BEING HALSEY

CHAPTER 76

" In dust we came and in dust we shall return," The priest says and turns his gaze upwards. Tray and I sit at the front row of the congregation, all dressed in black.

I squeeze his hand and he softly smiles. He's eyes are swollen and red from rubbing and trying to hold back his tears. The dark suit he's also wearing makes him look stiff and uncomfortable.

I glance around at the people. Reck's mother is sitting on the same row as us, an arm's length away. Her black jacket and skirt contrasting with the pallor of her skin, the rings under her eyes showing her sleepless nights.

Across the aisle, Latifa dabs at her cheeks with a handkerchief, drying her tears.

I bet she's faking it!

Beside her are Reck's friends from school, their faces smudge with misery. A faint movement by Tray distracts me. His fingers are fidgeting with the printed card which sets out the order of service.

Slowly, we all stand as the coffin begins to slide out of sight. Tray's hand squeezes mine a little bit harder and he breaks down. I let him cry on my shoulder as I rub his back up and down.

Reck's mother rushes forward and for a second there, I think she'll throw herself on the coffin. She kneels down crying and screaming her son's name. The sight breaks me and I close my eyes as my tears roll down.

I can't even imagine the pain she's going through. The pain of losing her only child.

Everyone drops a white rose on the grave and leaves. Tray sniffs and rubs his red eyes, before composing himself. We walk hand in hand and stand next to the grave. Tray doesn't say anything, he just drops his rose and looks up at the sky.

I throw mine and mumble a goodbye before walking towards the car.

***

" Are you okay?" I ask Tray.

He's been staring at his phone since we came back from the cemetery.

" I brought you some juice," I place the glass on the table and take a seat next to him.

I rub his cheek with my thumb.

He raises his eyes and looks outside through the small kitchen window.

The doorbell rings.

" I'll go get that," I walk toward the door and lead the man to the kitchen.

" Tray, there's someone who wants to see you."

He turns his sad eyes towards us and stays quiet.

The large guy speaks first, " I'm detective Jared Kurtas," He flips his ID real quick and continues.

" I'm here concerning the murder of Reckless, I believe he was your best friend."

Jared Kurtas sits down.

" I want to ask you some few questions." He clears his throat, " When was the last time you saw your friend?"

I turn to Tray and his lips have turned dry.

" I don't know... It's been a while."

Kurtas turns to look at me and I swallow.

" And do you have any idea who would have done this to him?"

Tray shakes his head no.

Kurtas scratches his nose and writes something down on his small notepad.

" His mother said you two are like brothers, You must be knowing something." He adds softly.

" Sir, I don't think or know anyone that could have done this. I too want answers."

The room stays silent.

" Umm, excuse me for interrupting, but Tray was at the hospital at the time of the murder. You can go ahead and check the hospital records."

Kurtas turns his attention to Tray.

" Is that true?"

" Yes. I didn't know he was dead till my girlfriend told me."

I turn to Tray and try to hide the shock on my face.

Is he seriously lying to the police right now?

" I'm afraid that's all," Kurtas stands and shakes both our hands.

" Thank you for your time."  He says and I walk him out the door.

***