Chapter Thirty-three
1071 Words
Wolfdale City Community Cemetery...
No matter how bright the sun shines outside at a funeral, there is always heavy darkness and dampness on the inside. Today, however, reflects everyone’s feelings. Gray skies gather, threatening to release its downpour, and an eerie breeze to jar the bones. A decent crowd had gathered around the graveside of Peter Bryant. I recognized a few people. My eyes immediately find Tiffeny and I re-straighten my tie. She stands beside a distraught Hanna Grimm, who is being uncomfortably held by the rude blonde-haired man that crashed our meeting at the Biology lab. I need to find out what his name is, fast. I was surprised to see the Editor-in-Chief from The Chronicler present with no other reporter within sight. Dr. Frederickson was present as well. Professor Patrick Bryant stands stoic at his brother’s grave. I don’t envy him for the internal battle that he has with his grief. I’ve been there myself. It’s never-ending.
Cass and I wait patiently by our SUV until the service is over. I hate funerals. I hate death. Surprised? Even though death is part of the life cycle and a good part of a wolf’s life, it’s never something that we take lightly. Humans, however...I’ll stop while I’m ahead.
As if on cue, the foreboding clouds let go of the rain as Peter’s body is laid to rest. The dampness wraps itself around all present. Cass shuddered from the sudden chill. I began another coughing spell. Dammit. Thank the Moon, Cass has a bottle of water and hands it to me. I’m buying her a coffee after this. She grabs her jacket that has POLICE in bold lettering and puts it on. Our presence is known now. With the end of the service, the crowd slowly dispersed into their vehicles. Tiffeny seemed to have noticed me and gave a genuine smile in my direction. I can’t help but smile back. Our exchange doesn’t go unnoticed by Hanna. She leads both Tiffeny and the blonde gentleman in my direction. Great. Paybacks for needling Roger.
“Sergeant Black, so you do know how to smile,” Hanna gently teased.
“Only when a pretty waitress is in sight,” Cass jabbed at me too. Yep, this is my punishment for grilling Roger. Tiffeny seems to be uncomfortable with the remarks as well. Her flustered look makes her even more breathtaking, at least to me.
“So remind me again who you are,” Cass spoke, embarrassed that she couldn’t remember the names of their faces. Well, with a new case on the horizon, all her focus has shifted.
“I’m Hanna Grimm. I crashed your active crime scene.” Pointing to her side, “ this is my cousin Tiffeny. She owns The Broken Badger. And this guy here is Mitchell Owens.”
“So you’re not just a waitress?” asked Cass, seemingly surprised. “But doesn’t the Chief’s daughter own that?” Start the countdown to the light turning on. “Oh, you’re his daughter. It’s nice to finally meet you.”
“That would make Hanna Grimm Chief Edwards’ niece.” See, I can connect the dots. Mitch Owens, however, seems a bit uncomfortable with this news. He looked over in Professor Bryant’s direction, catching his attention. His grip tightens around Hanna, and she’s not happy about it. Mitch clearly ignores Hanna’s glare at him. What is his problem, anyway? Tiffeny doesn’t like his behavior towards her cousin. Tiffeny notices Professor Bryant heading in our direction and signals to Hanna and Mitch that they should wait over by their vehicle. Official police business is at hand.
“Are you here to inform me that you have apprehended the bastard that murdered my brother?” he gruffly asked with a hint of hope in his voice. Damn. He’s making this harder than it already is.
“Unfortunately, no. I truly wish we were,” I sincerely began. “For the record, this comes down from Madam Mayor Jabberwocky herself. She has ordered homicide to put all our focus on a current case, which is no longer your brother’s.”
“So my brother’s murderer just gets to roam free?!” he yelled. I let him. I don’t blame him. I’m just as upset about the damn order. “So much for the word given by Wolfdale City’s finest! You promised.”
“You’re right, I did. And I intend to keep it as well. Damn Jabberwocky’s order. I want that bastard as much as you do.”
Professor Bryant scoffed and stomped off toward his comforters and left. During my conversation with Patrick, Mitch never took his eyes off of me nor his tight grip on Hanna. Cass and I returned to our SUV as well and headed back toward the station. As usual, my mind started to wander. What the hell is going on in Wolfdale City? I subconsciously rub the back of my neck out of frustration. Cass notices and asks, “You okay?”
“Define okay,” I sighed.
“So you and Tiffeny, ha,” she teased, quickly changing the subject.
“Yeah, right,” I scoffed. The reality of that situation hits hard. “It could never work.”
“Why not?”
“She’s the Chief’s daughter. What chance would I have with her?”
“A much better one than Roger. Wait, is she the Tiffeny that Roger...”
The light just switched on in my partner’s brain. I just smirk and Cass snickers at that thought.
In a large room somewhere on the university campus...
A larger crowd has gathered for a memorial service for Peter Bryant. Students, professors, friends, and family have come to pay honor to his memory. Tears and laughter were shared by all. He was a well-liked and loved guy. An informal reception is held afterward. Students and colleagues personally give their condolences to Patrick. At one point during this time, Hanna caught Patrick Bryant flirting with someone resembling Elizabeth Knight. Odd behavior or perhaps she’s just tired herself with all the emotions of the day? Yeah, that must be it. It has been a long day.
Back at homicide division...
Cass and I walk into the area where Captain Winston is going over some things with George and Roger concerning the case.
“Hey, Cap. What’s going on?” Cass spoke first, holding her cup of coffee.
- Writer
