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At Paradise Memorial Gardens, cooling fans blew mist on the large crowd as the minister launched into yet another long-winded sermon about God’s wisdom.
    Lauren began to count the times the minister used the word “mysterious.” By the time he wrapped up thirty-five minutes later, she was up to thirty-eight. More than one per minute. That must be some sort of weird world record. Jake kissed the ornate urn before it was placed into a small vault that resembled Lauren’s locker at work.
    Anger reared up like a beast within Lauren’s chest. Anger at God for taking Liz. Anger at Buffy for planning the world’s most impersonal service. Anger at the minister for not knowing when to shut up already. Anger at all these society crowd looky-loos who wanted to be able to brag about attending the hot ticket event. Anger at the police for not catching the killer yet. And anger at Liz for leaving her. If Liz was here, she would make Lauren laugh about this ridiculous circus. If only Liz were here…
    Despite the elaborate misting system, Rose-ma was wilting and Lauren needed to get her out of the sun before she suffered heatstroke. It took her a moment to locate Jake in the crowd, where he was being consoled by several of his teammates. He excused himself to greet Lauren as she approached. “I need to get Rose-ma out of this heat.”
    â€œWhy don’t you two head to my parents’ house?” he offered. “Mom hired a caterer. Rose-ma can rest in the guest quarters if she likes.”
    Lauren didn’t relish the prospect of making small talk with a bunch of strangers.
    â€œI don’t know.” Lauren said, trying to think of a reasonable excuse.
    Jake seemed to read her mind. “No worries. You can come by later if you feel up to it. Take any of the town cars. Just tell the driver where you want to go.” He hugged Rose-ma and whispered in Lauren’s ear as he embraced her, “I’ll call you soon. Thanks for your support. It means the world to me.”
    The rest of the guests continued to mingle as if at some macabre cocktail party. Lauren helped to steady Rose-ma in her sturdy heels as they headed back to the cars.
    â€œLauren?”
    Detective Boyd was hurrying across the grass behind them. He greeted them both courteously. “Is everything all right?”
    Lauren explained that Rose-ma was overheating.
    Boyd nodded understandingly. “Before you go, can you tell me if there was anybody at the service that you didn’t recognize?”
    Lauren hesitated. How did she tell him that about the only person she did know was in the urn? She fumbled over her words, explaining how she had been busy with school in California. How she had only recently moved to Arizona. How she and Liz squeezed in time together around Lauren’s crazy schedule. Even to her own ears, it sounded like a series of excuses to explain why she hadn’t even known who her own sister’s friends had been. He assured her that he understood.
    The cool interior of the car was welcoming. As soon as the car pulled away, Rose-ma said, “That was a very strange service.” She appeared flustered and stammered, “I didn’t mean to say strange. What I meant to say was that was a very sweet service. I’m sorry. Sometimes my words come out wrong.” Lauren smiled wearily at her grandmother and patted her hand.
    â€œDon’t worry, Rose-ma, I know exactly what you meant.”

Chapter Seven
    (Friday, July 29)
    True to his word, Jake called Lauren a few days later. Lauren took a break from work to take his call, hoping his name on her caller ID meant there had been a break in the case.
    â€œHey, Lauren. I was calling to check on you and Rose-ma,” he said.
    â€œWe’re doing as well as can be expected. How about you?”
    Jake sighed. His inability to speak spoke volumes.
    Anxious to break the uncomfortable silence, Lauren said, “You pitched a great