When The Grave Calls (The Veil Diaries #9) - B.L. Brunnemer Page 0,60

and Ethan stepped closer, filling in the circle surrounding Miles. We didn’t say a word. We were just there for him. This was family. Our family.

The interior door opened as the minister stuck his head inside. “Are you ready to begin?”

The funeral was a funeral. People got up and talked about how wonderful and kind Arthur Huntington was. How great of a boss he was, how he had a sharp business sense. No one really knew the real him, and it showed.

Miles stayed in his seat as tears streamed down his face. I kept his hand in mine as people droned on and on. Eventually, it was time to walk up there and say goodbye.

Miles’ grip grew tight as we got to our feet. I stayed beside him as we reached the casket.

Miles took a shaky breath as he looked down at his father.

The guys moved around him, blocking him from sight of the crowd. Mr. Huntington looked just like he had in life. Only different. The relaxation of the muscles made it clear he was gone. His designer suit seemed to fit him perfectly. His hands were folded on his waist as if he were sleeping, but there was a stillness that came with death.

“We’re here,” Asher whispered.

“He’s really gone,” Miles said, his voice cracking.

“Yeah,” Zeke said in a low voice. “And it’s okay to mourn the good.”

Miles nodded. “I-I-I need some air.”

The guys parted. Miles dropped my hand then quickly walked away from the casket and down the side aisle. We followed him into the entryway.

His eyes were closed, and he was taking deep breaths. “I just need a minute.”

“Take all the time you need.” I moved to his side again. “The rest can wait.”

“Yeah.” Isaac stuck his hands in the pockets of his slacks.

“He bought me my first telescope,” Miles rasped as he stared at the floor.

“Really?” I didn’t know what else to say.

“He got me into physics.” Miles wiped his face and shook his head. “I can’t believe this. I’m crying for an abusive son of a—”

“Remember the good, mourn that,” I reminded him.

He glared at the doors to the chapel. “Imagine if they all knew what he was really like. How manipulative he was.” He shook his head. “They wouldn’t be here then.”

“Do you want them to know?” I asked softly.

His bloodshot, red-rimmed eyes meet mine.

I pointed at the door. “If you do, I will go up to that microphone and tell them all what he did to your mother. What he put you both through.” I’d do anything to make this better for him.

The tension in his shoulders eased.

“That would clear it out,” Isaac mused.

“Probably cause a stampede at the door.” Ethan tilted his head at the chapel doors. “The freaking mayor is in there. Imagine the scramble to save his image.”

“We could film it,” Asher added.

The corners of Miles’ lips lifted. He shook his head and turned to me. “Thank you, but no. I shouldn’t put that on you.”

I shrugged. “It’s really not a problem. I usually tell people they’re assholes while they’re alive, no reason I can’t when they’re dead.”

Miles let out a soft chuckle.

The doors opened. Several large men in suits came into the entryway.

Miles immediately straightened his spine and moved a little in front of me. “Mr. Rossi.”

The man in the center bowed his head a little. “Miles. I’m sorry for your loss.”

“I bet,” Zeke muttered under his breath.

Mr. Rossi’s focus stayed on Miles. “I just wanted to make you aware that your family is in the clear, but if you needed anything in the future, you’d be more than welcome to give us a call.”

Was he going to do as he said and not use his father’s contacts anymore? Had he changed his mind? My stomach churned as Miles cleared his throat.

“I don’t think that will be necessary,” Miles said as he reached behind him and took my hand. “I have very specific plans for my future.”

Relief flooded me as I clung to his warm hand.

Mr. Rossi glanced at me then back to Miles with a small smile. “I understand. We’ll take our leave now.”

Mr. Rossi and his men filed out and down the steps.

Everyone let out a deep breath.

“So, that was …” I didn’t even have it in me to say.

“Yeah.” Miles turned to me. “They won’t contact me again.”

I nodded. Miles had firmly shut down their offer. Thank God. He turned to me, adjusting his tie.

I gave him a warm smile. “I’m proud of you. That couldn’t