married. I think we deserve a little indulgence."
Noah raised an eyebrow. "Twenty-five years? Now that's a milestone."
Sitting quietly near the window, Eve Carlson ran her fingers along the edge of her boarding pass. "Some of us are here for — different reasons."
She wasn't elaborating, and no one pressed.
The pilot's voice crackled through the speaker. "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Emerald Isle. Beautiful as ever today."
Peter Langston, the oldest of the group, gave a dry chuckle. "Beautiful? I'll take his word for it. Still getting used to retirement — never thought I'd have time for trips like this."
Lori and Larry Benson, a married couple in their forties, exchanged glances. "Time off is good," Larry said with an easy grin. "We could use the break."
Lori added, "Though I admit, I'm curious. The invitation said it was a 'thank you' for what we did, but what exactly did we do?"
That earned a few puzzled looks.
"I thought it was just a promotion gift," Noah said, frowning slightly.
"A fresh start," Eve murmured.
"Or an anniversary present," Olivia added.
Jake leaned forward. "Wait — do any of you know who sent these invites?"
A beat of silence.
The plane touched down, skimming across the waves, and the question was momentarily forgotten as the excitement of the island took over.
*****
A woman in a crisp white sun dress waited on the dock, her expression warm and polished.
"Welcome to Emerald Isle," she said smoothly. "I'm Celeste, your concierge. It's a pleasure to have you."
The group exchanged nods and smiles as they followed her up the winding path through swaying palms and bright tropical flowers. The resort was stunning.
As they stepped into the open-air lobby, their attention was drawn to a long, beautifully set dining table. Wine glasses were already poured, and silverware was gleaming — the kind of perfection that suggested everything had been prepared well in advance.
And yet — there were no other guests.
At the center of the table, a single silver tray held a note. Noah picked it up and read aloud —
Let the celebration begin. While you dine, a question to consider. What brought you here?
The group laughed it off at first.
Mark lifted his glass. "An all-expenses-paid vacation, obviously."
Cassidy clinked her wine against his. "I don't know who sent this, but I'm not questioning it."
But Olivia's gaze drifted to the bottom of the note — a single, handwritten line, slightly smudged.
What do you have in common?
The breeze shifted. The torches flickered as the setting sun, with its brilliant colors, kissed the turquoise sea goodnight.
Thunder rumbled somewhere in the distance. As the night settled in, they all looked at one another, each one questioning who had sent them the invitation and how strangers could have something in common.
The fire flickered in the dark, and Peter raised his glass, whispering, "To tomorrow."
Characters -
Cassidy and Jake - pre-wedding honeymoon
Mark and Olivia Stanton - 25th Anniversary
Noah Reed - single
Eve Carlson - unhappy with a secret
Peter Langston - the oldest in the group
Lori and Lary Benson
Celeste - Concierge
Chef Moreau
Unknown Host
Pays
10 points
and 82 member cents
(and maybe more). Cassidy and Jake - pre-wedding honeymoon
Mark and Olivia Stanton - 25th Anniversary
Noah Reed - single
Eve Carlson - unhappy with a secret
Peter Langston - the oldest in the group
Lori and Lary Benson
Celeste - Concierge
Chef Moreau
Unknown Host
Multi-Author Book
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