“My family lived next door on the other side. Gabi and I were friends since we could walk and talk.” Bethany turned her body fully now so that she could look at Val straight on. She narrowed her eyes. “Can I ask how you knew Gabi.”

“I’m so sorry I didn’t mention this before. I’m a death scene investigator with the medical examiner’s office. This is my colleague Gwen. We’re here today to pay our respects to the family. Would it be possible to talk with you some other time about her? Anything you might recall could help us with determining what happened to them.”

“Oh my God, of course, I’ll do anything to help Gabi and Adam.” Bethany’s eyes welled up and she reached into her bag and pulled out a tissue. “Sorry. You have to excuse me. I know they’re dead but what you’ve just said, makes it seem much more real. It makes me think of how they died. I’m so sorry,” Bethany reiterated as she tried to stop tears from streaming down her cheeks. “The news was pretty graphic about it.”

“I’m the one who should be sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you.” Val knew she had to be diplomatic when describing her position, especially to family and friends of the victims. She put a loved one’s death up front and center for the survivors, but the news was usually far more upfront than Val could ever be.

“Don’t worry, I’m not that delicate. Contrary to what you’re seeing right now, I can handle the truth.” Bethany dabbed her eyes and straightened her back, pulling herself together. “I’m afraid I don’t know much about her recently, though. As I’ve said, we were best friends growing up. We grew apart after she married her second husband. She became very private after that.”

This second marriage seemed to cause a lot of dissent in Gabrielle’s life. But there was one more important piece of information. If Bethany and Gabrielle grew apart after Gabrielle’s second marriage why on earth did Gabrielle list Bethany as an emergency contact for her son recently. Now was not the time for Val to delve into Bethany’s admission, though. Val was at a funeral. Instead, she asked something else. “Can you tell me if Gabrielle’s sister is here. Bridget?”

Bethany turned her head in all directions. “No, I don’t see her but I wouldn’t expect Bridget to be here.”

“She wouldn’t be at her sister and nephew’s funeral?” Val questioned.

“It’s just that Bridget isn’t good with crowds like this. Quiet places are best for her.”

“Quiet places?” Val pressed a little more.