Jack Beale 00 - Killer Run

clear, he moved quickly in the direction they had come from. It wasn’t long before he found a spot where he could watch the Inn while remaining out of sight. “What the hell,” he murmured to himself as he watched. First a band set up, then some people brought out grills and lit them, and finally a very large man carried a keg out onto the back porch.
    “This is not right.” he said to himself. Then a voice in his head said, “ Stop worrying, this may turn out to be a good thing. ” He tried, but it wasn’t easy. As more and more people arrived, the band began to play, and he could hear laughter. His confusion grew. It looked like most of the guests had changed out of their dressy, funeral clothes into casual jeans, sweaters, and sweatshirts. He didn’t understand. Funerals were supposed to be somber, but this looked more like a party.
    He heard her arrival before he saw her. The music quieted and the laughter ceased as Polly, dressed in more proper black, moved about hugging and greeting those who were there. He began to relax. “That’s more like it,” he said quietly to himself. Her presence had properly restored the festivities to what they were, a funeral.
    When Polly disappeared into the house, the laughter returned and the band began to play again. The longer she was gone, the louder the party and the greater his anxiety. Eventually she reappeared, although at first he didn’t recognize her because she had changed into jeans and sweater.
    He could smell the food cooking and his stomach growled. Confusion and then anger began to dominate his feelings. As the sounds of people having a good time increased, so did the voices in his head. His family’s ship had been burned and these people, the ones who had caused it all, were celebrating. He had to get the quilt. He needed the evidence.
    * * *
    By the time Max and Jack had walked back to the Inn, so many cars had filled the drive that many were now parked on the road. “I don’t remember this many people being at the service. Do you?” asked Max.
    “Nope,” said Jack and he shrugged. Walking up the drive they began to hear strands of music coming from behind the Inn. As they reached the building, they detected the smell of grilling burgers and chicken. They were about to open the front door when they were met by Anne on her way out.
    “Oh, there you are. Polly was just asking about you.” She had changed into jeans, a turtleneck, and a fisherman sweater. It was the first time they had ever seen her animated and smiling.
    “We came back on the road,” said Max before sheepishly asking, “What’s happening?”
    “Oh, you don’t know. Malcom had always said that when he died, he wanted there to be a party. You should always remember the good times and not dwell on the bad, No one remembers funerals, but everyone remembers a great party. Come on in, everyone’s out back.”
    She held the door open and motioned for them to go in. Max and Jack, a bit surprised, looked at each other and then stepped inside. Anne let the door close behind them and headed down the drive.
    People were everywhere inside the Inn. Gone were the somber dresses and suits, replaced by everyday clothes. Laughter and the din of a great party dominated every room. The kitchen was the most crowded, with the table covered with casseroles, salads, and desserts.
    “I wish I had known,” whispered Max to Jack. “I feel overdressed and I would have brought something.”
    Before Jack could respond, a large man holding a red solo cup came up to them. “Hey, welcome,” he said, clapping Jack on the shoulder. “Food’s outside, there’s a keg on the back porch”―at this he held his cup up―“and the band’s out back.” Then before Jack could reply he walked off.
    “Get you a beer?” he said to Max.
    “I guess.”
    He could see that she was still a bit uncomfortable. “C’mon, let’s go find Polly.”
    As soon as they stepped out onto the back porch, they saw her. She was standing in the yard, next to a large grill, with several people surrounding her. Jack grabbed two cups of beer, handed one to Max, and motioned to her to head down to see Polly.
    “Jack, Max. I’m so glad you’re here.”
    They were still a bit overwhelmed and it must have shown. Max gave Polly a hug, and as they pulled apart, Jack could see that Polly’s eyes had teared up a bit. He wasn’t exactly sure what to say. What came out was, “Great party.” Then, before he could embarrass