decided she would return alone later to see everything went to the proper charities. Cassie didn’t think Rhett could face walking in there again, seeing Zak’s dirty dishes stacked high in the sink or his unmade bed waiting for his return.
Taped classical music played over the system. She nodded to the small group of friends that had gathered to celebrate Zak’s short life. The entire poker group was in attendance, along with Marty, his agent.
She glanced over her shoulder when she heard a raised voice. Two men built like college linemen stood at the back, part of the security detail. They blocked a guy with shaggy hair and a rumpled dress shirt from entering.
“Hey, man, Zak was my cousin. We used to do weed together down on Venice Beach when we were kids.”
Rhett stood and walked over. After a brief conference, he motioned to the guards to let the man in. Cassie assumed the glassy-eyed man was the cousin whose car had actually started. At least Zak had some family represented here.
Rhett glanced at his watch and crossed to the podium as the music subsided. He’d been closer than anyone to Zak and would give the eulogy. She prayed he could make it through without breaking down. She had no idea what he would say. He’d locked himself in his study last night to work out the details. She’d fallen asleep before he came to bed.
Rhett took out a folded page from his jacket and sighed before crumpling it up and pushing it aside on the podium.
“I had a few thoughts planned but I don’t think Zak would’ve liked that. He was a fly by the seat of your pants kind of guy. Very spontaneous. Very witty. So, I’ll try to do him justice and talk from my heart.”
He hesitated. Cassie saw his hands shaking, even as they gripped the sides of the podium.
“This should be a gloomy day since such a playful light has gone out of the world. Zak Mercury was fun personified. He always loved to tease and joke. But you know, we shouldn’t be sad because he’s smiling down on us. Probably laughing his ass off, if you want the truth.”
Cassie was impressed with Rhett’s simple, heartfelt words. He told a few stories of when they first met and some of their adventures together, such as the poker pals going fishing and snow skiing. How he’d seen Zak’s act a hundred times—and how it never ceased to crack him up. Rhett spliced in humor with more solemn feelings, sharing how Zak did have a serious side that he only revealed to a select few.
It was easy to see how much Rhett had loved his friend. He stumbled a few times, his voice thick with emotion, but he was getting through it. Cassie was so proud of him.
Then the loud clicking started, coming from a few rows behind her. Rhett frowned, losing his concentration, before he totally lost it.
He shouted at Zak’s loser cousin, who’d begun taking pictures with his cell. “Have you no decency? Can’t you give Zak and those who loved him just an ounce of privacy?”
The security team moved quickly to remove the distant relative. One of them confiscated the phone and slipped it into his pocket as the other latched on to Zak’s cousin.
“Hey, gimme back my cell! I have people who’ll pay me big for those shots. Rhett Corrigan crying his eyes out will make me some serious money.”
The men dragged him to the aisle as he cursed loudly.
“You’re blowing my chance, man. I’m supposed to be on all the tabloid shows. Tell my side of the funeral and how close Zak and me were. Make some cash. You can’t do this to me. I’ve got rights. Corrigan, come on. We can—”
Rhett stormed down the aisle and got in the doper’s face.
“You worthless piece of humanity. You’ve turned a sad occasion into a circus. You’ve taken vulgar to an all-time low.”
He waved a hand. “That’s it. I’m through. With Hollywood. With all the jackals who don’t care who they hurt as long as they get the shot. Life is more than a damned picture. It’s gathering around the table at night, sharing your day with your family. It’s doing an honest day’s work and being able to come home happy in your job and yet glad to be away from it because you’re with those you love.
“Well, no more for me. Just get this asshole out of here. He’s made a mockery