The Edge

Chapter 75

The stew was excellent, and Devine watched in some amusement as Bing sopped up every drop of it with his bread before pushing back from the table. The tall man was as thin as a rail but had eaten three helpings.

The burial business must burn lots of calories.

But then he recalled that the man was also an outdoor enthusiast.

Guillaume rose and started clearing dishes, brushing off both men’s offers to help. “You two just sit here and chat. I’ll make some coffee.” She disappeared into the kitchen.

A couple of minutes of silence ensued. Bing finished his water and wiped his mouth with his napkin before running his own amused gaze around the dining room table that could easily have sat twenty.

“A little much?” offered up Devine after watching him.

“There are plenty of rooms in this house I’ve never actually been in,” replied Bing.

Devine grinned. “I’m sure.” His expression turned serious. “Hey, what else can you tell me about your uncle Ben?”

“Like what?” asked Bing.

“Just your overall impression.”

Bing sat back and played with his napkin. “Well, for starters, my grandfather was a brute. Ruthless and greedy. There, I said it and I’m not ashamed.” He smiled briefly. “The three sons were the recipients of all that. My father, Ted, and my uncle, John, were all about doing what my grandfather wanted. He wanted them to follow him into the business, so they did.”

“And Ben?”

“Wanted no part of the funeral home world or my grandfather for that matter. He joined the Army and then came back here and became a policeman. And he loved to throw that in his father’s and brothers’ faces.”

“Do you remember Wilbur Kingman’s funeral?”

“Sure. The whole town came out for it.”

“I watched a video of the service. Earl had a DVD.”

“Yes, we film the service if the family requests it and then make copies available to whoever wants one.”

“Doesn’t it make people uncomfortable having a camera at a funeral? And I’m surprised a church would allow it.”

“No, the service was at our chapel, not a church. I believe Pat was raised Catholic, but the Kingmans weren’t churchgoers. And folks never see the camera equipment, it’s built into the wall of the chapel. It was my father’s idea. He actually charged for it. But we give them out for free now. Not a video or DVD, of course. Now it’s just a downloadable copy.”

“Anyway, in the video I saw your uncle Ben talking to Earl.”

“What about?”

“I couldn’t hear. But whatever your uncle was saying to him, Earl looked like he wanted no part of it. After the service they left together. Do you know where they went?”

Bing shook his head. “No. My duties would have involved organizing the coffin into the hearse, arranging the procession, and getting the family and attendees to the cemetery. That was my focus. You take your eye off the ball and things can get out of hand quickly.”

“I’m sure. Look, when I asked you about your uncle and Alex you seemed... flustered.”

“No, I mean, I just didn’t have anything to say. I don’t know anything... about... that, not that there was anything.”

“Stop talking, Fred, you’re making a fool of yourself.”

Devine turned to see Guillaume standing in the doorway of the dining room holding a tray with coffee and cups.

Bing glanced at his sister and then looked down at his lap.

Guillaume sat down across from Devine and handed out the coffees. “Mr. Devine, I leave you for a few minutes and I find you in here making allegations against our family.”

“I don’t remember making any allegations,” replied Devine as he took the offered cup.

“Latent, not patent, to use a forensic term.”

“Alex was attacked and raped. And I believe Jenny knew who had done it. And that’s why she was killed.”

“How could Jenny have known?” said Guillaume. “A stranger attacked Alex.”

“No, I think it was someone she knew. Maybe knew very well.”

Guillaume seemed taken aback. “What proof do you have of that?”

“I didn’t say I had proof. Yet. And don’t go cremating Hal Brockman’s remains without checking with me first.”

Guillaume’s face twisted for a moment in anger. She shot her brother a glance and then put her palms on the table, as though to steady herself. “I’ll ignore that remark, because it was spoken in ignorance.”

“No, I really mean it, Dr. Guillaume,” said Devine.

“What exactly are you suggesting? That I would do something improperly?”

“Everyone in this town is close to what happened, both years ago and today. I just think we need more objectivity inserted into the process.”

“That’s not unreasonable, sis,” interjected Bing.

“Particularly in light of your admission that in the past you might not have carried out your professional duties to the fullest,” noted Devine.

“I’ll take your request under advisement,” she said coldly while her brother stared at her in bewilderment.

“It’s actually not a request. I’ll make the formal ask to the OCME.”

Guillaume barked, “And what would Jenny know about anything? She wasn’t there when Alex was attacked. And it’s been fifteen years. I don’t see how it’s possible.”

“Jenny could figure complex things out on behalf of her country. So why not this?”

Guillaume shook her head. “I think you’re sniffing up the wrong tree.”

“Don’t you want that?” said Devine. “The truth to come out?”

“I provided you with what I believe to be the truth. A very detailed account,” she added.

Bing again glanced sharply at his sister.

“And I listened,” said Devine. “And I’ll follow the evidence where it takes me.”

Guillaume simply glowered at him.

“Anything for dessert?” asked Bing with a hopeful expression.

“No!” said his sister.

Bing rose and said, “Well, I’ve got some work to do.”

He eyed Guillaume and Devine glaring at one another and fled the room.