Ethics of a Thief (24 page)

When they reached the store, Matt was leaning against the building with his arms crossed. He looked handsome with his green Tommy Bahama shirt and tan slacks. His shirt brought out the green in his hazel eyes.

Danny ran up and asked Matt, “Did you go inside?”

“No. But, look at this.” He pointed to one in the store window.

“Wow! That’s great.”

“Let’s see what else they have.”

While shopping, they checked out every available telescope in the store, but none of them grabbed Danny. So, Matt asked the clerk, “Can you bring us the one on display in the window?” The tall, slender clerk delicately squeezed into the window and retrieved the item, and then placed it in front of the boy.

Danny checked out the eyepiece and asked, “What’s the distance I can see with this one?”

“Farther than our other telescopes.”

Meanwhile, Matt took Danny by his shoulder and turned to him. “Do you like it, or should we go check other stores?”

“I like this one. Can I get it?”

“Sure. If it’s what you want.”

“Is it in stock?”

“I’ll check.” As quickly as he pivoted and left, he returned. “Sorry. It needs to be ordered.”

Danny cocked his head. “Can we take this one?”

“No. We can’t sell displays, but once you place an order, it’ll arrive in a few days.”

“That’s fine,” Matt said. “Do I pay now?”

“No, when you come back.”

“Can it be engraved?”

“Sure. It’ll be around twenty dollars more.”

After giving the clerk their cellphone numbers, Abigail also gave Danny’s complete name for the engraving.

She mused, Well, I failed miserably. This is not a one-stop event.

As they left the store, Matt said, “Are you through shopping?”

“Yes, unless Danny wants to look elsewhere.”

When he saw the kids checking out toys in a window, Matt said, “Can I ask you something?”

“Sure. What’s up?”

“Want to go to the Cheesecake Factory?”

“Goodness, it’s a miracle. You mean, you didn’t ask the kids first?”

“No, Smarty Pants. So, what’s your answer?”

“My answer is … let’s see, yes!”

“That’s great, thanks for saying yes.”

“Tomorrow is the viewing, so having vanilla cheesecake with raspberries sounds pretty good. It beats sitting at home agonizing.” They headed for their separate cars and drove to Fashion Valley. It was busier than usual, so parking was hard to find. Abigail decided to use the valet. When they reached the restaurant, Matt was outside. He said, “I gave my name, but it is a forty-five minute wait. Want to check the directory? There might be another telescope store.”

They agreed and went to the directory. After checking it, there was no specialty store listed, so they decided to window shop. After going into a few stores and walking around, Matt checked his watch. “Hey, we need to get back.”

Once they returned and were seated, Danny told Matt, “I like the telescope we ordered, I don’t want to look anymore. Can’t we just wait for it to come in?”

“You’re the boss, it’s yours. End of subject.”

“Now, it’s my turn,” Abigail said to Matt. “I insist on paying for our meals, and don’t argue, I already gave my credit card. We want to thank you for all of your kindness.”

He counter-offered, “Can I get the drinks and tip?”

“Fair enough.” She smiled, triumphantly.

After ordering beverages, they studied the menu. Abigail said to the kids, “Order your meal. After you eat, then select a dessert.”

Then, Matt looked at her. “Does that go for me, too, Miss Wilson?” They both heard the children giggling.

“No. You’re a big boy. Order any way you like.”

While sitting with the menu, it hit her. He knows my last name? I never gave it, so how did he get it? I’m playing with fire here; is he too clever for me? What should I do, confront him and make a big deal of it, or let it go?

The children would need their grandparents by their sides, so Abigail was glad her parents came home in time. As she was getting ready for David’s viewing, there was a knock on her bedroom door. “Is it time to go?”

After opening it, she said to Danny, “Soon. We’re leaving early to eat at the Soup Plantation.”

“But, I’m not hungry.”

“That’s a first, but, I do understand why. None of us are in the mood for food. But, at least, let’s try to find something to eat, even if it’s fruit or soup.”

“Okay,” he said, with his head hanging low.

Later, when she went into the living area, the children were quietly sitting on the couch. Lisa looked like a little lady in her pretty pink dress with white trim. Danny had on his new blue-plaid shirt and khaki slacks. “Well, look how nice you both look. I’m impressed. Are you ready to go? Do you have everything? Lisa, where’s your purse?”

“In my room.”

“Is your great-grandmother’s hanky in it?”

Lisa nodded.

“Can you get it? We need to get going.”

After locking up, they got in the car and drove, but the boy didn’t turn on the radio. Danny and Lisa were both too quiet.

“So, Danny,” Abigail asked, “Can I ask you something? Are you afraid?”

“Of what?”

“Seeing your daddy in a casket?”

“No. I’m afraid of not saying the right thing.”

“There isn’t any right or wrong here -- just be yourself. And, don’t worry about others -- that goes for you, too, Lisa.”

“I don’t feel good,” Lisa said. “My stomach hurts.”

“None of us feel great. This is hard on all of us.”

“But, I can’t eat.”

“That’s fine. If you don’t find something, you don’t have to, okay?” When they arrived at the Soup Plantation, they went through the line with trays. Abigail selected a salad, wheat roll and some iced tea. Lisa had Jello with whipped cream and chicken noodle soup, while Danny’s tray was full with an array of food items.

When they sat, they ate what they could and left the rest. When they were finished, Abigail said, “Ready?” Each of them slowly walked to the car without saying much. While she was driving to the viewing, Abigail was looking forward to seeing her parents, but was concerned about the children. “Are you two okay?”

“Can I touch him?” asked Danny.

“Yes, but his skin will be cold.”

“But, why?” asked Lisa.

“Because, after people die, their blood stops flowing.”

After parking and getting out of the car, Abigail suddenly was filled with dread. Nonetheless, she led them through the lobby and into the viewing room. Ruth, David’s mother, and her family were standing and greeting visitors. Abigail gave the woman a long hug. “I’m so very sorry about your son.” Soon, Ruth turned to her grandchildren. “You both look so nice for your daddy.” Danny hugged her without letting go, and Lisa held onto her aunt’s arm and cried. So, Abigail said, “Let’s wait for Nana and Papa in the lobby. Okay, Honey?” Lisa grabbed her hand, and together they walked silently to the foyer and remained.

Within a short time, her parents pulled up and came though the entrance. They looked exhausted and seemed as if they had aged. After exchanging hugs with Abigail, Elizabeth wrapped her arms around Lisa. “I love you, Sweetie. You’ll be okay. Your family loves you, and we’ll take good care of you.”

Sometimes, Abigail thought, a child needs the comfort that only a grandmother can give.

John, Abigail’s father, was tearful, while asking, “Where’s Danny?”

“With Ruth.”

“Good. How’s he doing?”

“We’ll soon find out.”

Together, they walked into the viewing room. As they entered, they saw Ruth next to the casket with Danny. When he reached into the casket to touch his father, he quickly pulled away. “He’s cold.”

Lisa came and stood next to her brother. “Aunt Abigail told you, Danny.”

“I know.”

While in front of the casket, the boy occasionally tried to touch his dad’s face or hand, as if trying to comprehend the situation. On the other hand, when Lisa glanced at her daddy, she tightly hugged her Grandmother Ruth’s arm and buried her face while whimpering. As Abigail and her parents looked on, tears filled their eyes. Everyone wanted to protect the kids from such pain, but they also knew that Lisa and Danny must grieve.

When Steven and Carry appeared, they hugged his parents. Steven stood behind them while touching his dad’s shoulder. Occasionally, he glanced toward his sister. Suddenly, Lisa noticed them and ran into her uncle’s arms. “Daddy’s dead.”

Soon, Danny noticed Grandpa John, so he quickly went over and said, “Did you see Daddy?” Without waiting for an answer, he pulled John’s hand and led him to the coffin. While standing next to his grandson, he took a glimpse at David’s lifeless body.

After Ruth left to greet new guests, the Wilson family quickly came to the casket. It was hard for John to watch his grandchildren try to make sense of things. But his real concern was the future -- when Danny wouldn’t have his dad as a coach or when Lisa couldn’t have her daddy walk her down the aisle someday. It was good they couldn’t think ahead. They had enough to contend with right now.

When Grandma Elizabeth was seated, Lisa sat on her lap and buried her head while sobbing. The child was comforted by her grandmother stroking her hair. Her sobs turned quickly into whimpers. “It’s good for you to have a good cry after losing your daddy.”

At that moment, as Abigail watched on, she was very grateful for her parents. While John was standing next to Danny at the casket, the boy talked to his dad. “I’m going to miss you. I love you so much. I was glad you and Mommy were together, but now I have to say goodbye forever … and I don’t want to.” The boy was so choked up that, when he touched his daddy’s hand, tears fell into the casket.

Although, she hated to see them suffer, it was better than them holding it in. Soon, Lisa went and stood next to her brother and held his hand. As they gazed at their father, both grandparents came and stood behind them -- touching their shoulders. As Abigail watched, she sensed God’s presence and knew many prayers had gone up for the families.

In the background, Steven and Carry stood watching. There was little they could do, but be supportive. When Abigail came up to them, she asked, “Want some coffee?” Carry gave her friend a hug. “How are you? This has to be hard on you, seeing those children grieving.” She stepped back. “I’ve been so worried about you. It seems like I’ve been praying for you and the kids all day long.”

Steven scanned her face. “Are you okay, Sis? With all you’ve been through, I’m concerned for you, too. Tell me you’re okay.”

With tears in her eyes, she motioned for them to leave the area. When they reached the hallway, Abigail broke down. Steven embraced her and let her sob. Once she was composed, she said, “This is the first time I’ve allowed myself to grieve. My focus has been on the little ones. I’m glad I have you to lean on. I guess that’s what big brothers are for. It feels good to let it out.” After pulling away, she said, “I’m concerned about Mom and Dad. I can see the effects. I sure hope this isn’t too much for them.”

“They’re tough people. They’ll be okay; just give them time.”

“When will Alisa be home?”

“In two days.”

“Good, by then the funeral will be over.”

“We planned it that way, Sis. Once she’s home, she’ll need our full attention.”

“You did good, Bro.”

“Tomorrow, we’ll come get you?” he asked.

“Can five fit in a BMW?”

“Sure, if Lisa sits in the back, middle seat.”

While waiting for his friend to arrive, Matt sat drinking a cup of his favorite coffee. Before long, Jack showed up and said, “I’m glad you’re sitting. You might fall over when I tell you the news.”

“What? You sold the egg?”

“Yes, for nine hundred and fifty thousand dollars.”

“Great, that’s more than we thought. Do you have the money?”

“It’s in a Swedish bank, as we speak.” Jack handed him the wire transfer.

“Can we access it, yet?”

Before speaking, he was silent for a minute. “Let’s wait a while, at least until after the murder investigation. I don’t want the FBI to use it as a motive for murder.”

“You’re right about that.”

“What’s your guess about Forelli or Luke Percy? Do you think they did it?” Jack asked.

“I haven’t seen the evidence, so I don’t know.” After Matt checked his watch, he said, “Hey, I need to go.”

“What’s up with the suit?” Jack asked him.

“I’m headed to a funeral.”

“Whose?”

“I’m sorry to say, it’s Lisa and Danny’s father.”

“Were you invited?”

“No. The obituary section had an article about David Glover.”

“How do you know it’s the right person?”

“It mentioned that he is survived by his wife and two children, Danny and Lisa. The deceased’s last name was Glover, the same as Danny’s. So, I know it’s his funeral.”

“Is this the right thing to do?”

“Those kids need all the support they can get. I don’t care if it ticks off Abigail. I want to be there for the children -- I’m concerned.”

“Boy, Matt. You’re really attached to the family. I’ve never seen you so involved before. They’re lucky to have you as a friend.”

“Thanks.”

As Matt left, he headed for his car and drove to the memorial service. Although he arrived fifteen minutes early, the chapel was packed. He quickly noticed the children sitting up front and to the side with family and also noticed that the casket was still open. Danny and Lisa walked up and placed a long-stemmed red rose inside with their aunt by their side. They whimpered as they returned to their seats.

It was heart-wrenching for him to watch, so he needed a hanky. He found a restroom near the front of the chapel. As he walked toward it, he noticed Abigail talking to a man a few years her senior. Although he tried to avoid her, her shocked expression gave it away that she had seen him. The man with her turned to see why her demeanor had changed.

When Matt approached, he reached out his hand. “Hello. I’m Matt Willingham. Abigail and I were on the Kilgores’ yacht together.” There was dead silence. “When I read about the service, I decided to pay my respects.” He turned to Abigail. “I hope you don’t mind. I wanted be here for the children. My heart goes out to them. They’re good kids, those two.” After excusing himself, he walked to the restroom.