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“Anyway, in the video I saw your uncle Ben talking to Earl.”
“What about?”
“I couldn’t hear. But whatever your uncle was saying to him, Earl looked like he wanted no part of it. After the service they left together. Do you know where they went?”
Bing shook his head. “No. My duties would have involved organizing the coffin into the hearse, arranging the procession, and getting the family and attendees to the cemetery. That was my focus. You take your eye off the ball and things can get out of hand quickly.” “I’m sure. Look, when I asked you about your uncle and Alex you seemed...flustered.”
“No, I mean, I just didn’t have anything to say. I don’tknowanything...about...that, not that there was anything.”
“Stop talking, Fred, you’re making a fool of yourself.”
Devine turned to see Guillaume standing in the doorway of the dining room holding a tray with coffee and cups.
Bing glanced at his sister and then looked down at his lap.
Guillaume sat down across from Devine and handed out the coffees. “Mr. Devine, I leave you for a few minutes and I find you in here making allegations against our family.”
“I don’t remember making any allegations,” replied Devine as he took the offered cup.
“Latent, not patent, to use a forensic term.”
“Alex was attacked and raped. And I believe Jenny knew who had done it. And that’s why she was killed.”
“How could Jenny have known?” said Guillaume. “A stranger attacked Alex.”
“No, I think it was someone she knew. Maybe knew very well.”
Guillaume seemed taken aback. “What proof do you have of that?”
“I didn’t say I had proof. Yet. And don’t go cremating Hal Brockman’s remains without checking with me first.”
Guillaume’s face twisted for a moment in anger. She shot her brother a glance and then put her palms on the table, as though to steady herself. “I’ll ignore that remark, because it was spoken in ignorance.”
“No, I really mean it, Dr. Guillaume,” said Devine.
“What exactly are you suggesting? That I would do somethingimproperly?”
“Everyone in this town is close to what happened, both years ago and today. I just think we need more objectivity inserted into the process.”
“That’s not unreasonable, sis,” interjected Bing.
“Particularly in light of your admission that in the past you might not have carried out your professional duties to the fullest,” noted Devine.
“I’ll take your request under advisement,” she said coldly while her brother stared at her in bewilderment.
“It’s actually not a request. I’ll make the formal ask to the OCME.”
Guillaume barked, “And what would Jenny know about anything? She wasn’t there when Alex was attacked. And it’s been fifteen years. I don’t see how it’s possible.”
“Jenny could figure complex things out on behalf of her country. So why not this?”
Guillaume shook her head. “I think you’re sniffing up the wrong tree.”
“Don’t you want that?” said Devine. “The truth to come out?”
“I provided you with what I believe to be the truth. A very detailed account,” she added.
Bing again glanced sharply at his sister.
