Page 56 of Proof
“Indeed. There is no mention of any family members, and neither is mentioned in the other’s notice. That is very bizarre.” She reached for a napkin and wiped her face. “Any news about the memorial?”
“Nope. This was all he sent.”
“But summer is coming, and nothing about a memorial? For either one?”
“Nope,” Anthony said again. His voice was somber. “I’m devastated. I don’t even know what to say.”
“Me either,” Luna sobbed. “Is there anyone we can call? His brothers? Sister? Parents?”
“I sent an email to his brother at his job as soon as I saw the text, but he hasn’t gotten back to me yet.”
“Okay, Anthony. Thanks. I think. Keep me posted, and if I find out anything, I shall do the same.”
“One love.” Anthony ended the call.
Luna continued to stare at the minuscule notification. No cause of death. No family. No nothing. She immediately logged into her laptop and searched the Hennepin Coroner’s Office, checking for death certificates. Nothing. Not for either of them. Luna was mystified, shocked, and very, very sad. “This isn’t right. It can’t be.” She kept repeating the words over and over. Wylie came running into the café as if he sensed his “mommy” was in distress. Luna wrapped her arms around him. “Oh, Wylie. This is just so terrible.” She buried her face in the nape of his neck and began to sob uncontrollably.
Ellie happened to be passing the café when she saw Luna slumped over Wylie. She rushed in. “Luna! Are you alright?”
Luna looked up. Tears were streaming from her bloodshot eyes. She could barely speak. “It’s . . . it’s my friend Brendan.”
“The one you’ve been trying to reach?” Ellie said.
Luna tried to control her hiccupping. “He’s dead, Ellie. I can’t believe it.”
Ellie pulled out a chair and sat next to her hysterical friend. She placed her arms around Luna and let her sob against her chest. She was like a ragdoll. Ellie rocked her back and forth until Luna gained some composure. “What happened, dear?”
Luna blotted the snot and tears from her face. “No one knows.”
“I don’t understand.” Ellie truly didn’t.
Luna turned her phone so Ellie could see the diminutive notice under Brendan’s photo. Then Luna showed her the one for Eileen.
Ellie read the notices out loud. “This is very odd, isn’t it?”
“I just got off the phone with a mutual friend. That was all he could come up with. No one in Brendan’s family seems to be forthcoming with any information.”
“Oh, dear, dear, Luna. I am sure there is an explanation.”
“But according to this, it happened months ago. And no one has any information? Still? Nothing?” She was heaving deep breaths.
Ellie didn’t know what to say to soothe her friend’s distress.
“What’s even more bizarre is that I checked the Hennepin County Coroner’s office, and there is no death certificate for either of them.”
Ellie sat helpless. She shook her head. “I am sure something will turn up eventually.” She knew it was a bit of an empty comfort, but it was something to say.
“Something isn’t right about this.” Luna held two wads of napkins against her eyes.
Ellie decided to remain silent so Luna could let off some steam.
“I mean, he was so well-liked. He had so many people in his circle of friends, not to mention his very large family. Why aren’t any of them mentioned? And why aren’t either Brendan or Eileen in the other’s obit?” She sniffled. “I just don’t get it.”
Ellie got up. “Let me fix you a cup of tea.” She had no idea where the idea came from that a cup of tea would soothe anything, but it sure seemed to keep the Brits stoic. Perhaps placid would be a better word? In either case, Ellie pondered whether or not the Brits put scotch in it. Now that would make sense. She rummaged through the basket that held an assortment of herbal teas. Chamomile was known for its relaxing properties, so she opted for two bags.
Luna was ruminating on the days when she and Brendan were best buddies. Ellie let her talk. More like babble. But it seemed to have a calming effect on her.
Ellie finally broke in. “Have you told Cullen?”