The Body in the Buick: A Jazzi Zanders Mystery Book 8 by Judi Lynn

Author:Judi Lynn [Lynn, Judi]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-12-21T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 21

On Wednesday after lunch, Eli closed the garage for Vince’s funeral. Gaff came to pick up Jazzi to go with him. She’d taken gray dress slacks and a black sweater to change into from her work jeans and flannel shirt. Gaff was in black dress pants and a gray jacket. They looked like they’d called each other to coordinate their outfits.

There were a lot of cars in the funeral home’s parking lot. Stepping into the foyer, subdued colors surrounded them—beige walls dotted with paintings of landscapes, soft green easy chairs, a white table with flowers and pamphlets, and a restful green carpet. A greeter waited to shake their hands. He motioned to the room on the left. Couches and armchairs lined its walls, and rows of chairs filled the front of the long room. After signing their names in the visitors’ book, they saw Jessie with her son and daughter standing near the back of the room, as far away from Vince’s sister and her family at the front, near the casket, as they could get. They stood in line to give their condolences.

Jessie smiled when she saw them, but dark circles rimmed her eyes, and she looked thinner. “Thanks for coming,” she said.

“How have you been doing, all right?” Gaff studied her, looking concerned.

“As good as can be expected. The kids have been great.” She turned to give them proper credit. “And thanks for calling to tell me about Vince’s motorcycle. It was nice to be forewarned. Jake came up to me today to ask if I was selling the Buick, let me know I couldn’t get full price for it since Vince’s body had been in the trunk.”

Jazzi ground her teeth. Glancing around the room, she spotted Jake and darted dirty looks at him. “He doesn’t mind sinking really low, does he?”

Jessie followed her gaze. “And Vince went out of his way to help him get a good start at the garage.”

“We heard. Your husband was a nice man.” Gaff’s attention turned to Jake, too. Feeling their stares, Jake turned, saw them, and said quick goodbyes to his fellow mechanics before leaving. Eli looked surprised, but Gerard just shook his head. They watched him stalk out of the building.

Jessie raised an eyebrow. “He was supposed to be one of the pallbearers.”

But Eli hurried toward them. “No worries. Randy said he’d take Jake’s place.”

“Thank you.”

Eli patted her arm. “Anything for you.” He nodded to Jazzi and Gaff. “The guys and I took up a collection and have a buffet set up here once the graveside service is done. You’re welcome to come.”

Gaff shook his head. “I have to get back to the station, but thanks.”

Eli lifted his brows at Jazzi. She shook her head, too. “Gaff’s giving me a ride back to the job site, and your men will be happier without us.”

With a rueful smile, he had to agree. “I’d better get back to them, but don’t worry about Jake leaving, Jessie.”

A few people started to leave before the visitation hour ended and the funeral started.

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