Black Heart : Arrival (Black Heart Series, Book 2) by Jay Allan Storey

Author:Jay Allan Storey [Storey, Jay Allan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Mystery
Publisher: Non Sequitur Publishing
Published: 2020-01-19T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Desmond's Funeral

A few days later, Desmond’s funeral was held at the Solis Cathedral. Trudy’s family had contacted Joanna, but the old woman hadn’t shown any interest in attending. Desmond had been one of Matt Barnard’s first protégés, and was one of the Barnards’ closest family friends. As much of a recluse as Joanna had become, Trudy was still shocked that her grandmother would miss marking the passing of Desmond’s life.

Trudy had spent an excruciating time back at school, shunned by all but her closest classmates. There had been no sign of Logan, and she had mixed feelings as she learned he’d been assigned to a week-long work project on the surface.

Trudy entered the Solis Cathedral with her parents and they headed for a row of seats reserved for them at the front. The other attendees, dressed in black, turned as one to note the Barnards’ arrival. A few stared at Trudy with undisguised contempt. She noticed Brad and several of her other tormentors from school in the audience. She looked away and avoided eye contact with them. An organ played a sombre dirge in the background.

Desmond’s coffin was on display at the front of the cathedral. Trudy had no interest in viewing it, the image that had confronted her as she drew back the sheet in front of Desmond’s apartment still etched in her brain.

The team from Mission Control was seated in the front rows across the aisle. As Trudy and her family took their seats Abby turned and noticed them. She nudged the woman beside her, and soon every set of eyes were glaring at Trudy. Her father stared at the ground, as if he was ashamed to be seen with her, which he probably was.

Trudy felt sorry for him. Arthur Barnard had never been a popular leader. People called him weak and indecisive, depending on advisers like Calvin Pressler to make difficult decisions, and the accusation persisted that he’d been elected Master Foreman largely on his pedigree. He’d worked hard to win the people’s confidence, and now with one simple act, Trudy had blown all that away.

The funeral was sad. Trudy ventured another glance over at the Mission Control team, and was surprised to see Janice Crimp wiping away a tear. Trudy herself was devastated. The thought arose that Desmond had abandoned her — then she felt ashamed at her own selfish attitude. And she was still haunted by the suspicion that Desmond’s death hadn’t been from natural causes.

Desmond’s coffin was carried away by a group of pall-bearers. As was required for all deceased in the Station, the body would be cremated, and the ashes added to the mixture of elements used to fertilize the crops on Level Two.

Once again Trudy felt like crying, but she steeled herself. She cast around, hoping to see Logan.

There was no sign of him anywhere.

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