No Joke by Bill Noel

Author:Bill Noel [Noel, Bill]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Enigma House Press

Chapter Twenty-Three

I called Theo late that afternoon to see how he and his houseguests were doing.

His voice cracked as he spoke, yet insisted he was okay. He shared that, earlier in the afternoon, Pete had taken Wallace to the funeral home in Charleston to make arrangements once Ray’s body was released from the coroner’s office.

I asked if he’d heard anything from the police. He said that Detective Callahan had returned to ask more questions, saying that they were “routine” and to “follow up” from his middle of the night visit. I doubted there was anything routine about them. Theo was still traumatized, so I didn’t share my thoughts. Callahan hadn’t said anything new about what the coroner found, although he told Theo that he was still investigating the death.

“Has Wallace said anything about funeral plans?”

Theo hesitated before saying, “He’s the only family they have left, and Ray didn’t have close friends. His son wanted to be cremated with no funeral. Wallace tried to make a joke out of it by saying that they would be able to carry Ray’s ashes to gigs. To be honest, I’m not sure it’d been discussed and would venture to guess the decision was because Wallace didn’t have money for a funeral.”

“You still think they’re broke?”

“Wallace asked if I could lend him the money for the funeral home. He fabricated some far-flung story about CDs not maturing until November. I gave him my credit card.”

“You don’t believe him?”

“I know broke when I see it. Besides, Wallace first said his CDs were maturing in June, changed it to early next year, now November. I can’t tell if he thinks I don’t remember what he told me, or if he doesn’t remember.”

“How’s he taking the death?”

“Don’t know. He’d been in his room until he left with Pete.”

“Is he still getting confused?”

“I suppose.”

“What’s that mean?”

“I hate to say anything, because I don’t know him like his pals do. Like I mentioned before, it seems his confusion comes at the most opportune times.”

“You still think he’s faking it?”

“Honest to God, I don’t know. Something doesn’t feel right about it. Again, I don’t know him enough to tell.”

Have you asked Sal?”

“I tried. He kept changing the subject.”

“Are they sticking to the story that no one saw what happened?”

“Funny thing is, none of them are saying anything. They’re acting like nothing happened.”

“They could be in shock.”

“I know I am. I don’t know what to say or do around them. I’m sick about what happened, yet, well, I’m sick.”

Theo was leaving words on the table, so in the spirit of Charles, I said, “What aren’t you saying?”

“I hate saying this. I don’t know how much longer I’ll be able to stand company. Sal’s my brother, but we’re not close. I’ve gotten comfortable being in the house by myself.”

“I understand and feel the same way. Have they said anything about leaving?”

“Nothing. My gut says they don’t intend to go anywhere. They haven’t mentioned scheduled appearances outside the area. With the tragic death of Ray, this wasn’t time to broach the subject.

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