A Dose of Murder: Big Pharma Series by Lotus James

Author:Lotus James [James, Lotus]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Life Garden Publishing Inc.
Published: 2022-06-29T16:00:00+00:00

36 – Closed Casket

Everything seemed surreal as they entered the funeral home. Close family members were directed to the viewing or room or visitation area. They were asked to arrive an hour before visitation actually began. Reverend McAllister was present along with Jack’s parents, brother, Sarah, the children, and Haley’s entourage. At first Haley’s gaze was fixated on the closed casket with its copper colored finish. She walked toward it and placed her right hand on top of it, leaving it there for a few moments. It just felt like a cold, fancy rectangular box. What was inside? Where was Jack — the real man she knew — his spirit and essence?

Uncle Mike held her lightly by the right arm and stood silent beside her as she traced the gold cross emblazoned on the coffin with her finger. She turned and looked at him. “This just does not seem real. Can we sit down for a moment?”

Uncle Mike, sensing that Haley might even faint, held her more firmly now and directed her to a small couch at the side of the room. He continued to stand in front of her while Sonya and aunt Molly sat with Haley, flanking each of her sides. Haley took her aunt’s hand on one side and her cousin’s on the other. “I hope this waterproof mascara really works,” she half laughed.

“No worries today, Haley. No one expects anything of you,”

Haley thought about how important her aunt was to her. She had been with her through so many pivotal things in life. Molly had immediately come to Haley’s rescue when her mother had overdosed and died, taking her in as her own. She had shopped for prom and homecoming dresses with her, and filled out college admissions forms alongside her. This woman had been a real rock to her.

“Thank you, you’re always here for me Aunt Molly.”

Other than greeting and hugging Haley when she arrived, Jack’s family had held back giving Haley some space while she stood at the casket and now sat with her birth relatives. Finally, Sarah and Mrs. Foster walked over to approach her. Mrs. Foster spoke first.

“Miss Haley, you are the finest daughter in law I could ever have wished for. I am so glad Jack had the good sense to court you and very glad you chose my son. We are all gonna miss him like crazy.”

“Oh, Mama Foster. You are everything I could ever want in a mom in law. I know you’ve only met my aunt and uncle once at the wedding. This is my Aunt Molly and Uncle Mike. And this is my cousin, Sonya. Mr. & Mrs. Foster shook hands with them.

Uncle Mike spoke first. “I cannot tell you how sad we are to meet you again on this occasion. Jack was a real blessing.” Aunt Molly nodded in agreement.

Joe Foster looked down at the swirly patterned carpet on the floor, then nodded at them thankfully.

“Thank you and we are glad you came. I do remember you from the wedding,” Sharon Foster noted.

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