Grave Intent by Deborah LeBlanc Read Free Book Online

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route to Lake Charles and decided to stop in Brusley for the day to
celebrate Thalia’s nineteenth birthday. They’d set up camp in
Pelican Park, which was only a couple of miles south of the funeral
home. Thalia and a friend had decided to race two of the horses
that traveled with them. Midway through the race, Thalia’s horse
spooked and reared, throwing her to the ground headfirst. The
impact broke her neck, killing her instantly.
    Antony insisted on the best. He chose a
bronze Mediterranean casket, an expensive model with blue velvet
interior, and a garden crypt, which would allow room for another
casket to be placed atop Thalia’s at a later time. Without any
prompting, Antony explained that the only person allowed a choice
regarding a burial site was the mother of a dead child. If the
woman remained faithful and deserving, she might be granted
permission by her husband to be placed beside or atop her child
after her own death. Provisions were often made for that
purpose.
    Antony also made it clear that they wanted a
one-day viewing, and that a funeral mass was to be held at Saint
Paul’s Church since Thalia and her family were Catholics. The
actual burial was to be done in the adjoining cemetery at dusk, and
Antony assured Michael they would compensate the priest for
complying with the unusual request. He also warned that there would
be no room for other families in the funeral home while Thalia’s
viewing was in progress. Many people were expected to
attend, lots of food and drinks would be served, and they would
gladly pay extra for the inconvenience. The family would also pay
extra to have a tombstone engraved and ready by tomorrow.
    At the mention of money, especially extra
money, Wilson perked up. He got to his feet and offered, “Coffee
anyone? Or maybe something cold—”
    “I’m afraid we can’t allow food or alcohol in
the funeral home,” Michael said. “We—”
    “You will have to excuse my son,” Wilson
blurted. He shot Michael a fierce look. “He’s still relatively
young in this business. We’ll be more than glad to accommodate
whatever needs you might have. Now, what about that coffee?”
    “No, thank you,” Antony said, his countenance
visibly drained.
    Michael bit his tongue as his father
approached Ephraim, who still stood staring at the drapery. “Mr.
Stevenson, would you—”
    Ephraim spun around to face Wilson, and for a
second, Michael thought the man was going to throw a punch at his
father. He jumped up, ready to block both men, then felt foolish
when Ephraim shoved a hand into his coat pocket. With a flip of his
wrist, he tossed a handful of bills onto Michael’s desk, then
grunted something to Antony.
    Michael couldn’t help but gape at the twenty
or thirty greenbacks crisscrossed on the desk. More than one had
1,000 stamped around its corners.
    “He says that is what he is willing to pay,”
Antony said. He stood and walked toward his cousin. “Do we do
business?”
    Wilson, eyeing the bills, said expansively,
“Of course, of course!”
    “This may be too much money,” Michael said
firmly. “Why don’t we add up the expenses first?”
    “We expect much,” Antony warned.
    “That may be,” Michael continued, “but—”
    “Excuse my son again,” Wilson said. He glared
at Michael, then smiled at Antony. “I will personally see to it
that all of your expectations are met. This will do fine.”
    Antony nodded.
    “We’ll contact the hospital about Thalia’s
release,” Wilson said, his face beaming. “Have someone bring her
clothes here first thing in the morning. We’ll start visiting hours
tomorrow afternoon at—”
    “We will send someone with clothes and stand
watch tonight,” Antony said, his voice hard. “She is not to be left
alone at any time. Rest of family will come in early morning.”
    Michael frowned. “I’m not sure we can have
her ready by—”
    “Absolutely,” Wilson interrupted. “Whatever
you—”
    Ephraim sliced a hand