Deep Six - Chapter 12

Sam McRae Mystery #4

CHAPTER TWELVE

The memorial was simple. A couple of people who had worked or volunteered with Linda gave eulogies. Although I knew Linda had given a lot of time to the environmental movement, listening to the details from people who had worked closely with her made me sorry that I hadn’t shared her enthusiasm. While it’s customary to say only the nicest things about people after they die, I didn’t think Linda’s goodness was being oversold. I managed to get through the service without losing it, primarily by distracting myself with random thoughts—bar stools, bed sheets, backgammon—but, though I remained outwardly composed, inside I felt empty and regretful over the opportunities I had missed to spend time with her.

The front rows were allowed to empty first. When I saw Del Vecchio rushing for the door, I assumed it was because he had to reach another engagement. But when I reached the lobby, he was in the midst of an impromptu press conference for two local reporters and their camera crews. Cheryl and Ariel were standing nearby.

That tasteless stunt left me cold, and I don’t think I was the only one who felt that way. People glanced at the scene, muttering as they passed. I wondered what they’d think if they’d seen the photo I had.