Page 84 of Silent Ties

Seeing Gloria’s face made me hot with anger. The face in the grainy black and white newspaper has ice running through my veins.

No, no, no.

My hands shake as I pick up the obituary.

Nancy Ann Mulligan was received into heaven after a swift battle with cancer.

“Mrs. Zimin?” Sergei’s gruff voice pulls me back to the coffee shop. Concern etches across his face. He holds out the caramel macchiato, his bulky frame at complete odds with the sugary drink.

“I’m fine,” I promise, but the words come out watery and he’s not reassured. I glance back at the obituary. “We need to go back.”

He nods, happy to get me away from prying eyes. I’m not looking to escape, though.

“I need to change. There’s a funeral I need to be at.”

What is it about funerals and cloudy days?

The summer sunshine disappears by noon, and thick clouds increase the humidity. I tugged on a black cardigan over the simple black dress I chose. Black modest heels complete the outfit.

Pavel and Sergei remained quiet during the ride. They weren’t expecting the trek to the other side of the city. Both kept glancing back, trying to gauge my mood.

“Mr. Zimin isn’t joining you?” Sergei asked when we set out.

“He’s working.”

Besides, I’d rather do this alone.

I’m late, so I sneak into the back of the church. Sergei receives a few odd looks, men eyeing up the bodyguard’s broad-shoulders.

Someone starts a prayer and there’s a hymn. I glance over at Sergei in surprise when I realize the beautiful singing voice I hear is his. He avoids my eyes.

I’m glad to be sitting in the back row. It gives me a chance to peek around without others noticing. There’s a man at the front, his shoulders cutting a sharp figure in his tailored black suit. He runs a hand through brown, curly hair and my heart tightens.

When he stands up and says a few words, I shrink back and scoot over a few inches so I’m directly behind the tall person in the row ahead of me.

There’s a graveyard attached to the church. People spill out for the graveside service. Once again I keep my distance while Sergei remains my shadow.

The sky darkens further, the hot air at odds with the gloomy weather.

When people start to wander off, I stay, until there’s no longer a crowd to hide behind. Sergei leaves me be as I step closer.

Tyler Mulligan shakes hands with a few people, nodding his thanks. When he looks up and spots me, for a moment he remains frozen.

Tyler slides his hands into his pockets. He’s still the same lanky, tall guy with a happy-go-lucky smile. “I thought that was you.”

“I’m so sorry,” I tell my former neighbor.

He shakes his head. Dark circles bruise under his eyes, buthe tries to remain calm. “It was really quick. Kind of took us all by surprise.”

I angle my head, shooting him a look.

He stubs his toe against the ground, laughing. “Yeah. . . I don’t know what to say. Shouldn’t really be that shocked. My mother did smoke four packs a day.”

My shoulders relax slightly, a smile tugging at my lips.

Nancy Mulligan did love her nicotine habit.

Despite the shitty upbringing, I had Nancy, the next-door neighbor and my one bright spot.