Free Mind Slide by Glenn Bullion Page A

better tips than ever. I'll catch up.”
    “Miss Rierson, I'm not calling about your rent. I'm calling about your father-”
    “Dad? I haven't talked to him in a long time. Is he okay?”
    There was a long pause. “No, Miss Rierson. I'm afraid not.”
    *****
    Kelly had never set foot in a funeral home. She had to drive past two on the way to work, and the thought of a building dedicated to mourning, to sadness, was enough to bring a tear to her eye.
    She would look at the people gathered in the parking lot, and knew they were in the middle of a dark point in their lives.
    Now she was one of those people.
    The funeral home was unsettling. Dark, somber colors. A family cried in a room to her left. Flowers and chairs lined the halls. A nicely dressed man guided people to which room they had to go to.
    It felt like a dream. One moment in Kelly's life, her biggest concern was the rent.
    Now she had to bury her father.
    She felt strangely numb as people she didn't know constantly walked up to her during her father's wake and offered their condolences. They introduced themselves as doctors, fellow colleagues, even friends. None of them stayed long, and for that Kelly was thankful. She was happy with the moments in between visitors when it was just her and her father.
    She didn't get a lot of that growing up, and she would never have the chance.
    The room was a touch on the red side. There were more flowers and chairs, and paintings on the walls. Dad was in an open coffin, his arms straight at his sides, wearing a suit.
    Waves of emotions constantly attacked her. She could only look at his peaceful visage for a moment before walking away crying, then repeating the process. There was anger for her father never being there. She was angry at herself for always being angry at her father, and at the drunk driver that hit her father on the highway, killing them both. There was sadness for the drunk driver's family.
    So much anger and sadness.
    In the middle of all the emotions were the circumstances she had to deal with. She never had anything to do with a wake or funeral before. Dad's lawyer, a man named Barry, was taking care of everything. Apparently Dad had set everything up ahead of time regarding his death. Barry would read the will after the funeral. Kelly nearly cried at the thought of her father sitting around with a lawyer, planning out his death.
    She gave Barry the lawyer a small wave as he poked his head in the room once again. She appreciated the fact that he checked up on her. No doubt a request from Dad.
    The viewing hours were nearly over when two men walked into the room. They strolled over to the book near the door and signed their names. She was annoyed at first, just wanting to go home and cry alone.
    Surprise hit her when she recognized one of them.
    Same close blond hair cut, same strong build. He hadn't aged much at all, except for a little more experience behind the eyes. He wore a white shirt and tie instead of a blue uniform. She'd seen him a lot after the days of her kidnapping, and owed him her life.
    “Officer Brian?” she asked. “Is that you?”
    He smiled. “Hi, Kelly. Please, just call me Brian. Wow, you've, uh, grown.”
    Her weight was fine, so he was either complimenting her figure, or just very uncomfortable.
    She looked at the man next to Brian for the first time.
    He didn't look at her. His eyes were locked on Dad, just fifteen feet away. He looked to be about her age. Very attractive. Short black hair and dark brown eyes. Well muscled, but slouched a little. He looked a little pale, like he'd been sick.
    She didn't think he was related to Brian. They looked nothing alike. Brian looked like he'd just left work. His friend looked like he lounged around all day in jeans and a black tee shirt.
    Kelly tried to subtly get his attention with her eyes. She flashed Brian a smile, then looked back to his friend again.
    Brian got the hint.
    “Mason, buddy?” he said, nudging Mason's shoulder. “Are