The Reunion

Epilogue

Hello. I'm back again. My solicitor managed to get me released on bail pending new evidence and the recent arrest of Antony Gee. Although I was still a suspect in the Susan Adams murder, I knew that the police would soon charge Tony and I would be a free man.

I was just making my way to see the body of my sister. She was in the Chapel of Rest at the local undertakers'. I had parked my car and was walking towards the building. Although there was a chill in the air, it was a sunny day. The sun always shines on the righteous, so they say. I got to the office door and pushed it open.

There was a man in a white porter's attire reading one of their many pamphlets that was out on display. He didn't look up. I wondered if he was visiting a deceased relative or, perhaps, even worked here. But, then, why would he be reading one of the brochures? A woman approached me. She looked more like an undertaker as she was dressed in black.

'Can I help you?' she asked.

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'I phoned earlier and was told that it would be okay to come and see my sister – Susan Duncan, née Blackmore,' I replied.

'Of course,' the undertaker said. 'I did recognise you. I'm glad that they've released you. That Tony Gee obviously has a lot to answer for. I hope my colleague explained what we have had to do to Susan?'

I held up my hand indicating that she need not explain again. 'He did,' I replied.

'Please follow me,' she said and I did.

The room I was shown to was quite simply decorated. A couple of pictures hung on the far wall. There was a shelf which had a vase on it with a beautiful bouquet of flowers in it. They smelt and looked real. The oak coffin was balanced on, I would have guessed, a table, but it had a fantastic purple and gold cloth covering it. I stood in the doorway. The undertaker turned.

'Do you mind if I have a few minutes alone with her?' I asked.

'Of course,' she replied. 'Just open the door when you're ready.' She smiled as she left, closing the door behind her.

I waited a few moments before slowly walking over to the coffin. It looked like she was asleep. Her face was pale. The pink satin cloth was covering the top, back and sides of her head. I had been told that there was not too much left of it. Only her face was visible. It didn't look like my sister but I put that down to what had happened to her.

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'Well, sis...' I knew no one could hear me but I still said it in a level slightly above a whisper. 'It wasn't quite the outcome I had in mind but I guess the result is just the same. It was always our little secret. And we're both going to get away with murder. I'm sorry that me killing Susan Adams sent you insane. I'm surprised that you didn't get in touch with me when you got released all those years ago. I'm hoping that it was to protect me. I don't need protecting now, sis. Tony has been arrested and will probably be charged fairly soon. So I've committed the perfect murder and gotten away with it but so have you. I mean, you're not going to stand trial for the murder of Luigi Gustav and Tracey Gee. Graham Longmuir is fighting for his life. Samantha Adlington was wounded but is in a stable condition. You got away with it, Susan. You got away with it.'

I bent down and kissed what was visible of her forehead. I then turned and walked towards the door. I opened it and continued walking. I found the reception area and thanked the undertaker. I went to leave.

'I'm sorry for your loss,' the man in the white orderly uniform said.

'Thank you.' I smiled at him and he went back to reading his pamphlet. I turned and left.

The End

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Graham Avery was born and bred in Newton Abbot. He has been married for over thirty years to Judith and has two children – Becca and Ian. He is a big rugby fan (come on you Chiefs). He also enjoys reading and listening to music. The Reunion is his first novel.