The Heart of Deception

Chapter 24

The funeral was well attended, and had gone without a hitch, despite the heavy downpour.

Kurt looked pale and gaunt. He remained distant and unapproachable, so much so, his mother and sister had stepped forward to accept his guests’ wishes of sympathy. People took it for granted that Diane’s sudden demise had left him devastated. No reference was made as to the circumstances surrounding Diane’s death. Michael’s eulogy to Diane had been short, loving, and emotional.

Max, despite being incapacitated, had even arranged to have video footage of the twins, edited and played at the funeral. The effect had been moving. Seeing flashes of the good times she had shared with her sister brought back more pleasant memories. Memories of the fun and the mischief they had created, when nobody other than Michael and Max had been able to tell them apart.

Tears slid silently down Lauren’s face as she watched her sister’s coffin slowly being lowered into the ground. Her hands clutched the handle of her umbrella tightly.

This was it. This was the end. It was like watching a book close. Through the heavy rain, on the other side of the grave, she saw Kurt. He stood alone, staring down at the coffin, seemingly oblivious to all around him.

As the minister said, “... dust to dust...” Kurt leaned forward, and emptied a shovel full of muddied dirt into the grave. Stepping back, he looked over at Lauren. His anger and animosity, were still evident, and being directed solely at her. He then turned on his heel, and left.

Lauren hadn’t thought she was capable of any more feelings of hurt or guilt, than she was already, but she was wrong. Kurt had the ability to crush her with a single glance. Knowing the man she loved more than anything else hated her, made her want to curl up and die.

Michael’s large comforting hands closed over her shoulders, drawing her close. Lauren almost crumpled against his muscular frame. Her father had been loving and supportive ever since his return. He had held her while she cried, then carried her to bed as he had done when she was a child. She was grateful he hadn’t demanded an explanation for their behaviour. She wasn’t ready to talk to anyone yet.

Canoorah was the last place Lauren wanted to go to after the funeral. But, it was the socially accepted and expected thing for them to do. She envied Justin Paige. He had driven a hire car up to the Sunshine Hinterland, to ensure he didn’t have to attend the reception afterwards.

The large house was full of people, uncomfortably milling around. Hanging onto her father’s arm, she felt as she did the first time she entered the homestead. Like an intruder. Curious eyes followed her every movement, as they walked from room to room.

Kurt was in the formal lounge, with Jessica on his arm. Lauren’s heart skipped a beat as she watched him accepting wishes of condolence. Diane’s death had taken its toll on him. Even under his tan, his face was pale and drawn. Michael made a beeline towards his son-in-law, dragging her with him.

“Is there anything we can do?” asked Michael huskily, as the two men shook hands formally.

“Nothing,” muttered Kurt coldly, withdrawing his hand, and turning away.

“Please excuse my brother, Dr. McAllister. His manners are appalling lately.” Helen’s quiet voice came from Michael’s right.

“It’s quite understandable under the circumstances, don’t you think?”

“That’s debatable,” declared Helen wryly. She ran a concerned eye over her friend, before shaking her head. “You look dreadful, Rusty. When was the last time you slept?”

With an exasperated sigh, she put her arms around Lauren, and gave her a hug.

“Come,” she said, linking arms with her, and pulling her across the room. Before Lauren could protest, she found herself standing in front of her brother-in-law. “I think it’s time the two of you did some serious talking.”