Page 53 of Wild Frost

“It’s nice to meet you,” I said. “I’m very sorry about your father.”

They looked up at me with big, weepy eyes.

Angela continued, “This is Holden, Cameron, Landon, and Ian. They all went to school together. This is Mr. Oliver, Wesley's father, and his brother Ben."

We shook hands and exchanged pleasantries.

I said to Angela in a soft voice, "I know this isn’t the best time, but would you mind if I asked you a few more questions?”

"Sure. No problem. Anything I can do to help." We stepped aside while the others chatted, slowly making their way back to their vehicles. The kids stayed with their grandfather.

"How long had Wesley been seeing Dr. Miriam Renick?"

She took a deep breath and thought about it. "I guess off and on for a couple of years now. I suggested counseling before the divorce. That didn't work,” she said flatly. “I insisted he go see somebody about his mental health and his drug use. I know he liked Dr. Renick. He felt comfortable with her. It seemed like it was going well for a little while.” She sighed. “There were things that Wesley just kept to himself. He was very… guarded most of the time. I tried to get in, but he wouldn’t let me. That was part of the problem. He was just so closed off. By the time weactually got professional help, we were beyond hope, to tell you the truth.”

“Was he always closed off, or did something trigger it?”

She thought for a moment. “I don’t know. He was never very expressive that way. Most men don’t like to talk about their feelings. I thought he would open up to me over time.”

"I ask because someone shot Dr. Renick yesterday. Her office was broken into this morning, and some of her files were stolen."

Angela's eyes rounded. "Really?"

I nodded.

Her brow knitted with confusion. "Do you think there's some kind of connection?"

I nodded again. "Is there anything Wes might have told her that was so horrible someone would want to kill to cover it up?"

Angela stiffened and swallowed hard. "Horrible like what?"

"You tell me.”

She lowered her gaze, and her eyes flicked about as she thought. “Wes never got in any real trouble. He was kind of lucky that way. I mean, he got a DUI once. But that was about the extent of his trouble with the law. It’s not like he killed anybody.”

I stared deep into her eyes, looking for signs of deception. “If anything should come to mind, you know how to get in touch.”

She nodded. “I guess I should get to the reception. Will you be joining us?”

“If you don’t mind. I’d like to talk to some of the others.”

“Do what you need to do.”

I walked with her toward the black stretch limo where Wesley’s father waited with the kids and Ben.

“Tell me about his friends.”

“They all grew up together. Went to CKHS, then Vanden. Bunch of hell raisers back in the day.” She shook her head. “Never in a million years would I have pegged Wesley as the fuck up. I thought Holden had a lock on that. But they all turned out to be reasonably well-adjusted adults. Despite his trust fund, Holden turned out okay. He's an influencer, and I think he landed a deal for a show with the network. Camden's a pediatrician. Ian is an attorney. Landon is a District Commissioner, of all things." She shook her head again. "Wesley could have been anything he wanted. He was such a smart guy. Makes me sick to see all that talent wasted. I guess we've all got our demons. His got the best of him."

"I'd just like to know what those demons were."

29

Classical music played through speakers. Chatter filled the air. At some point, there would be a remembrance where friends and family could recall anecdotes. A 16x20 portrait of Wesley stood atop a table near the center of the reception hall.

I caught up with Holden at the bar. "It’s my understanding you were pretty close to Wesley.”

"We were best friends growing up," he said.