First Call by Janice J. Richardson

Author:Janice J. Richardson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: funeral director funeral home Niagara Falls
Publisher: Janice J. Richardson
Published: 2017-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

8

Jennifer signed in at the arena’s main desk and went immediately to the family room. Chaplain Regina Salinas stood at the door with a family. Jennifer nodded an acknowledgment and mouthed the word “later”. She started to walk to the arena but felt her anxiety rise with each step. Stopping, she took a few deep breaths. She had to face it, not just today, but every day from now on.

Nearly half the ice surface was covered with bodies. She looked at a family staring into an open body bag, a corporal standing respectfully nearby. A transfer team came through the back entrance wheeling a stretcher. She abruptly turned and went back the way she came.

As she stood outside the arena away from the cold surface where the bodies lay, Captain Barry walked toward her.

“There you are,” he said quietly. “Let’s have a sit-down, shall we?” He didn’t wait for a response. He led her straight to the deserted canteen.

Over a muffin and coffee, he apologized for not being available the night before. Jennifer didn’t respond as he continued.

“This is a secure facility. No one should be able to get in without authorization. The night patrol had been seconded to assist the police with the roving gangs. It left us short-staffed. From now on, even family members will be required to sign in.” He shifted his weight a bit in the chair while still maintaining his straight posture. Jennifer waited while he gathered his thoughts.

“As of today, everyone will have an escort to and from the parking lot. I’m so sorry about the young man’s death.”

“Did someone break into the compound?” she asked. She didn’t add to kill Drew but it flashed across her brain like a beacon, causing her stomach to clench.

He shook his head. “We don’t think so. The police are working with us, of course, but we also have to do an independent investigation. How well do you know the funeral and transfer staff?”

“I know some of them, most of the group last night I know. Why?”

“It seems to have been someone authorized to be here, military or funeral personnel.”

Jennifer nodded. It would only be a minor nuisance to sign in. But if that policy had been in place yesterday, Drew might still be alive.

As they finished their coffee, more people entered the canteen. Rising, the Captain asked her to accompany him to his office. Picking up their dishes and placing them on the counter, she followed him past the arena. An eerie silence confronted them. She closed her eyes, not wanting to see the ice surface again.

Not soon enough, she sat across from him in his office.

“I received the schedule you sent with the full contingent of staff in the preparation room. At our present rate of growth, we’ll be at capacity in the next day or so. Is it possible to encourage families to consider cremation? I understand many would prefer burial, it’s traditional in this region as opposed perhaps to a metropolitan area, but it might help allay the potential overload.

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