The funeral Mass was over in record time because most of the crowd followed the Thraxtons’ lead, sitting woodenly in the pews while a few hardy souls wandered up for a blessing—Communion wasn’t even being offered. Theo had asked me if I wanted to speak at the service, and I was glad I’d refused. I sat in a trance while Theo walked away from Caro’s coffin. I needed to talk with him, but I didn’t know what to say.

Before I could decide what to do, a tiny voice cried out sharply.

“Don’t touch me!” I couldn’t see him, but it was Teddy. Theo changed course midstride, racing toward his son. When I got to my feet, Theo was beside Teddy, facing a tall, heavyset man holding a camera.

“I didn’t lay a hand on him!”

“You did!” Teddy accused.

Theo grabbed the photographer’s collar with one hand while he knocked the camera to the floor with the other. It made a cracking sound as it hit the floor, followed by a crunch as Theo stomped on it. “Stay away from my son!” His voice was low, but it carried through the church. He shoved the photographer and then picked Teddy up, turning to leave. The larger man came up behind him, clearly intending to tackle Theo. But his heavy footfalls gave him away, and Theo spun around and punched him in the face. The man dropped like a sack of bricks. Theo was still holding Teddy, and he marched out the side door with him.

I fled, stumbling my way out of the church in the foolish heels Caro had given me. Outside, I tripped on the flagstones, then caught myself on my hands, cursing. The vultures up front snapped photos, and I knew there would be some gossip sniping online that I was drunk at my sister’s funeral, even though I didn’t drink.

My mind was traveling in dark directions. I’d never seen Theo get violent. Watching that scene play out was an awful revelation. Caro and I had seen each other a couple of times a month, and we’d been in touch by phone or text every week. I felt like we were close, because she knew all about my problems. From my vantage point, she had very few of her own. It had never occurred to me that Theo was one of them.

CHAPTER 3 DEIRDRE

CHAPTER 3

DEIRDRE