Chapter Nine

"Our father in heaven, we thank you that, through Jesus Christ, you have given us the gift of eternal life, keep us firm in the faith, that nothing can separate us from your love. When we lose someone who is dear to us..."

Her mind—drifting from the priest's prayer. Every memory played like a song in her head, repeating itself for what seemed like forever. She had lost a big part of herself. She wanted it so bad, as though her very life depended on it, but it was all gone, vanished into thin air. 

She couldn't say it got better but it did get easier. At first, she thought grief was something bad that takes you ten feet under but, soon she learned that it was just the price everyone had to pay for loving someone.

The sorrowful casket that consumed her was illuminated by the light that trailed behind her. Each thread resembled the perfection of her father. The man that had taught her everything. 

The man she failed to protect.

The previous night, Raven and her family gathered for supper, with just the closest relatives. Fred's relatives did most of the speaking. They grieved, cried, laughed and consoled each other. Strangely, it was a good night – like a team bonding before facing a big match the next day. 

The flowers—Raven ordered a massive bunch of  tiny blue blossoms, which covered the whole of the coffin – and on top of the huge bed of flowers was a wrist watch with which Fred always travelled with.

Tessa and Louisiana filled the church with jam jars, teacups, teapots and Kilner jars bursting with multicoloured wild flowers. As soon as anyone entered the church, they knew that Fred was amazingly free spirited. 

The funeral service took about 30 minutes. Adjusting her shades Raven stood in front of her father's grave, waiting for the priest to go on. Fred's favorite jazz band played a brilliant, slow, soulful, atmospheric song in the background. Raven had requested for them as she knew it would make him happy. 

For the coffin topper. Veronica had Fred's Favorite hat placed on the coffin.

Lowering the coffin into the grave, each member gave their final farewell. Raven stood still—refusing to mutter a word. She wasn't exactly good at goodbyes.

"Give him, O Lord, your peace and let your eternal life shine upon him." 

"Amen."  All responding in sync.

"Let us go in the peace of the Lord."  The priest rose—concluding the burial.

Every moment felt like eternity, Raven stood next to her father's grave. She remained mute—debating on what to say.

Eyeing the graveyard, Raven admired how neat it was. Row upon row of white marble tombstones all rising from the manicured grass. Each one was perfect, polished and exactly the same as all of the others, except the name it bore. They were lined up perfectly with those in front and behind—a city block for the dead. 

How Fred would have hated this place.

He loved everything eccentric and unique—Jazz music and old poets. 

Raven watched as the guests streamed out of the cemetery. Each giving their condolences. Most of them were shareholders in the winery company. To Raven—they were all possible killers.

Her eyes met with Mr Handel's—his brown teeth revealed as he held her gaze. Looking away from him, her eyes fell on her mother. She was talking to a man—Raven couldn't get a good glimpse, but it seemed as though they were arguing.

Her lover, maybe. 

Her sisters were nowhere in sight—things were far from normal with them. They both avoided her like a plague.

"Are you okay Rave?"

A soft voice snapped her out of her thoughts. It was Eleanor, she was a great support. Giving a small smile, Eleanor glanced at her worriedly.

"You haven't shed a single tear Rave. Let it all out, don't bottle it in...I fear you're eating yourself up."

After a brief pause, Raven muttered slowly. 

"I need to be alone." 

Eleanor hesitated. After a long moment of absolute silence, she got the message and left her side. Raven dived right back into her thoughts. She immediately returned to reality, after feeling a presence next to her.

"I told you I wanna be alone!" 

"Quite a temper." Raven spun around, catching a glimpse of the man's face. The face that had become blurry in her mind, the face she prayed to never see.

"Why are you here?" She asked covering her arms with a shawl.

There he was, standing next to her—his defined face still intact, his chiseled jaw had its sharp edge. His eyes—still beautiful and limpid.  

"Just returned to town. Heard about your father, I know how much you loved him. So sorry for your loss." 

At first there was silence. A misty haze upon the horizons of Raven's mind. They stared at each other not saying a word. 

"You're here."

The words she heard weren't from Jace. 

How was it possible?

Jerking to perceive his presence. His brown hair caught her attention, his navy suit sat well on him.

"Who's he?" Jace asked. 

France moved closer to Raven. Ignoring Jace's presence—he eyed her like he was coming face to face with a ghost. 

"You're Fred's youngest daughter. I'm extremely sorry for your loss, he was a wonderful man." 

Raven was starting to get confused.

Why was he at the funeral?

How did he know her father?

"I understand how you knew my name last time." France uttered.

Jace narrowed his eyes—watching the scene play out in his presence.

Still confused, Raven nodded her head in reply. She decided to play along- to avoid further questions. 

Still unsure of who he was to her father—her thoughts were caught short by the appearance of some cops. 

"Raven!" It was Eleanor. She ran over to her friend. Holding onto Raven, she waited to catch her breath.

"My contact called. Your father's murderer has been discovered ."  Raven's eyes widened in shock. She wasn't expecting it to happen so soon.

Her eyes following the movement of the cops—they were moving to the direction of Veronica. Raven became stiff—her mouth formed into a twist. Some guests were still at the cemetery—in shock, they watched as the scene played along.

It was happening once again. They were arresting the wrong person. 

Veronica cooperated with the cops, following their lead—handcuffed.

Lowering her brows, Raven's face became flushed. She stood still, not moving an inch.

Why were they treating her like a criminal?

In one insane minute. Raven watched as two other cops marched over to her direction.

"Miss Raven Steel. You're under arrest."

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I spent a whole lot of time writing this chapter. Don't forget to comment. Xoxo