Page 6 of Awestruck at Dusk
“We were informed that Senator Hill’s attorneys are trying to find a way to get him out of it, of course. We’ll just have to wait and see what happens,” David explained.
“Thank you, David,” my father replied in a dry tone. He didn’t even make an effort to smile like he always did when he addressed the guys. “I believe that covers it all for now.”
David and Agent Robbins excused themselves, and my father escorted them out of the apartment. He came back and retook a seat right in front of us. He leaned back and crossed a leg on top of the other in the usual elegant way he did and said, “Okay, kiddo. Now let’s talk about Caleb.”
Kriah
“I’VE SPOKEN WITHCaleb’s family,” my father said, looking away for a second to clear his throat. He was very fond of him. Caleb’s death must’ve been brutal for my father, but he rarely showed any emotion. He had different ways of coping with the pain, like burying himself with work.
“They are requesting assistance in moving his body back to Tel Aviv as soon as possible. They want to handle the burial service in the Jewish tradition, which requires for us to get him back there as quickly as possible since embalming and cremation are forbidden in their custom.”
I wished he would just stop talking. Burial service? Embalming? Cremation?
All I could ever think of asking was, “Can I go?”
“To—Tel Aviv?” my father asked with a raised brow. I knew what that meant—a negative. But Ihadto ask.What if he said yes?
I nodded with wide, hopeful eyes.
“I’m afraid not, kiddo. I’m not comfortable with you—”
“Ineedto see him,” I cut him off, my voice battling against the territorial lump in my throat.
“That’s what I was getting at,” he replied. “You’ll be able to see him today”—he looked at his watch—“in an hour, that is. I suggest you take a shower and get ready so we can leave.”
“Can you stay?” I asked Nathan. “Or do you have to go to the office at some point during the day?” I knew he had a hectic work schedule, but I didn’t want to be alone. I needed him.
“Of course,” Nathan replied smoothly. “I took the day off from work today. I already let them know I won’t be available until Monday.” He kissed my temple. “I’m all yours.”
“Aaron’s been guarding Caleb’s body ever since he got the news. You’ll meet with him at the funeral home. He’ll fly back to Tel Aviv to make sure the transport goes well. He’ll also be staying there a few days for the burial.”
“When does Aaron leave?” I queried.
“As soon as you’re done.”
“Okay,” I said with a sigh. I would take whatever I could get, even if it meant only a few minutes with Caleb.
“I’ll be in my study making some calls just to make sure everything’s good to go, kiddo,” my father said with a tight smile, squeezing my shoulder with a shaky hand as he walked past me. He then walked back and kissed the top of my head. “Nathan, please make yourself at home.” He excused himself and left for his study.
“I’ll go take a quick shower,” I said to Nathan, standing up.
Nathan stood up too and embraced me. “Everything is going to be okay, love. I’ll make sure of it.”
“I know.” I didn’t know. Nothing felt okay, and it seemed like it would be like that for a while. But I sure hoped for things to get better.
One day.
We arrived at Gutterman’s in Brooklyn, where Aaron had been guarding Caleb’s body. A man who introduced himself as Mr. Waldman led the way after explaining how an exception had been made, since no viewing or visitation is customarily allowed in a Jewish funeral.
He was adamant when communicating the haste with which I should complete the visitation. Caleb’s family grew restless, so the sooner Aaron left for Tel Aviv, the better.
I wished I could go too.
Mr. Waldman knocked on a door, which Aaron quickly opened and gestured for me to step inside the small, dimly lit room. Nathan and my father waited outside.
“Aaron!” I threw myself into his embrace as we both burst into sobs.
We held each other for a minute in silence. There were no words that could describe our grief. They weren’t needed at all.
