Justice(79)
“Probably a good idea,” I say.
“And how are you? We haven’t spoken since…the day.”
“I’m fine. I’m coping.”
“And Justin? How is he?”
“Holding up well, considering. You should go over. He’d love to see you.”
“You think? Okay, then.” She squeezes my arm. “If you need anything, please call.”
Yeah, right. “Thank you.”
She walks away, and I plunk myself in the front pew, already exhausted. A few guests walk up to the altar to examine the flowers or put checks in the donation box just underneath the photo. My kind-hearted friend has spent most of his waking hours organizing the “Dr. Rebecca Thornton Pediatric Recovery Wing” where parents and children will have a mini-apartment to stay in if the child needs long-term care. That way they can all be together and maintain a sense of normalcy. Good thing he’s on the hospital board as it cuts through a lot of red tape. There’s going to be a gala fundraiser in two weeks if all goes as planned. The cute doctor that Rebecca tried to set me up with, Jem something, puts his check in. He glances at me, smiling awkwardly and blushing, before rushing away. Probably counting his lucky stars we never got past flirting.
“Mind if I sit for a minute?” a woman asks.
I turn and smile at Grace. “Only if you dare. I am a marked woman.”
“Welcome to the club.” Her sunglasses envelop half her face, a tiny bid for anonymity. They match her black suit with large diamond brooch. “I snuck in through the back. The press hasn’t stopped phoning me since Saturday.”
“I’m surprised you came. It’ll mean a lot to Justin.”
“That’s the only reason I’m here. I almost told my driver to turn around three times.” We sit in silence for a moment as she gazes to the photo. “They were beautiful. All of them. I wish I had met them.”
“You would have gotten along.”
“It’s such a waste, and to die like that.” She pauses again. “He didn’t…um…with the child, did he?”
“No. He smothered her with a pillow. The other two, he burnt alive.”
“How much evil can one man be capable of?” she asks to herself.
“I stopped asking myself that question years ago. Just when you think you know the answer, someone goes and does a thing like this. It makes me want to go and live in a cave.”
“I’m surprised you aren’t in one right now,” Grace says. “I heard he threatened your life. I’d be halfway around the world if I were you.”
“Doing what’s in my best interest has never been my strong suit.” I pause. “You have just as much reason to be afraid today as I do.”
She looks down at the floor. “Not really. It would seem James has a new obsession to occupy him now. I don’t envy you.”
For some reason the word “obsession” grips my attention. “Why do you assume he’s obsessed with me?”
Before she can answer, Justin and Lucy approach. Grace and I stand. “Hello, Grace,” Justin says, hugging her tiny body. “Thank you so much for coming.”
“How could I not? You were so wonderful to me after everything. This is the least I can do. I’m just sorry I never got to meet them. I’ve heard nothing but lovely sentiments.”
“How are you doing?” Justin asks.
“Isn’t that my line?” We all smile. “I’m fine, Justin. I am so sorry, though. I know what you’re going through. It’s complete and utter hell. If you need to talk…”
“Thank you, Grace.”
She kisses his cheek, nods at Lucy, and walks off to find a seat. The reverend starts preparing for the sermon at the pulpit so the guests begin sitting, as do we. The bodyguards sit behind us and when I glance back, I spot Harry a few pews behind with Cam next to him. My stomach clenches. I haven’t seen or spoken to Harry since Saturday. I’ve wanted to, and have actually picked up the phone, but just couldn’t dial. No idea what to say, I guess. Both he and Cam smile sympathetically and nod. I do the same.
“We are here today,” Reverend Matthews begins, “to mourn the passing of three young souls who were ripped from our lives too soon. Marnie, Rebecca, and Daisy Thornton were new to our city, but judging from the sheer number of you here, I can say that they have made their impact, and that we are all better for having had them here.”
Reverend Matthews continues on, showcasing their accomplishments mixed with bible verses. Behind me, people sniffle or weep. This is only the third funeral I’ve ever attended. Mom’s was merely a formality. Quick and painless. But Pop’s…it was small, only about ten people showed. Uncle Ray and Pop’s boss Dominic gave eulogies, but they could barely be heard over Mom’s sobs. She hadn’t stopped crying since the police came to our door. Four days of her crying and I was in shock. I’m the one who planned it. She couldn’t even decide which suit to bury him in. I didn’t cry once, not until I was alone in my room that night. Everyone had gone home, Mom was passed out in her bedroom, and I felt completely and utterly alone in every sense of the word. The unfairness of it all was crippling me. A girl shouldn’t know the world is a shithole with no chance of it ever improving at age twelve. My heroes were gone, leaving me with nothing but misery on the horizon.