Page 80 of Brutal Sin
She retrieved the scrap of paper and felt the blood rush from her face. “A funeral notice…”
Her heart squeezed, tighter and tighter until she couldn’t take it anymore. She blinked through her rapidly blurring vision to read the heartbreaking words resting in herpalm.
MUNRO, Pamela Sue of Tampa aged 55 years.
Dearly loved wife of Raymond Thomas Munro. Mother of Bryan Munro. Cherished sister to Andrew and Kylie, and aunt to Silvia, Tyler, Jackson, andTera.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a funeral service for Pamela, which will be held in the chapel at 17 Day Street on the 1st of May, commencing at 10 a.m. to be followed by interment in the cemetery.
No flowers by request. Donations to your preferred cancer charity appreciated.
“His mom,” she whispered. That’s why he’d always called her Ella. “She must’ve died weeks ago. Around the same time I ignored his text message.” Guilt and regret bubbled inside her, coming out in the form of a drysob.
He’d reached out. He’d wanted a shoulder. And she’d ignoredhim.
“Hey, now. Don’t get crazy.” Kim came around the counter. “I’m sure he’sfine.”
“But he’s not. Didn’t you hear what Cassie said? He’s falling apart and won’t even talk to his friends about it. They don’t even know his motherdied.”
“And what makes you think he’ll talk to you? You’re only going to gethurt.”
Too late. She was already straddling heartache and limbo. “I need to seehim.”
“Sweetie…” Kim placed a gentle hand on her elbow. “Please don’t.”
“You know I have to do this. I can’t keep questioning myself. Either way, I have to get answers.” She grabbed her handbag from under the register. “Would you mind closing up forme?”
“Only if you call as soon as you finish talking to him.” Kim placed her hands on her hips. “And grant me permission to knee-cap him if he upsetsyou.”
“He’s grieving—”
“Kneecaps or nodeal.”
“Fine. You can do whatever you like if this turns sour.” She’d deal with the possibility of having to lie to her sister later. For now, she had to get to the club. To ease her pain, and hopefully his. “I’ll call you as soon as I’mdone.”
