Page 56 of Feared

“No, don’t even think about it.” Judy got a Kleenex out of her pocket and blew her nose. “You have work to do. Go back to the office and immerse yourself inLondon Technologies.”

“No, thanks.” Mary found a smile. “I’ve had enough data integration for one day. I’m going with you.”

“But you have a deposition to defend tomorrow.”

“I’ll be fine. I know enough to hum a few bars.”

“Plus you’re pregnant.”

“I am? Who knew?”

“Do you feel up to it?”

“Sure, if I eat so I can throw up.” Mary leaned forward and said to the cabbie, “Driver, change of plans. We’re heading to Devon.”

“You got it,” the driver said, switching to the left lane, toward the expressway ramp to the western suburbs.

Judy wiped her eyes, regaining her composure. “John was all William had. I don’t even know what will happen to him now.”

“Will the aunt and uncle become his guardian?”

“I don’t know. That’s the kind of thing you provide for in a will.” Judy frowned, rubbing her forehead. “I don’t know where my brain is. I remembered John told me there’s a trust that provides for William. So I’m sure John had a will. That would be like him.”

Mary thought a minute. “What about a funeral? I’m getting the impression that the aunt and uncle are out of the picture, aren’t you? Somebody has to plan a funeral.”

“Oh man, I guess I do.” Judy inhaled deeply, straightening in the backseat of the cab.

“I can help you do that too, honey.” Mary felt a wrench in her chest that she sensed would never go away. She remembered planning her first husband’s funeral. Her parents had offered to help, but in the end, she had done it alone, as her final act of love. Suddenly Mary’s phone started ringing, interrupting her reverie. “This must be Bennie.” She checked the screen and answered the call. “Hey, Bennie.”

“DiNunzio, we just saw you on TV. Judy looks so upset. Did something happen?”

“Yes, I can explain later. We’re heading out to the suburbs to meet John’s brother, William. Judy has to tell him the bad news about John.”

“Oh, my. Did you learn anything from the police?”

“Yes.” Mary gave her the rundown over the new details of John’s murder, leaving out the part about the engagement ring. Judy didn’t need to relive that moment, especially now that she had regained her equilibrium.

“Good job,” Bennie said, after Mary had finished. “Hold on, Isaac wants to speak with you.”

“Fine,” Mary said, suppressing her annoyance. Judy turned her head away, looking out the window with a heavy sigh.

Isaac came on the line. “Mary, Judy?” he said, bubbling over. “You guys did terrific! You couldn’t have done better!”

“I owe it all to my pregnancy,” Mary said dryly.

“Your statement was short and sweet, and those tears from Judy, wow! They couldnothave been moreperfect. You two were the very picture of—”

“Thanks, Isaac, bye now.” Mary hung up, abruptly.

Judy turned from the window with a shaky smile. “Thanks.”

“My pleasure,” Mary said, smiling back.

Suddenly, Mary’s phone started ringing again, with the unusual ring of a FaceTime call, and she looked down to see Machiavelli was calling. She showed Judy the screen. “The hits just keep on coming, don’t they?”

Judy’s eyes widened. “You should take it.”

“Why?”