Grave Mistake by Janice J. Richardson

Author:Janice J. Richardson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: funderal director, funeral home, mystery, cozy, female protagonisht, Niagara Falls
Publisher: Janice J. Richardson
Published: 2017-08-16T00:00:00+00:00

10

Ronnie and Lori arrived with Doug’s sister an hour before the service. After introductions, Jennifer led them to the lounge where Marcia was getting ready for the post-funeral reception. The chapel was set up for the service, a few bouquets of flowers around the casket adding a touch of colour.

“Look what I found,” said Ronnie. He pulled out his phone and showed Jennifer a picture of a small, weathered statue of Jesus and Mary. Jennifer looked at Ronnie, puzzled.

“Doug was Catholic, he never missed a mass. Not too many people knew that about him. He also had a love of graveyards and, when he could, he would purchase old grave decorations and use them for indigent graves or families who couldn’t afford extras. He was a bit of a softie that way.” For a moment Ronnie looked off into space as he remembered his friend. “Anyway, he salvaged this statue from a grave that a family was updating. He loved this piece. I found it in the back of his garage covered with an old sheet. He was saving it for someone special.”

“Ronnie is going to put it on his stone.” Lori stood beside Ronnie and took his arm.

“Yeah. Least I could do.” He looked down at his wife and patted her hand. He looked at Jennifer. “The grave is ready.”

“So is the funeral coach. I thought you might like to take him after the reception. I know we agreed to do the committal in the chapel and take Doug to the cemetery later. We can go after the reception. I’ll ride with you and bring the coach back.”

Ronnie cleared his throat, tears threatening to spill. “Thanks. I thought you would bring him in the van, which is perfectly fine, the hearse seems more dignified.”

“Have you met with the celebrant yet?”

“No, the priest should be here soon though.” Jennifer had noticed that Marcia raised an eyebrow as soon as she heard Ronnie mention priest. She had not been aware Doug was Catholic, she should have asked. Marcia quickly disappeared.

“Then let’s go to the chapel and see if there’s anything you’d like changed.”

Jennifer led the way to the chapel door then stood back as Doug’s sister and Ronnie and Lori entered, still arm in arm. She wasn’t surprised to see Marcia setting up the prayer rail and candles. Marcia stepped back, surveyed her work and left by the side door. Lori looked back at Jennifer and nodded. She closed the back doors to give them the time they needed.

Ten minutes later the priest arrived. He was a pleasant young man and after giving him his honorarium, Jennifer directed him into the chapel to speak with Ronnie and Lori. Brent came in from the garage, followed by Desta and Jeff—everyone congregating in the lounge for coffee. Marcia came out into the lobby to find Jennifer.

“I forgot to tell you, Ryan will be coming with another officer.”

“Did Ryan know Doug?” Jennifer was puzzled, she doubted their paths would have crossed.

Marcia’s face was mischievous. “No, but the Constable coming with him made his acquaintance.

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