Page 20 of Property of Bones

Sunny

I fight my tears as I wrap my arms around Josh’s mother, Susan. Her frail frame trembles against me, and it takes everything in me not to cry right along with her.

“He was such a sweet boy,” she whispers, fresh tears soaking into my shoulder. “I know he got mixed up in things he shouldn’t have, but… he still had a good heart.”

Don’t ask, Sunny. Stay out of it. Don’t dig into something that isn’t yours.

“What things?”

Dang it.

She pulls back slightly, dabbing at her eyes with a wrinkled tissue. “Oh, you know… drug stuff,” she murmurs. “He wasn’t using, at least not that I ever saw. Just selling. Said he could make enough to help out. I told him we didn’t need the money, but he knew better.” Her voice cracks. “I guess that’s why they killed him. He got involved with the wrong people.”

“I’m so sorry,” I say, and I mean every word. “I didn’t know him well, but for the short time I did… he was kind.Genuinelykind. I hope you can find some comfort in that.”

“Thank you, dear.” She offers a trembling smile. “I appreciate that more than you know.”

I glance around the funeral home. It’s quiet. There are no other mourners, no flowers, no whispered condolences. Just thefaint hum of fluorescent lights and a casket that shouldn’t have to be closed so soon.

“Is there anything I can do for you?” I ask gently. “Anything at all that might ease even a little of this?”

She shakes her head, new tears welling. “I’m sure there is, but right now, my mind’s a jumbled mess. I just want to bury my son. I want him to know he wasn’t alone.”

I nod, my throat tight. “Then let’s go do that, ma’am. Let’s lay him to rest with someone by his side.”

I guide her toward the viewing room. She clutches my arm like it’s the only solid thing in her world right now.

“If you’re up to it,” I say softly, “I’d really love to hear more about Josh. Would you mind sharing some memories with me?”

She sniffles, looking down at her hands. “I would love that, dear… but I’m afraid I’ll cry through all of them.”

“That’s okay,” I say, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. “Sometimes crying is just the soul’s way of honoring love.”

“Oh, you are a ray of sunshine, aren’t you?” she chuckles through her tears.

“Well, that’s why they call me Sunny,” I smile, nudging her lightly.

Before she can reply, a deep rumble splits the air like a rolling thunderstorm. The growl of engines fills the parking lot, dozens of motorcycles pulling in and lining up around the funeral home like a leather-and-chrome honor guard.

Susan stiffens beside me. “Oh my,” she whispers. “What’s going on?”

My breath catches as I watch the men and women dismount one by one. Some faces I recognize, others I don’t. But every single one of them carries the same solemn respect in their eyes. And then I see him.

Jack.

Stoic. Silent. Stronger than anyone should have the right to be. His gaze flicks to mine for just a second and it’s like gravity shifts.

One of the men, tall and commanding, steps forward. I think it might be Spike, Riley’s husband. He came by Marv’s once a few months back. He moves like someone used to giving orders and having them followed.

“Ma’am,” he says, his voice deep and sincere as he approaches Susan. “We’re truly sorry for your son’s passing. If it’s alright with you, we’d be honored to stand with you today to help you lay him to rest with the dignity he deserves.”

Susan blinks in surprise. “Oh… were you friends of my boy?”

“Unfortunately, no, ma’am,” Spike replies gently. “We never had the privilege of his friendship. But someone who mattered to him…matters to us.”

Her hand flies to her heart. “Oh. Well… I think he would’ve liked that.”

I glance at Jack again, and his eyes are already on me.

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