Another bob of the head. “And Ms. Goff’s body? Will that be cremated today?”
“The family has scheduled cremation for tomorrow morning, but thatviewing will be closed to a small number, I’m afraid.”
“Of course,” said Saga. She held up the business card with a grateful smile. “Thank you for this. I will be in touch.” She returned to Avery, who now stood near the casket, pretending to be saying her goodbyes, but Saga recognized the calculating look in her eye. She handed her the card and spoke quietly. “Body is scheduled to be cremated tomorrow at that address, so it doesn’t buy us a lot of time, but it does negate the need for any immediate theatrics.” She reached out and rested a hand on the casket, giving it a gentle pat before they both stepped outside to find Reza and Leigh. “I assume you have a way of getting to it there?”
Avery turned the card over in her hands. “Not particularly legal ones, but I’m sure Detective Lahiri and I will manage.”
They found the detective and his wife hand in hand, waiting for the procession with a few of the other mourners. Reza pulled Leigh closer and gave both Saga and Avery a look that indicated any findings should wait.
The wind had thankfully calmed since their trek inside the chapel that morning. It still bit coldly, but it was more of an uncomfortable breeze than anything. They waited a few minutes, perhaps ten or so, for the rest of the mourners to file out. Next came the pallbearers provided by the funeral home. There were only two of them as the casket had been fitted onto a wheeled contraption. It had been covered with a drape and a flower arrangement placed over it. Elis preceded the casket, and, after clearing the doorway, dropped back to walk beside it, his hand on the lid as it was rolled through Pearson Square to the street where the hearse awaited.
Mr. Bowen followed behind the casket, a binder tucked under his arm. As the casket was carefully loaded into the back of the car, he leaned over to say something to Elis.
Elis nodded, and then Mr. Bowen departed, walking toward the side street, presumably not joining the rest of the mourners for dinner.
Avery leaned into Reza and said simply, “We’ll need to follow that hearse.”
“Do you know where they’re going?”
Avery held up the card Saga had given her. “The body is being cremated first thing tomorrow.”
Reza turned to Leigh. “Priyotoma…”44
Leigh shook her head. “Go, love. I’ll be fine.” She reached out to Saga, who took her hand. “Hudsons do best together.”
44Bengali: Sweetheart. Darling.
Chapter 17
Avery
Avery and Reza followed the hearse out to Golders Green in North London. Harney & Jones Funeral Home and Crematorium sat on the edge of a large green estate, accompanied by a garden and cemetery.
They watched from the street at a safe distance, so as not to alert the driver of their presence.
After the pallbearers removed the casket and pushed it through the crematorium doors, Lahiri inquired, “How shall we do this, then? Do you have a plan?”
Avery waggled a hand back and forth. Calling it a “plan” was generous. That suggested more thought than she’d really given it. “Wait a few minutes, go in, and say we have a warrant to search Eira Goff’s casket.”
“Wedon’thave a warrant,” said Lahiri.
Avery opened the glove compartment in front of her and produced a small pamphlet on a preschool in the Primrose Hill area. “We will in a few moments…” A little glamour and much like the little black notebook that served as a badge, this simple bit of paper would easily appear to be all the warrant they needed.
Understanding her meaning, he cleared his throat. “Avery, I work for Scotland Yard.”
“Andthe Winter Court.” When he didn’t answer, Avery appraised him in disbelief. “You cannot tell me this is the first time those two alliances have conflicted.”
Lahiri hesitated. “It’s…a delicate balance.”
Avery paused, thinking this over. “Could I clarify your objection and discomfort?”
“You may.”
“Are you uncomfortable with utilizing magic to obtain the information we’re looking for, or is it the concept of aligning your badge and the honor you associate with that with deceit?”
