End of Story by Craig Elizabeth Spann

Author:Craig Elizabeth Spann
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Elizabeth Spann Craig
Published: 2023-07-25T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

The next day passed quietly by. I helped Holly make a few follow-up phone calls to finalize the memorial plans. Grayson and I greeted Holly’s parents when they arrived, and they gave me a warm hug and thanked me for being there for Holly.

Then the morning of the memorial service was upon us. Holly had outlawed wearing black, instead encouraging everyone to wear cheerful colors, making it clear we were indeed celebrating Frank’s life. The funeral home was decorated with an array of cheerful flowers. There were several smiling photos of Frank; Frank with family, with friends, and even one of him investigating a site. Several friends gave readings from favorite books and poetry, and a guitarist played one of Frank’s favorite songs. The service really engendered a connection with Frank’s legacy . . . such a connection that it almost felt as if he were there with us.

Lindy Baker was there, sitting with the family and looking pale and tired. I saw her give a faint, reminiscent smile a couple of times during the service.

Holly had noticed Carl Hopkins, Frank’s dental partner, was there shortly before the service started. He looked a little uncomfortable about being there as the service was wrapping up. He was someone I definitely wanted to talk to, and I wasn’t sure I was going to have another opportunity. Plus, Holly was going to be swamped with people wanting to extend their condolences. I was worried Carl might try to slip out the door without speaking to anyone. I made it my mission to make sure that didn’t happen.

When I murmured my plan to Grayson, he glanced across the room at Carl, and then nodded at me. I smiled. Grayson had an excellent way of getting people to talk to him. It must have been a reporter’s instinct. Or maybe it was just his outgoing personality and the fact that people liked him.

Sure enough, it looked as if Carl was working his way to the exit, through the throng of people. I hurried to catch up with him, Grayson right behind me.

I wasn’t entirely sure what my plan was or how to stop the train that was Carl Hopkins. He seemed determined to make it to his car. I hoped Grayson had a good idea because otherwise, the two of us were going to look a little crazy.

Fortunately for us, Carl was in such a hurry that he stumbled down the short flight of stairs, taking a tumble to the ground. His face was stormy.

“Need a hand?” asked Grayson smoothly.

Carl looked up at him, bemusedly. “What? Oh. No, I’m all right.”

But when he tried to stand up, his ankle didn’t cooperate. Carl cursed under his breath. “Must have twisted the stupid thing.”

“Do you need us to drive you to an urgent care?” I asked.

Carl irritably shook his head. “No, I just need to rest it for a minute. Of all the luck.”

Grayson urged, “Let us help you to that bench over there.”

Reluctantly, Carl allowed Grayson to heave him up and help him over to the bench.

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