The Thoughtful Detective

Chapter 9 - Raindrops

Gia sobbed quietly into Leo's shoulder, as the rain splattered languidly on top of Fred's casket.

December was typically the driest month of the year in Miami, but the weather Gods had decided to grant us with just enough rain to evoke the most melancholic atmosphere for Fred's funeral.

Leo wrapped his arms around Gia, as her sobbing intensified. His own face was streaked with tears, but his focus was on Gia. He stroked her back as he comforted her quietly in their seats.

Sitting amongst Leo and Gia were Leo's friends, the staff at Vinnie's Pizzeria, and half of the 2015 graduating class of Sunnyside High. Many people had come to pay their respects to Fred.

When Fred died that night, Leo lost his younger brother, and Gia lost the man she loved. My heart ached for them the most.

I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, as I replayed the events of that horrific evening in my head. As much as I wanted to convince myself otherwise, I knew that I was partially responsible for Fred's death.

If I hadn't been telepathic, then I wouldn't have heard Eliza's thoughts, and I wouldn't have gone to my vehicle to get them food. Instead, Eva and I would have gone downstairs to check on Gia immediately. Rocco would've been undoubtedly spooked by the presence of two officers knocking at her door. He would've probably climbed out the window. In this alternate scenario, Fred would still be alive today. He and Gia would've probably went into hiding, but we wouldn't be digging up his grave at this very moment.

It was disturbing to know that I would have likely prevented the murder of Fred that night, if my powers hadn't interfered with the natural sequence of events.

The turbulent nature of my ability frightened me, but mostly, it enraged me.

I turned towards Eva beside me. She gave me a somber look and leaned her head against my shoulder. I placed my arm around her.

I watched as Gia got up from her seat and walked to a nearby tree. She paced around the tree for a moment, looking visibly uncomfortable. As she leaned her back against the trunk, she placed a hand on top of her stomach. Grimacing slightly, she closed her eyes and blew out a few deep breaths with her mouth. A moment later, Leo approached her and handed her a bottle of water.

"Are you okay?" Eva asked me.

"I'm fine," I lied. The raindrops fell more rapidly around us. I closed my eyes for a moment and let my tears fall freely down my face, masquerading as raindrops.

"I'm so sorry, Fred," I whispered.