When it was Viv's turn, she stepped closer to the casket. She held her breath before glancing at the body. Exhaling quickly, she stared at his hands clutching a Bible, which had been turned upside down. She eased her hand toward the book, causing a man behind her to gasp, but she didn't mind. She shifted the Bible to appear right side up with a pat. "That's better," she said aloud.
Closing her eyes, she hoped that people would think she was praying. When she opened her eyes she inhaled quickly, bracing herself for the next look at the body. Carmine's forehead was very smooth. To her surprise there was no evidence of the bullet hole. Someone behind her cleared their throat, breaking Viv's concentration. She moved away quickly, grateful to get away from the coffin.
On her way to the reception she stopped to sign a guest book. She added her phone number, just in case the widow wanted to get back in touch to talk about Carmine. Voices wafted in from the outdoor patio.
Viv walked through the room and then outside, stopping to order a seltzer water with a slice of lime at the portable bar. Glass in hand, she made her way to stand near an expansive potted palm. Her attention was drawn immediately to a particularly loud voice coming from a group of men standing in the grassy area beyond the patio.
One guy gestured with his hands as he spoke; the others listened attentively, laughing at appropriate intervals. Viv recognized the man talking. It was Frank Salucci.
She had a better view of his face this time. He had a strong nose and bronzed skin, accompanied by very white straight teeth, and a loud derisive laugh that she associated with a man who had just told a dirty joke.
His tan indicated that he spent time outdoors. Probably a tennis player or golfer. A taut trim body, he had not lost his sex appeal, though he probably was at least seventy.
"It's all about loyalty, men," Frank said loudly enough for everyone, even those standing around the bar, to hear. "Don't forget, no one gets out of this alive."
The men chuckled. One raised a glass to Frank.
"Am I right, Joey?" Frank looked at the bald man standing to his right. Viv shivered, sensing the words and the glare may have had a more sinister meaning.
So that must be Joey Baker, Viv concluded. The only guy who didn't show up at the HOA meeting.
After finishing her seltzer water, Viv put her glass on a tray and made her way to the front door. On her way past the sculpture, she realized that she hadn't spoken to Beverly. She'd glanced into the room but found the widow surrounded by people offering their condolences.
Viv didn't want to draw attention to herself and she didn't want to add to Beverly's difficult day. I can talk to her another time. I signed the guest book. She'll know I came.
On her way through the foyer, she stopped to admire the lacquer-finished grand piano. Rolled into a corner, an array of framed photos sat on top. Viv ran her finger over the shiny black finish and then stooped to look closer at the pictures.
There were shots of a younger Carmine and Beverly, their smiles directed toward the camera, taken in happier times. One photo showed a baby in a christening dress. Then another with Carmine holding the baby, along with a toddler clutching his hand.
Viv gently lifted a silver frame. People stood in a group, arms around each other, wearing swimsuits. Frank Salucci stood in the center, back row. Even in a photo he looked like he was in charge. Something about the tilt of his head and his smile. Next to him was a girl leaning into his side, eyes staring at his face.
I bet that's his daughter. She resembles him, the tilt of her chin…
Viv blinked. She stared at Frank and then the girl. She used her thumb and forefinger to try to make the image larger. Realizing her mistake, she smiled. Talk about habits. This isn't a picture on my phone.
Viv lifted her cell out of her bag. She looked over both shoulders. It only took a few moments for her to open the app and take a picture of the photo she held in her other hand.