Sequestered with the Murderers by Dr. Tanner (books for 8th graders TXT) 📕

loss of her loved one, she is thankful to have had the opportunity to share a remarkable person with you. I ask that you keep Nancy in your hearts and prayers as she begins to navigate a life without her husband. In closing, I wish you all comfort and hope in the midst of your sorrow. Thank you.”

As Rev. Ronda walked to her seat, there was a noticeable quietness as people waited for Porter Carvel to come to the podium. Seeing no one stand up, Mr. Mineral stood and asked, “Is Mr. Porter Carvel here tonight?”

Nancy half stood in her seat, then turned around, looking for Porter Carvel. Clearly, she was expecting him.

“I’m here,” Porter shouted, walking to the front from the back of the room.

Nancy sat down, then whispered something to Rev. Ronda.

“Duffy and I were second cousins,” began Porter. “His mother and my mother were first cousins. Though Duffy and I have not seen much of each other during the past few years, I am privileged to have had him as my cousin. As children, we played on our great grandfather’s farm, and boy did he play pranks and practical jokes on me! So you see, even back then, he was known as a jokester. He once put a rubber garden snake in my coat pocket. You can imagine how high I jumped and screamed when I reached into my pocket and pulled out that snake. It looked so real.”

The audience smiled and giggled.

“Then there was the time he glued all the eggs to the carton and told me to get three out of the carton. I got a beating for cracking the eggs in the carton when it was all Duffy’s fault.”

The audience again smiled and giggled.

“I won’t tell you about the time he put black rubber spiders in my bed. I’ll just say I have been afraid of spiders ever since. I will remember those times, and I will remember Duffy’s generous heart, too. He gave when I needed him to. When I needed help, he was there for me. The sudden death of my cousin has left me saddened as it has all of you. Prankster and jokester aside, I greatly admired and respected my cousin.

“Nancy, I know nothing can take your pain away, and I know words can do little to comfort you now, but I do hope our thoughts and prayers will help support you at this time. Your husband, my cousin, your employee, and your friend was a remarkable man and as said here today made a difference in the lives of so many people. I will always cherish his memory. May his soul rest in eternal peace. God bless you all.”

After Porter walked back to the back of the room, Mr. Mineral walked to the podium and said, “If there are others who wish to speak at the funeral tomorrow along with the other scheduled speakers, let me know. Now before I pray and end the scheduled program, I want to let you know there are refreshments in the back of the room courtesy of Brightness Bus Tours. And for those who will not be at the funeral tomorrow, there is an obituary available for you. As you leave, let my attendant, who will be standing by the door, know that you want an obituary. Now let us pray.”

Mr. Mineral prayed, then everyone began moving around. I hightailed it over to Lemmonee before she got caught up in conversations with people. I was too late, but Louise saw me coming toward them.

“Vett, how are you tonight? I am so glad you could make it.”

“Hi, Louise. So am I. How are you doing?”

“I’m well. I want you to meet Laramie Russell. Laramie is Brightness’s second woman tour bus driver. Duffy trained her and was with her on her first tour.”

“Nice to meet you, Laramie,” I said with my hand outstretched,

“Nice to meet you, Vett. How do you know Duffy?” Laramie replied, shaking my hand.

“I’m doing some work for Jackson. I’ve met a few Brightness employees through Jackson.” It was evident Jackson had not told all his employees that he had hired me to look into Duffy’s murder. I thought it best for me not to share that information either.

“It was nice to meet you, Vett. I’ve got to use the ladies room. Ladies would you excuse me,” Laramie said. She then began meandering her way through the crowd.

“Vett, thank you for giving Lemmonee that information about Marjorie Brown’s address. I have made a note in her record. I reached out to her, but she has not called me back,” Louise said.

“You’re welcome. I’ve telephoned her several times, too, left messages, but I have not heard back from her, either.”

“Heard back from whom?” Lemmonee asked as she turned in to join our conversation.

“Hi, Lemmonee. I was telling Louise that I have not heard back from Marjorie Brown. And I have not heard back from Rebbie Shields nor Gwen Sonnack. I’ve left her several messages for all three of them.”

“I don’t understand why they are not returning your phone calls. They’ve met you and know your background. For the life of me, I don’t understand this,” Lemmonee lamented.

“I don’t either, but I’ll keep trying.”

“It’s good seeing you again, Vett. I’m going to get some refreshments. Do you want me to get something for you?” Louise asked.

“Oh no, I’m fine. I want to speak to Jackson for a moment, then I need to head home. Thank you anyway.” Louise then headed toward the refreshments.

“You’re not spending the night?” Lemmonee asked.

“No, I can’t tonight. My husband and I leave for a three-day vacation tomorrow at my favorite bed and breakfast, and there are still some things I need to take care of before we leave. Do you have time for one question?”

“Sure, what is it?”

“The night of the murder, do you remember seeing Joe McClain and Holt Pruitt, Jr. standing outside near the restrooms chitchatting? They said they were out there for a bit stretching their