Page 17 of Deadly Avarice
I gripped the fabric over my chest, squeezing tight and wishing Franklin were here with me. I could have used his steadying presence and strong hand on my back.
“Mother, I—”
She waved her son off. “It is what it is. I made peace with my life long ago.”
“Did Father know?”
“He did.” Daphne’s soul softened and for lack of a better word, warmed. “He didn’t care. Your father was a gift. I wish every woman could feel as loved as I did. Oh, that doesn’t mean we didn’t fight and that he catered to everything I wanted or asked for. But the fighting was never cruel or abusive. It was simple disagreement and resolved itself with time, laughter and love.” Turning her milk-white eyes to her son, Daphne’s tone was somber. “I kept track of my first child as best as I could. Jasmine Delaney is your older, half sister. That is the God’s honest truth. What you choose to do with that information is between you and your sister.”
“Mother.” Harrison’s tone was soft and full of emotion. I wasn’t sure if they’d been close while Daphne was alive, but there was definitely love there. Suddenly I understood the need to bring Daphne’s soul back. DNA tests could certainly have been done, but that wouldn’t explain what happened. It wouldn’t have been closure.
Harrison and Daphne conversed for a few minutes longer. Harrison wound up asking his mother about the engagement ring and was obviously relieved when she agreed with his decision. I almost regretted when it was time to let Daphne’s soul go. When Harrison gave me the go-ahead, I said, “Daphne Olivia Beaumont, I release your soul. Go in peace.”
Daphne’s body slumped and her son gently laid her flat against the stone surface below, covering her torso and face withthe green blanket but not before placing a kiss on Daphne’s forehead.
When Harrison pulled away, there were tears in his eyes. He stood there, staring at the empty spot his mother would be placed back into. When he spoke, I got the feeling he was speaking to himself more than me. “I’m glad Char didn’t come. It’s like losing you all over again.”
I’d heard that before and inwardly cringed, feeling guilty. I’m not sure why. Momma said I had no reason to, but reason didn’t always influence emotion like it should.
“I’m sorry,” I said because I didn’t honestly know what else to say.
Harrison’s body snapped to attention, like he’d forgotten I was there. Shoulders back and pulling himself up to his full height, Harrison Beaumont collected himself before turning to me and saying, “Thank you, but you have no reason to be sorry. You did the job I requested and brought my mother back and released her soul with dignity. It was more than I expected and worth the fee.”
My customers weren’t always happy when everything was said and done, and while I wouldn’t say Harrison washappy, he was satisfied.
While it technically wasn’t any of my business, I still asked, “What will you do?”
Harrison was reluctant to leave his mother and kept staring at the blanket shrouding her form. “About my nephew?” I knew right then and there what the answer would be. “I’ll speak with Char, but we’ll go through the testing. It will be up to our children if they want to do so and if they want their children tested also. I can’t imagine our kids saying no, but I’m not certain what they’ll do with the grandkids. If one of them is a match…”
“It’s a lot to go through.”
Harrison gave a slow nod. “Then again, if it were one of my grandkids—” He inhaled deeply. “I would hope and pray for any miracle.”
I had a feeling everyone in the Beaumont family was about to descend on the testing facility.
“Thank you again, Necromancer Boone. You are everything advertised and more.” Good reviews were always welcome, although, admittedly, my job was a difficult one to review.
“You’re welcome. Would you like me to stay with your mother until the cemetery crew arrives?”
Harrison’s smile was brittle. “Kind, but no. I will stay with her.”
“Okay. Please be careful driving home and let me know if there’s anything more I can do for you.”
“You as well,” Harrison woodenly answered. It was time for me to go. A fine mist hung in the air when I exited the crypt. The ground was damp, but not soaked. The next few days were supposed to be the same. Cool, cloudy, and misty. Not the most pleasant weather but Franklin told me it beat snow. I had to take his word for it.
I checked my phone while walking back to my car. I had to keep looking up to make sure I didn’t bump into a headstone or fall into a hole that had been prepared while waiting for its occupant. Gaia, Momma would kill me if I broke a leg falling into a gravesite hole. Franklin would be right beside her.
There were no new text messages but I sent one to Franklin letting him know I was done and on my way home. I also reminded him about Harvest Day tomorrow. I did have a new voicemail from a number I didn’t recognize but knew the area code was from Louisiana. I hit the play button and listened to Detective Emmanuel Cardoza ask me to give him a call at my convenience regarding the Titus McMahon/Thomas Speedlercase. He left a number and I knew thatmy conveniencewas a polite way of saying we need to speak with you soon.
Tabling that phone call, I checked my e-mails and found a submitted request for a job I’d need to look into. Finally at my car, I sat down, closed and locked my door, and read through the details. It sounded simple enough. Janet Meeker needed to speak with her deceased grandfather regarding family financials that were not made clear in his will. Those kinds of jobs were my bread and butter.
I saved the e-mail and started my car, ramping up the heat. Easing out of Baymont Cemetery, I savored the heat already filling the car. Baymont Cemetery was lovely and quiet, ranking a two, maybe three on my scale. I wouldn’t mind wandering its grounds later. Maybe Franklin would have time when the weather was nicer to take a walk with me.
Chapter
Six
Franklin
