Before I even showered and dressed, I called Proven House in Chatham and reserved a room in the little bed-and-breakfast. As soon as the burial service was over, I intended to drive back to Cape Cod and spend the next few days getting my head sorted out.
I knotted my tie, placed my Glock in its shoulder holster, and slid my arms into my suit jacket. The weapon’s bulge was satisfactorily concealed under my arm. I smoothed my hair, made sure I was leaving nothing behind, and left the motel room.
A cool wind carried the scent of spring through the parking lot. Clouds speckled the sky. For a day that was going to start with a funeral, it was beautiful.
I stowed my duffel in the trunk of the rental and went to the lobby, where a Continental breakfast was offered. I turned in my key, then helped myself to more coffee, which this time was at least fresh. If I hadn’t been so distracted, I’d have chosen an individual-sized box of cereal, but instead I’d selected a blueberrycheese Danish.