Driftfeather on the Alaska Seas by Marianne Schlegelmilch

Author:Marianne Schlegelmilch
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781594333194
Publisher: Publication Consultants

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Stu’s Memorial

Stu’s memorial ended up being held two weeks later just as planned, with a larger-than-expected crowd gathered at the bar for the Saturday afternoon event. Mara listened as more than one old codger raised a glass to the old fisherman, many citing instances where Stu had lent them a hand while out at sea, and with most mentioning that they wondered where he had gone after retiring several years ago.

“If it hadn’t been for ole Stu towin’ me away from shore, I woulda lost my seiner and the biggest catch o’ the year after that storm,” one old guy, who called himself Dickie, said.

“Well, sure as ole Stu could drink any man under the table, he could sober up faster’n an eagle snatchin’ a fish if ya needed help,” another said.

“Never knew he was even sick. Thought he moved north or somethin’,” a third person said.

All in all, it looked like Stu had left a better footprint on the earth than she—or even his own brother, Joe—had given him credit for, even though she could hardly contain her disgust at the rambling, phony tribute that Lessis gave.

“Many of you here know me from my role as your police officer,” Lessis began, “and I believe most of you would agree that I was fair …”

Mara slid away from the ceremony, ducking into the restroom to escape Lessis’s self-tribute. Maybe, if she were lucky, he would be done when she returned, but unfortunately, he was just getting around to talking about Stu when she got back.

“Stu and I were friends. I think most everyone here knew that. Why, there wasn’t a thing I wouldn’t do for the old man if he asked me, although I mostly kept those good deeds to myself.”

Mara rolled her eyes and shifted uncomfortably in her chair.

“It stands to reason that that was the very reason he came to me for help when the cancer first started to rear its ugly head. Though I don’t wanna brag, it was me that got Stu lined up for his trip south, me that set up the trust for his dear daughter, Della—hello Della, darlin’ sure happy you could make it here today—and me who kept word about all the goin’s-on quiet so ole Stu could retain the privacy he valued so much.”

As Lessis continued rambling on about his pivotal role in Stu’s life, Della dabbed at her eyes with a tissue, while Sal brought more than one beer back to the table for herself and Joe. By the time it was Joe’s turn to speak, darkness had descended on Juneau and people were beginning to filter out of the bar.

“I just want to tell you all thanks for comin’ here today and thanks for honorin’ Stu,” Joe said, when it was his turn to talk.

Pausing for several seconds as if to think, Joe finished by saying, “I guess that’s it. That’s all I got to say.” Then he sat down, took a long swig of his beer, stood again, helped Della then Sal up from their chairs, gave Mara a nod, and shuffled out of the bar.

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