Misty stood off to the side as Ariella’s funeral service ended. She was near a tree, under a dull November sky, and she looked directly into the camera that Ron held.
“This is Misty Mustoe, coming to you live from Ariella Fantini’s funeral. What an amazing two weeks this has been. We started off with the murder of a graduate student and ended with her funeral. The events in between have been the stuff of fiction: a love triangle, the murder of another student, the death of one of the murderers and near-death of one of the culprits, and the attempted framing of an innocent party, all in the name of love and plagiarism and deadlines unmet. The suspect still clinging to life is Rick Sampson, Ariella’s lover and the man who may have been stealing her work. The two other deaths are those of Ariella’s friend and confidante, Jimmy Reynolds, and Jimmy’s roommate, Derek Soper, the suspected murderer of both Ariella and Jimmy. And the woman initially accused of the murder, Sam Monroe, estranged wife of Rick Sampson, is here today to attend the funeral. She is accompanied by her brother, Andrew Monroe, and her mother and stepfather, Miranda and Joe Johnson.”
“For those of you who may have been following the story during the past week, Sam Monroe has been working closely with local police to help solve the murder and is one of the witnesses to the death of Derek Soper.
“Ariella’s mother, Mrs. Sophia Fantini, is also in attendance at her daughter’s funeral along with her two sons and Ariella’s two half-brothers, Antonio and Carlos. Ariella’s father, Dominic Fantini, is still wanted by the FBI and did not make an appearance today although it is rumored that he has been in the area during the past week. It appears that the FBI is here today just in case Dominic Fantini does show up.
“This is Misty Mustoe for Channel 8 news. Back to you, Sarah and Frank.”
With that the news cuts back to Sarah and Frank at the anchor desk.
“Well, Frank, what a sad ending to such a turbulent time. I understand that the funeral was quite moving. And it was interesting that her mother decided to have Ariella buried here in Boston, where she was born, rather than taking her back to Italy where most of her family now live.”
“Yes, Sarah, it was a moving day. We look forward to the updates to this case as they happen. Such a sad, sad ending for Ariella, and for Jimmy Reynolds, who will be buried by his family in Connecticut later this week.” Frank turns to look directly at the camera. “Thank you for joining us today. Now we return you to our regularly scheduled programming.”
“Thanks, guys, for coming in on a Saturday morning to do this,” the news director said through the microphone to Sarah and Frank at the news desk.
“Not a problem,” Frank replied. “How could we miss this latest update? Well, I’m off to Maine for the remainder of the weekend. Call me if anything comes up.”
“Thanks, I wouldn’t miss this for the world. I’m off to a 10 year olds birthday party,” Sarah said.
With that, the anchors were gone. The news director and the news producer were still in the control room, getting ready to go themselves. It had been a long, grueling week for them as well and, so far, no one had sued them or threatened them with bodily harm.
Misty and Ron were breaking down the camera and sound equipment as the limousine with Ariella’s mother and stepbrothers led the procession of mourners out of the cemetery.
“How sad for her. She’s lost her only daughter and that daughter’s only child,” Ron said.
“True, but she does have the satisfaction of knowing that her daughter’s murder is resolved, at least in some fashion,” Misty said.
“Well, that’s true, but if I lost my daughter, there’s nothing that would stop me from finding and punishing her killer,” Ron said.
Misty had never heard Ron be so emphatic before. It both startled her and made her aware that he was very much a family man.
Mr. Jones drove the limousine that held Sophia, Antonio and Carlos. He had stayed with them constantly since Monday night, when everything had happened at Sam’s condo, at the request of Mr. Fantini.
“Mr. Jones, I want to thank you for all of your help these past few days. You have been a rock for us. How can we ever repay you?” Sophia said. Her English was impeccable, but more heavily accented than he remembered. It had been a long time since she had lived in the Boston area.
“There’s no need to repay me. Your thanks is all that I need,” Mr. Jones said. The boys smiled at this gracious response.
“Ah, you have been well trained, Mr. Jones. Well, again, our sincerest thanks. Will you be taking us to the airport this afternoon?”
“Yes, I will. What time would be you like to leave?”
“Around 3pm. Tell me, Mr. Jones, what will you do after we leave?” Sophia asked.
“I’m thinking of staying in Boston and returning to school. I have two more years on my degree,” Mr. Jones said. The two boys raised their eyebrows in surprise but said nothing.
“Very good, Mr. Jones. What will you study?”
“I think I’ll finish my mechanical engineering degree,” Mr. Jones replied.
“Do you know where my ex-husband is today?” Sophia asked.
“I’m not sure but I think he mentioned visiting Professor Churykian in Northampton before leaving for his next stop,” Mr. Jones replied.
They were already at the hotel and Mr. Jones got out, opened the door and let everyone out. Sophia reminded him to pick them up at 3pm and then entered the hotel in an elegant flourish of black.
***
A visitor appeared at the door of an elegant home in Northampton. It was certainly more substantial than he expected. Professor Churykian’s daughter had done very well for herself. A maid answered the door and Mr. Fantini asked to speak with Arthur. The maid asked him to wait outside while she went to check.
Anastasia opened the door within a minute. “Why do you want to see my father? He’s supposed to be resting and left undisturbed.”
“I’ve come only to thank him for his kindness to my daughter,” Mr. Fantini said.
Anastasia looked at him, deciding whether or not to let him in. After some internal debate, she stepped aside and let him into the house. She then pointed to the back of the house and let Mr. Fantini know that her father was in the solarium reading.
He smiled his thanks and headed to where he found Arthur sitting in a chair, reading a book and starting to doze. Mr. Fantini took the chair next to him.
“Well, so I have some company. Tell me the news from the big city, if you don’t mind,” Arthur said. He closed his book and focused on his visitor.
“I just wanted to stop by and thank you for your kindness to Ariella” Mr. Fantini said. “She was buried today and I need to be on my way.”
“Well, thank you for stopping by. I haven’t really heard from anyone, except Sam, of course,” Arthur replied. “And I can honestly say that I don’t miss the place that much, at least not yet.”
“That’s good. I think you deserve a good, long rest,” Mr. Fantini replied. They talked a bit more about the case and then Mr. Fantini departed. He thanked Anastasia for letting him talk to her father and then he was on his way. He planned to be over the border in Canada by nightfall.