One of Six (Den Hollows #1)

23. Beatrice

23

BEATRICE

Today, of all days, we had breakfast with Richard, David, and Judge. The memorial service starts early, and we all travel together. Lucky me! Evelyn is nervous and watches closely.

I'd wanted Evelyn to travel the short distance with us, but Judge had vetoed that. Very strongly. She's worked for my parents since I was born, so she should be with me.

It's a silent affair because I refuse to talk. I'm also tired from lack of sleep. I wish I'd had Essex with me last night. Maybe sleep wouldn't have been so hard to come by.

Judge clears his throat; my eyes go to him. Richard frowns and David glances in my direction.

"Girl," Judge says. "You better behave yourself today. Your father needs you there for him."

Fury coils in my blood and my fists clench on the table. "Today is about Mom! How dare you make it about her killer!" I hiss.

David is as quick as a snake, catching Judge's hand before he can punch me in the face.

"Calm down," David snaps. "Get today over with and everyone can move on."

"Don't lay a hand on me again, son. You will regret it," Judge tells David in a voice that means business.

The tension in the room is thick and heavy, and Richard breaks it. "The car is here." He looks at me. "I thought we'd get there early so you can spend time with your mom?"

Why is he so thoughtful all of a sudden?

Standing, I run a hand over my tightly pinned hair, which is tied in a bun at the nape of my neck. My makeup is very light, with just a hint of pale pink lipstick.

Judge opens the front door, and we follow him out. I stop when I see Jason talking to Judge. David runs into me and catches me before I fall forward. "Judge's doing," he says under his breath as he walks past.

The car is the traditional three-row funeral car. Judge slides in the back and Richard in the middle. Jason waits for me to slide in the middle, but as soon as David slides in next to Judge, I push him over and slide in next to him. Jason gives me a surprised look before sitting next to Richard.

David smiles and moves over a bit to give me more room. Richard turns and stares at me, but I pretend not to notice. Judge and David mutter quietly as we drive the short distance through town. The large funeral home sits on a large corner lot with plenty of parking. There will be a sixty-minute viewing followed by a small service at Mama's church.

The front of the funeral home looks like a large plantation house, with columns and a large front porch. As we pull up, I feel a wave of sadness wash over me, knowing that this is the final goodbye to Mama. I take a deep breath and gather my strength before getting out of the car. Jason takes my arm and holds on tight. "Be quiet, Beatrice. I'm trying to support you!"

"I don't want your support," I snap.

"For God's sake!" David hisses. "Jason, get your hands off her." To Judge. "Dad, I told you this was a bad idea. Beatrice has enough shit to deal with today without that asshole manhandling her."

Shocked, I stare at David and allow him to accompany me into the funeral home. "I'll hold them off for ten minutes while you pay your respects to your mom in private."

I don't know what's going on with David today, but I hope it continues. It would be nice to have a family member in my corner for once.

I don't want to see Mom all laid out, but at the same time I don't want to regret not doing it. Grateful for David's unexpected support, I quickly make my way to the Magnolia Room. The scent of lilies and soft music fill the room as I approach Mom's coffin and I feel a wave of sadness wash over me. I take a deep breath and prepare to say my final goodbye. Nerves get the better of me and I tremble as I look down at my mom. Her peaceful face, forever frozen in time. My shoulders shake as I burst into tears. "I'm so sorry I didn't help you," I sob through the words.

A door opens and closes, but I ignore it. I feel someone standing next to me and then an arm comes around me. His scent. I gasp and look into a pair of beautiful green eyes. I cry out and throw myself into Essex's arms. He holds me tight as I sob against him. I never want to let go, knowing that he is there for me.

I finally calm down and ask, "How did you get here?"

He kisses my forehead as I wipe my face. "We're all here. Mom and my brothers. Daisy and her husband Scott. Evelyn, of course. A few others from Den Hollows. We're here for you, Bea."

Sniffing into a handkerchief, I say, "Thank you. Will you make sure everyone knows how much this means to me?"

"I will. I must sneak out before anyone sees me. That's the last thing you need today."

"How did you get in anyway?"

"I went to school with Gordy. His dad owns this place."

I nod and enjoy another hug. I take Essex's hand and turn to the coffin. "Mom, I want you to meet the man I love."

Essex gasps and squeezes my hand tightly, a tear running down his cheek. "Hello, Mrs. Lincoln. I promise to take good care of your daughter." To me he says, "I love you too, Mermaid Girl." He kisses me on the lips and leaves me to sneak out the exit at the back of the room.

I turn back to my mother and say, "I'm going to marry that man one day.” Afraid to touch her, I blow her a kiss instead. "I'll always love you, Mom."

Just before I reach the door, David enters. He pauses, then gently takes my arm, and leads me back to Mama.

"No matter what you think, I loved your mama, Beatrice.”

I look at the man.

"Open your purse," he says.

"Why?"

"Quickly, before others enter."

I frown and do as he asks. He takes a white envelope from his jacket and slides it into my purse. He closes the clasp for me. "Wait till you get home to read it."

I gasp in surprise. "It's Mom's favorite stationery."

He nods. "I found the envelope addressed to you in her study. I hid it before Dad and Richard saw it." He holds my gaze. "I've done bad things, Beatrice, and I expect to spend the rest of my life paying for my sins." He swallows hard. "I promise you; I will not let your mother's death go unpunished. I just need time."

I look at him warily. "Why should I believe you?"

"I never gave you a reason to. Actions speak louder than words anyway. Just be careful with Richard. He's angry about something and I have no idea what."

"He usually talks to you."

David shakes his head. "Not this time. Be careful."

I nod slowly, feeling a sense of unease settle in the pit of my stomach. David's words linger in the air as I turn and leave, not sure what to make of his warning about Richard, who I already know is dangerous. I know I must proceed with caution, but I can't shake the feeling that this time might be different.

I take a seat up front and continue to ignore everyone. None of these people really liked my family. At that thought, I turn my head and immediately find Essex and his brothers. They are staring forward, and I know they are watching me. Maggie Redd gives me a subtle nod. She is sitting next to Evelyn, who is crying quietly into a handkerchief. Daisy and her husband, Scott, sit behind the Redds.

My eyes are on Evelyn. David sits next to me and follows my gaze. He sighs. "Give me a minute."

To my surprise, he walks over to Evelyn and gently takes her arm, bringing her to sit beside me. He sits on her other side and winces when Judge appears, none too happy.

Richard looks at me and clenches his jaw. As he sits down, he says, "You are being immature.”

"She's family. What do you think the townspeople will say if she's not with us?"

"That's not the point!" he snaps. "Not only that, but people from Den Hollows are here! They have no right."

"Everyone has the right to pay their respects." I feel a gentle hand on my shoulder and find Violet sitting behind me. Tears hover in my eyes, and Violet stands and pulls me to my feet as we embrace. My eyes wander over her shoulder to Essex, his gaze on mine.

"I'm glad you're here," I tell my friend.

"Where else would I be?" Violet wipes her own eyes. "Gorgeous, huh?" she whispers, her eyes darting to the side.

I'm grateful for Violet and her teasing. It's what I need.

"Beatrice, sit down," Richard says.

I roll my eyes. "I'll talk to you later."

As I take my seat, Richard asks, "You wouldn't happen to know the name of your mother's lawyer, would you?" He holds my gaze, anger in the tic at the corner of his mouth.

"Why should I know? Isn't it the same one as you?"

"I thought so," he mumbles and sits up, his back ramrod straight.

I rub my eyebrows, wondering what kind of mess AJ Hitchcock is going to unveil after the funeral.