Better Off Dead by Jack Patterson

Author:Jack Patterson [Patterson, Jack]
Language: eng
Format: epub
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ISBN: 9781938848339
Publisher: Hangman Books
Published: 2014-06-19T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 23

CAL SLIPPED OUT EARLY to go to Seaside Cemetery alone. The early morning sun glistened off the bay as a brisk wind whipped through the grounds. Cal was glad he wore his shades and a stocking cap, partially because of the weather but also to serve as a disguise. He didn’t want to detract from the memorial service for Aaron Banks. And while he wouldn’t be the one causing a commotion, Charles Robinson might if he saw Cal.

Despite the private nature of the service, Cal estimated there were at least 300 chairs set out, most of which were already taken once he arrived. To accommodate the crowd, the service was held in another portion of the grounds, apart from the burial site. Mrs. Banks sat on the front row, decked out in standard black attire, including a lace veil attached to the front of her large black hat. Not a word had been uttered and she was already dabbing her tears, crying softly. Aaron Banks’ titanium casket remained closed. Cal knew his body wasn’t inside, but it was still a sobering visual. It didn’t seem fair to Cal that a few poor choices led to Banks’ sudden demise. If that’s all it took to end up six feet under, Cal would have been there long ago.

Cal scanned the crowd for Robinson and noticed him almost immediately. Robinson always carried a billionaire’s entourage with him. His included a flakey blonde assistant in her 20s—someone too young to have grown tired of the pompous codger—along with a late-30s yes man and two other team officials. It would be easy to avoid him now.

At eleven o’clock, the funeral grounds chapel chimed, marking the beginning of the service. It dragged on with frequent interruptions from Mrs. Banks’ wailing along with other young women who just couldn’t control their sorrow. Cal wasn’t sure who the other women were, but he presumed they were Banks’ various love interests at different times in his life. It pained Cal to observe the whole scene.

Finally, the minister spoke. Dr. R. G. Wright took command of the service and seized the attention of everyone in the crowd. As head of one of the Bay Area’s largest churches, Dr. Wright was well-respected for his moderate stance on many social issues that he said did nothing but distract the church from its central mission, which was “to show the world God’s love.” He was also a pastor to San Francisco’s stars. Whenever local celebrities were in crisis, it seemed like they always sought out Dr. Wright. He oftentimes became the de facto spokesperson for those in the limelight struggling with their success—or their failure. So when he spoke about Aaron Banks, it felt like it was first-hand knowledge rather than a second-hand story.

“Most of us will remember Aaron for his God-given ability to play football,” Dr. Wright said. “He brought stadiums to their feet as crowds of adoring fans chanted his name following a touchdown or a fantastic play. It was something he was good at, excelling easily.

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