Page 104 of Ruthless Cross

"But I should be dealing with everything. It's Tuesday. Arthur needs to be buried. What's happening with all that?"

"The medical examiner released Arthur's body to the funeral home yesterday. He was cremated this morning." It felt horrible to say that to her mother, but she had to give her the truth. "As you know, those were his wishes. I read through the trust and spoke to his lawyer, and that's what he wanted."

Distress filled her mother's eyes. "But I wanted to see him one more time."

"I'm sorry, Mom. But Arthur didn't want a viewing. He didn't want anyone looking at his body."

"I'm his wife. He wasn't talking about me."

"It's done. His ashes were placed in a temporary urn. You can pick something else out when you're ready. As for a service, we can set that up for next week if you want."

"That's too long from now."

"It's not, and it's really best to wait. There's a lot going on with the investigation into Arthur's death. You're safer here than anywhere else."

"Why would I be in danger at home, Callie?"

She hesitated, knowing she would have to start filling in some blanks very soon, because her mother was asking more questions and getting more curious by the hour. She didn't want to destroy Arthur in her mom's eyes, but the truth would eventually come out. "It appears that Arthur bought some paintings that were stolen. Those stolen paintings are tied to his death."

"Stolen? Are you sure? Arthur wouldn't do anything illegal, Callie. You have to be wrong."

"I wish I was wrong, but I'm not. Yesterday, Flynn told you about the secret underground room in the Palm Springs house. Well, it's been determined that the paintings being kept there were stolen. That's why Arthur never told you or anyone else about the room. He didn't want you to know what he was up to."

"I can't believe it. It doesn't make sense."

"I know. Arthur didn't seem like the kind of person who would deal in stolen art."

"Was Gretchen involved? Was she his dealer?"

"I'm not sure, but I think she might have been."

"And someone killed him because of these paintings?"

"They're connected; I don't know exactly how. But the investigation is moving quickly, and the best thing we can do is stay out of their way. I know you want justice for Arthur, and this is how we get it."

Her mom let out a sigh. "I suppose you're right. But I could stay at your apartment, Callie."

She couldn’t tell her mother she wasn't even staying at her apartment; then she'd have more to be upset about. "You'll only be here another day or two, Mom. And then you'll be ready to deal with the funeral arrangements. You'll need to be strong to get through this."

"I wish I was stronger, Callie. You don't know how much I wish that. But something inside my brain switches off, and I'm filled with anxiety and depression."

"At least you can recognize that now. That's a good step."

"I thought I was doing well until Arthur died. I was doing a good job at work." She stopped abruptly. "I hope I don't lose my job. What have you told Victoria? Does she know I'm in the hospital?"

"She doesn't. No one knows. She told me to reassure you that your job is waiting whenever you feel up to it. But there's no rush."

"I should call her. Do you have my phone?"

"I left it at home," she lied.

"Can I use yours?"

"I think it's better if you wait until you're released."

"I feel like there's more you're not telling me, Callie."

"You need to rest, Mom. That's all you need to do right now."

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