Dead To Me (Cold Case Psychic Book 5)

by Pandora Pine

  “What’s wrong, Ten? Someone get their lollipop stolen?”

  Ten shot Ronan the hairy eyeball. “No, Bertha just pointed out that we’re attracting a crowd of paparazzi and why does everyone keep calling us Butch and Sundance?”

  “Seriously? Two handsome men on the run together. One blond and one brunette.” Ronan pointed back and forth between the two of them. “You don’t see the similarity?”

  “I don’t care about that right now. Everyone is staring at us. What should we do?”

  “This is the moment of truth, isn’t it babe? So far as I see it, we’ve got two choices. We march up to the front pew and take our seats where we belong. Or, we kowtow to your mother’s orders and we go sit in the back row like the non-entities she thinks we are.” Ronan crossed his arms over his chest.

  “Don’t let her bully you into sitting in the back, son.”

  “What?” Tennyson’s mouth dropped open. “I know now isn’t exactly the moment to get into this, Dad, what with your dead body lying two feet away, but you were the one who dropped me off at the Greyhound station in Barstow and made sure I got on the bus out of town. Why are you choosing this moment to stand up for me?”

  “Maybe because my dead body is sitting two feet away. I never had the courage to stand up for you in life, but I’m sure as hell gonna do it for you now.”

  “Damn skippy!” Bertha cheered. She slapped David on the back. “If you sit in the back row, Tennyson, I won’t speak to you for a whole week and all I’ll do is ogle Ronan’s fine ass. Don’t make me do it. You know I will.”

  Ten snorted. He shook his head.

  “What? What am I missing?” Ronan asked.

  “My father says not to let Kaye bully us into sitting in the back row and Bertha says that if we do, she won’t speak to me for a week.”

  “Tell him the rest, Tenny!” Bertha crowed.

  “Fine, Bertha.” Ten sighed. “Not only will Bertha not speak to me for a week, but she’ll spend her free time with her eyes glued to your ass.”

  “I thought that’s what she did anyway!” Ronan smiled at Ten. “How’s it looking today, Bertha?”

  “Tell Handsome I can only give it a three since it’s magnificence is covered by his suit jacket.” Bertha cackled.

  Ten shook his head. He didn’t want to deliver Bertha’s verdict. “Why don’t we go sit down, Ronan.”

  “Wait a second! What did Bertha say about my assets?” Ronan glanced over his shoulder as if he were trying to check them out.

  “She gave you a three. Now, let’s go sit down.”

  “A three as in a three?” Ronan looked scandalized.

  Ten grabbed Ronan’s arm and pulled him toward the pew. “She said your jacket was covering it.”

  “I can take off my coat.” Ronan started to shrug his left arm out of the coat.

  “For God’s sake! We’re in the middle of a church. My father’s funeral is about to start. My mother is going to go full on Smaug when she sees where we’re sitting and you want to take your jacket off so Bertha will give your ass a higher score?” Tennyson stopped and realized how ridiculous his words sounded coming out of his mouth.

  “Good! You think this entire conversation is ridiculous too. At least it got your mind off this whole seating thing for a few minutes.” Ronan guided him to a space in the front pew. “I still don’t think my ass is a three, even in a suit jacket.”

  Neither did Tennyson, but with Kaye walking down the aisle with flared nostrils and fire in her eyes, now wasn’t the time to tell Ronan. Ten looked up at the cross hanging above the altar. He couldn’t help whispering a prayer to Jesus that Kaye would let everyone get through the funeral service and mercy meal to come, in peace.

  Ten had no real expectations of his prayer coming true. After all, none of the other prayers he’d prayed within the walls of the church had ever been answered. Why would this one be any different?

  12

  Ronan

  Ronan knew that funerals weren’t supposed to be fun, but David Grimm’s service was one for the ages. It was part tent revival, and part campaign rally, with some good, old-fashioned mourning thrown in for the hell of it.

  He’d actually been ready to get up and walk out when Reverend Greene started preaching about the lessons to be learned from Sodom and Gomorrah. Thankfully, he’d put himself between Tennyson and Kaye on the pew, otherwise, Ronan had a feeling mother and son just might have come to blows. He had a sneaking suspicion that when Kaye went into the church ahead of them to speak with the pastor about the service, this was what she was asking him to add.

  Now, all he had to do was get through the final chorus of Amazing Grace and he was home free. Ronan couldn’t help wondering if the words even registered with Kaye.

  Was blind, but now I see…

  Ronan had a feeling that Kaye Grimm would be walking blind in the valley of the shadow of darkness for some time to come. He sure as shit was sick and tired of trying to enlighten a mind that was closed.

  “Thank Christ that’s over with.” Tennyson shut the hymnal they were sharing and set it back down on the pew next to them.

  “All we’ve got to do now is round up four other men to help carry the casket out to the graveyard.” How fucking pitiful was it that at this moment in time David Grimm only had two pallbearers? What the hell were they going to do if only he and Tennyson volunteered for duty? Drag the damn coffin to the burial site? Ask Kaye in her two-inch heels and manicured nails to lend a hand? How about seventy-year-old Reverend Greene with his bigoted attitude and stooped back? Either way, Ronan was going to need a massage tonight.

  What he actually needed was a drink. Fuck that… He’d be damned if he’d let this place, these people, or their attitudes put his hard-fought sobriety in jeopardy.

  “That concludes the funeral service for David Grimm. The family would like to invite you to the private graveside ceremony and then to the funeral luncheon being held in the church basement. It’s being catered by the Main Street Café. Mrs. Grimm needs some volunteers to be pallbearers. Volunteers can see me.” Reverend Greene stepped away from the microphone.

  What Ronan needed right now was to hug Tennyson, but he didn’t want to incite a scandal or a shouting match with his future mother-in-law.

  “Uncle Ronan!” came a familiar voice in the crowd.

  “Greeley?” Ronan turned around to see the teenager bobbing his way through the crowd toward them. He barreled into Ronan and hugged him tightly. “How did you get here?” He was too shocked to do anything else but hold on tight.

  “We just flew in.” Fitzgibbon said. “Got here just in time for the start of the service.”

  “Who are these people, Tennyson?” Kaye asked. Her superior attitude was back in full force.

  “Mom, this is my and Ronan’s boss, Captain Kevin Fitzgibbon of the Boston Police Department and his son, Greeley.”

  “Another Papist?” she asked with a regal tone in her voice

  Fitzgibbon shot Ronan a look that asked if Kaye was for real. Ronan nodded. “It’s nice to meet you ma’am. I’m very sorry about the loss of your husband. My son and I would like to volunteer our services as pallbearers.”

  Kaye’s mouth gaped open and closed like a fish out of water.

  “I’ll just go talk to the priest.” Kevin patted her shoulder and moved off.

  “Reverend!” Kaye called after him, finding her voice again. “Ronan, what is the meaning of this?” Kaye loud-whispered.

  “Your guess is as good as mine.” Ronan shrugged. “I had no idea my boss was coming out here. Greeley had his GED test yesterday and then today was supposed to be a regular work day for Kevin.” Ronan turned back to Greeley. “How did you do on the test?”

  “I got a 98%, Uncle Ronan! I got tripped up on a few advanced calculus questions, but there’s time to learn about that in college, right?” Greeley was all smiles.

  “I’m so proud of you, kiddo!” Ronan hugged the teenager again.

  “Wh
y did you need to take a GED test instead of graduating from high school, young man?” Kaye asked. Her shrewd eyes narrowed on the boy.

  Tennyson growled at Ronan’s side. “Now’s not the time for this discussion, Mom.”

  Greeley set a hand on Tennyson’s shoulder. “No, it’s okay, Uncle Ten. I was kicked out of my foster home for coming out as gay, Mrs. Grimm. Then, since I was fifteen years old and homeless, I had to sell my body to afford food. I was attacked and raped by a serial killer who almost murdered me, but luckily, I managed to escape. After that, I turned to drugs to cope with the trauma of his brutality. Then, Captain Fitzgibbon found me and asked if I would be willing to help him and Uncle Ronan find the killer so he couldn’t hurt any other boys like me ever again. I agreed, and he put me into rehab so I could get clean. The killer found me at the rehab facility and kidnapped me. He almost killed me a second time, but Ronan and your son saved me. That’s how I ended up taking the GED test instead of graduating from high school.” Greeley offered her a genuine smile.

  “I hope that answers your question, Mrs. Grimm.” Fitzgibbon said from behind her. “My son has been through hell and back to be here today to help you say goodbye to your beloved husband. I trust he’ll be given the dignity and respect that he deserves.” Without waiting for an answer, Fitzgibbon motioned to Greeley and they moved away.

  “Maybe you’d like a crane to help get your foot out of your mouth, Kaye?” Ronan asked cheerfully. “Come on, Ten. Let’s go see if we can find two more pallbearers.”

  “Hey, guys.” Cal Farmer waved them down. “I may be a ninety-pound weakling, but I’m here to volunteer my services. I don’t think you’re gonna need much help from me though since you brought The Incredible Hulk with you. Damn, that man is fine!” He fanned his face.

  Ronan laughed. The sound of it was almost foreign to his ears. “That’s my police captain from Boston. He’s taken, so you might not want to tell him how fine he is.”

  “Oh, no, Fitzgibbon will eat that right up.” Ten laughed.

  “Tennyson Grimm?” a deep voice said from behind them. “I’m Sheriff Barlow Reed. I’m so sorry about your father.” The sheriff held out his hand.

  “Thank you.” Ten shook the sheriff’s hand.

  “I’m here to be a pallbearer and if it’s possible, I’d like a moment of your time later, Detective O’Mara.”

  Ronan shot the sheriff a curious look. At this point in time, he’d take any port in the storm. “Sure thing. Grab me during the meal later. I’ll be happy to speak with you.” He couldn’t help wondering what this was all about. Did it have to do with wanting him to consult on a case? Or, was it a warning for him and Tennyson to get the hell out Union Chapel ASAP because the town didn’t want their kind here?

  Sighing, Ronan found himself anxious to find out which of the two options it was.

  13

  Tennyson

  Ten had to hand it to Cal Farmer, the meal he’d prepared for after David’s funeral was delicious. There were trays of fresh garden salad with the sweetest tomatoes Tennyson had ever tasted, followed by vegetable lasagna and trays of chicken piccata. There were also fresh dinner rolls and delicious gazpacho soup. Ten had helped himself to portions of everything. He was tempted to ask for the soup recipe. He knew Truman would go nuts for it.

  “I still can’t believe you’re here, Cap,” Tennyson said in a low voice. He and Ronan were sitting at a table with Kevin, Greeley and Kaye. His mother was pushing food around on her plate. This was the saddest he’d seen her since he’d arrived in Union Chapel.

  “Ronan Skyped me and Tru after you came back from the funeral home. He looked like he was in bad shape. I’d been thinking about coming out here anyway after Greeley’s test was out of the way. I have a ton of vacation time to take but seeing the defeated look in Ronan’s eyes sealed the deal. I knew if he looked like that, you were in worse shape.”

  It was true. Tennyson had wanted to fly back to Boston that night. He’d been done with his mother’s attitude toward himself and Ronan. “You know, I’ve spent these last thirteen years thinking about how much I’d lost by being kicked out of my family and my home, but after being here for the last few days, I’m realizing now how much I’ve gained. The life I would have led here in Union Chapel would have beat me into the ground.”

  “You’re stronger than you know, Ten. Never forget that.” Kevin squeezed his shoulder. “I’m gonna get some more of that cold soup. Can I get you some?”

  Ten shook his head. He couldn’t eat another bite.

  “Okay. I’ll bring you some back anyway. And a plate of those cookies too. Ronan said you know the guy who catered this shindig. See if you can get the soup recipe. It’s off the hook.” Fitzgibbon laughed.

  “Cal thinks you’re hot stuff, Cap. I bet if you ask, he’ll give it to you.” Ten waggled his eyebrows suggestively.

  “Really, he likes me?”

  Ten nodded. “He called you The Incredible Hulk.”

  “I have been working out.” Kevin hunched his shoulders forward, making his muscles bunch.

  “Just go.” Ten rolled his eyes.

  “Little Tennyson Grimm? Is that really you?” a sweet voice called out.

  Tennyson turned around to see Shelly Brinkman, one of Kaye’s oldest friends, hurrying toward the table. Shelly was heading right to him. Ten stood up to meet her. “Hello, Mrs. Brinkman.”

  “Don’t you ‘Mrs. Brinkman’ me. It’s Shelly. Now come here and hug me. It’s been way too long.” The tiny woman wrapped her arms around Tennyson and gave him a big hug.

  Tennyson was completely overwhelmed, but held on tight. She smelled like lilacs, just like she did when Ten was a boy.

  “It’s so good to see you,” Shelly whispered. “I’ve been following your career since you landed in Salem. I’m so glad you didn’t let your parents’ attitude defeat you, sweetheart.” Shelly pulled back to look Tennyson in the eye. “Love looks so good on you.” She set her hands on his cheeks. “Where’s your Ronan? I’m dying to meet him.”

  His eyes were stinging with tears at Shelly’s words. He turned to Ronan who was talking quietly with Greeley. “Ronan? There’s someone I’d like you to meet.” The words felt bizarre on his tongue. He never imagined there being someone here in Kansas he’d want Ronan to meet.

  Ronan excused himself from Greeley and joined Tennyson. “Hi, there.”

  “Ronan, I’m Shelly Brinkman, one of Kaye’s oldest friends.”

  Ten watched as Ronan dialed back his smile and his guarded look went up. His eyes narrowed.

  “Please don’t hold that against me,” Shelly whispered. “I was just telling Tennyson how excited I was to meet you.”

  “Excited to meet me?” Ronan practically sputtered.

  “I’m sure you haven’t heard much of that since you got to Union Chapel, but I’m thrilled for you and Tennyson.” Her smile was exuberant as she reached out to hug Ronan too.

  “It means a lot to hear you say that.” Ronan’s voice sounded shocked as he returned the hug.

  “I see you’re still a bleeding hearted liberal, Shelly,” Kaye said from across the table.

  Tennyson noticed a hush falling over the room. Heads turned to look at them. This kind of a scene was the last thing he wanted today.

  “I’m so sorry for your loss, Kaye. I’m sure David’s resting in peace…now.” Shelly turned back to Tennyson. “Why don’t we grab a cookie, hmm?”

  Ten turned to Ronan.

  “No, you go ahead. Sheriff Reed said he wanted to talk to me about something. I’m gonna go hook up with him. It was a pleasure meeting you, Shelly.”

  “I’d like to have you and Tennyson out to my house for dinner before you head back to Boston. Your friends are welcome to come too. Your boss’s son is just a delightful young man. He was sitting near me at the service. So polite and well mannered. You all must be so proud of him.”

  “We are.” Ronan nodded. “I’ll catch you later, Ten.”

  Ten h
eld his arm out for Shelly and led her away from the table. “Okay, dish. When did you and Mom have a falling out?”

  “Oh, well, you know Kaye and I have never seen eye to eye on certain things.” Shelly shrugged. “It was a few years back when Cal Farmer opened the Main Street Café and finally came out. I had suspected he was gay for years, but wasn’t going to say anything to him until he decided it was time to share his secret with me. When he came out, I was as openly supportive of him as he was open with his personal truth. Your mother didn’t like that and her own opinion led to a bit of personal revelation on her part.”

  “Personal revelation?” What on earth was Shelly talking about?

  Shelly looked around the room, obviously not wanting anyone to overhear what she was about to tell Ten. “She told me about you. I mean, I had thought you were gay, but again, it wasn’t my business to speculate or take a poll around town.”

  “It was my mother telling you I was gay that broke up your friendship?” Ten couldn’t believe his ears. Kaye and Shelly had been friends for as long as he could remember.

  “No, sweetheart. It wasn’t the knowledge that drove the wedge between us, it was what she said next.”

  Ten sighed. He had a feeling he knew what Shelly was driving toward. “She told you the real reason I left Union Chapel, didn’t she?”

  Shelly nodded. There was a look of profound sadness in her eyes. “I mourned for you, Tennyson. A man like you could have been such an asset to our community, but instead, your family deported you as if you were something to be ashamed of.” Kaye shook her head.

  Tennyson could tell she was fighting back her emotions. He was touched by her feelings on his behalf.

  “I was never blessed with children of my own. That’s why Roy and I were foster parents instead. It would have been my greatest joy to have been a mother to a son like you. To see the way she threw you away like a shirt with a mustard stain on it…” Shelly’s hands were balled into fists at her sides.

  Tears were stinging the back of Ten’s eyes. He wished he’d known he had this kind of ally when he was seventeen years old. It would have saved him so much heartache and suffering. On the one hand, it was that pain that made him the man he was today. “It’s okay, Shelly. Having to make my own way in the world made me stronger. Being on this path led me to Ronan. Don’t feel guilty. Don’t put any of this on yourself.” Ten scanned the room looking for Ronan. He found him over in the corner near the coffee dispensers speaking quietly with Sheriff Reed. “You saw that man. You saw the way he looks at me. If I could go back and change anything. I wouldn’t. My life with Ronan was worth getting on that Greyhound bus.”