Free Wired by Robert L. Wise Page A

issue this morning,” Jackie pleaded. “We're trying to keep from going over the edge
     ourselves, son. It's way too early to think about a philosophical problem.”
    Matthew shook his head. “I don't buy it! I know we have a lot of problems to deal with and I'm sure you and Dad have to make
     hard decisions, but I've got to know what's happened to my grandmother. She was good to the core and she loved us. Grammy
     did everything she could to teach us how to be decent, respectful people. I can't accept the idea that her life stopped like
     a car running out of gas.” He pointed his finger in rapid staccato motions. “I need a better explanation.”
    Graham nodded. “I understand, Matt. The problem is that I don't have anything better to tell you at this moment. I'm sorry.
     Our family didn't pay any attention to religious matters. Maybe we should have, but your mother and I simply aren't prepared
     to answer your questions. That's the best we can say.”
    Matthew pushed back from the table and scowled.
    “Son, your father is not trying to be difficult. He's telling you the truth.”
    “Okay.” Matthew rubbed his chin and crossed his arms over his chest. “I'll accept what you're saying for right now, but I
     want you to know that I'm not going to let this matter die. I intend to find out what happens when a person's heart quits
     beating. I'm sure somebody at the university, at the funeral home, someone out there somewhere has some insight and I'm going
     to find it.”
    “Sure, Matthew,” Graham said. “I want you to find out, but right now I can't say much of anything. I'm drained. That's the
     best I can do.”
    Jackie reached over and took George's hand. “The police will probably come back this morning. I know they will want to talk
     with you, son. Do you think you'll be able to talk to the officers?”
    Tears started to roll down George's cheeks. He looked blankly at this mother.
    “That's okay, son,” Graham insisted. “No one's going to make any of us do more than we can.”
    “We must all get dressed,” Jackie said. “We will have to go to the funeral home first thing today.” She looked around the
     table at each of the forlorn children. “Of course, no one has to go. If you want to stay here, you can.”
    George slowly lowered his head and looked at the floor. He made a slow shaking motion.
    “You don't want to go?” Jackie asked.
    “No, he doesn't,” Mary said.
    George kept looking at the floor, saying nothing.
    “Okay,” Graham said, “we'll leave the three younger children at home.”
    Mary looked relieved.

CHAPTER 13
    M ATTHEW OPENED THE DOOR for Graham and Jackie to walk into Cassoday's Funeral Home. The foyer was orderly, clean to the point of smelling sterile,
     and extremely quiet.
    “you think it was okay to leave the children at home with Mary?” Jackie asked.
    “It's all we could do,” Graham answered, “but I know she'll take care of them properly. She'll certainly keep the doors locked
     and the security alarm on.”
    “Sure,” Matt added. “George and Jeff didn't need to be down here with us; besides, they're too stressed to give her any trouble.”
    A woman who looked to be in her sixties stepped out of an office at the far end of the foyer. Wearing a dark blue suit, she
     looked like a person who officiated at funerals. With quick, certain steps she walked toward the family.
    “You must be the Pecks.” She flashed an ingratiating smile.
    “Yes. I'm Graham Peck and this is my wife Jackie and our son Matt.”
    “Welcome to Cassoday's.” The woman extended her hand in a slightly affected way. “I'm Mrs. Hutchinson.” She pointed toward
     her office. “Please come back and sit down. Mr. Cassoday and our Services Counselor will be with you shortly.”
    Mrs. Hutchinson led the Pecks into a large office situated behind hers. Original oil paints hung on the walls and the furniture
     looked expensive, but Cassoday's office had the same sterile smell as the