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Mom grins and finally leaves me in peace to get ready for today’s event. Richard Sullivan invited me and Josiah—as Cullen’s heirs—to see the first demo test for the PLP Project.
Josiah is extremely excited as Roger drives us there. He prattles on and on about the programming that Asad and Dr. Young have done with the rest of the Cullen Tech team.
I’m pleased that my brother is still in the loop with the technicians. They, too, seem to enjoy him and Dr. Young in particular has become somewhat of a grandfather to Josiah.
Their closeness is even more apparent when we arrive at the meeting—which takes place outdoors at a private air strip—and Josiah runs right up to Asad and Dr. Young. He stays with them, watching intently through the entire presentation.
When it’s over, Sullivan gives a speech, mentioning Asad and Dr. Young. The billionaire’s closing remark has me reaching for a tissue.
“Cullen Tech was the dream of a visionary,” Sullivan says. “Someone who pushed through despite the odds. Cullen would have been proud to see this day.”
I brush away a tear, offering my silent agreement.
Sara approaches me during the cocktail portion of the event and tucks a lock of her hair behind her ear. “You look good, Nardi.”
“Thanks. So do all of you. How has Cullen Tech been doing?”
“Cullen left big shoes to fill,” she says with a sad smile. “But Asad, Dr. Young and I are determined to see things through. Jenna has agreed to testify about what she did. We’re determined to win this lawsuit. Once, Cullen Tech is granted the patent, this entire nightmare will be over.”
Asad and Dr. Young catch up with me next.
“Did you know we set up a memorial for Cullen?” Asad asks after giving me a tight hug.
“Really?”
“Yeah, it wasn’t anything too long or traditional. We just put up his picture and had a moment of silence. Cullen wasn’t fussy so he wouldn’t have wanted anything more than that.”
I frown. “Why didn’t you call me? I would have loved to attend.”
“Because I told them to leave you alone,” Josiah says firmly.
I stare in surprise at my little brother.
“Josiah was very protective of you,” Dr. Young agrees. “He said you weren’t ready to have a funeral.”
I smile and rub the back of Josiah’s neck. “You booger.”
His mouth trembles and then he finally grins.
“I think what you guys did out here,” I point to the plane, “and what you’re going to do in the future with Cullen Tech is way better than a funeral and an obituary.”
“I’ll drink to that,” Asad says, lifting his glass.
Just then, a waiter arrives with a tray of appetizers. While my little brother enjoys his snacks, I walk the perimeter of the air strip to have a bit of space.
Dare’s touching words about Cullen brought me back to where I was four months ago. It still hurts to think of how abruptly I lost him. I really,reallywish I could have spoken to him one more time.
While I meant it when I said that Cullen would prefer to be remembered by Cullen Tech thriving and by his legacy continuing on in his work, I left the other half of my thoughts unsaid.
Funerals aren’t for the deceased. They’re for the ones who have to pick up and keep going. They help the living close the book on their loved one, knowing that they gave them a dignified, ceremonious end.
I still find it odd that Cullen’s body hasn’t been returned to us for a proper farewell. Everyone who cared deeply about him—from Darrel, Sunny and Richard Sullivan to Sara, Asad and Dr. Young—all swear that they haven’t heard from him.
It wouldn’t surprise me if Cullen intentionally had someone other than his friends take care of his body, but it makes me uneasy that we don’t know for sure.
Not even Whitaker seems to have a clue.
With a sigh, I walk back to the party at the other end of the air strip. Something on the periphery of the crowd catches my eye. It looks like a tall man wearing a dark grey beanie.