Never Forgotten

“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to mourn the passing of Kerry Sanders. He was a loving wife, a doting mother and wonderful sister to her siblings. She is survived by her only child, Lawrence who became a police officer just like his Dad” the priest said

Just as he was going to ask folks to come up and say a few words, the small church door opened as Larry turned to see who arrived late to his mother’s funeral. A tall, lean fellow in an Army uniform mouthed sorry to the folks who stared at him. 

After a few people spoke about Mrs. Sanders, Larry stepped up to the podium and said, “My mother was one of the kindest, gentlest people in the world. God knows she had to put up with my antics when I was younger.”  

The service concluded and several people approached Larry to offer condolences for his loss. Larry seemed distracted and barely acknowledged the folks right in front of him. He was looking around for a certain individual.   

The guy in the Army uniform appeared before Larry’s eyes and shook Larry’s hand and said, “Sorry about your Mom. She always looked after me and never told my parents any of the stuff we did many years ago.” 

 Larry grabbed the man’s hand and pulled him in for a hug. “I missed you, Jim. Thanks for coming. How have you been?”

Jim stood with his hands in his pocket and said, “I’m good.”

Larry sensed a little tension but didn’t want to acknowledge it so he kept it light. 

“Hey we are having a little gathering back at Mom’s old house after this if you want to come and catch up a little.”

“Yes, catching up would be good plus there’s something I want to talk to you about.” Jim said

Larry stared blankly at Jim wondering what the hell is wrong with Jim. “Ok see you then,” Larry said. 

Twenty three people gathered at the house and began eating and drinking sharing stories and remembering what a wonderful lady Mrs. Sanders was. 

Jim was the last of them to enter the house. He was pretty well liked by everyone in the neighborhood and folks were happy to see him and began peppering him with questions about being in the military full time. 

 Everyone was intrigued by all of the cool places in the world he had been thanks to the Army. France, Italy, Japan, Germany, Saudi Arabia. 

He loves his job and loves sharing all about what he does and how proud he is to serve in the armed forces. The typical American soldier. 

It seemed like yesterday that Jim left this small town and signed up to serve Uncle Sam. 

Jim sat at a table in the backyard alone as the crowd started to dwindle down. Larry grabbed a couple of beers and joined Jim. 

“Hey Jim, it’s been a long time. How have you been? How’s life in the Army?” Larry asked.

Jim twisted the cap off his beer and took a big swig as he leaned forward with his hands looking like he was about to spring. 

“Do you remember the night before I left? “ Jim asked.

“Yeah we were out celebrating me getting on the police force.” Larry said. 

“That’s correct. The three of us were celebrating, you, me and Jill, ” Jim said as he started wringing his hands. 

Larry couldn’t believe how Jim looked at him, not sure what he wanted him to say, “Ok and what’s your point?” 

“What happened when I went inside to grab a few more drinks?” Jim asked, his face turning beat red. 

“You know what happened. I told you that night and the cops who came to investigate her death.What are you implying?” That I had something to do with Jill’s death?” 

Jim just stared and didn’t say a word. 

“You got it all wrong. I had nothing to do with her dying. It was an accident. You gotta believe me?” 

“I remember that night like it was yesterday. The three of us had a lot to drink and it was a blast until I went inside the house to grab more drinks and left the two of you alone outside. Then I heard a scream, came running outside and you stood over Jill as she bled out. You told me she tripped and fell awkwardly landing on her head.” 

“Yes, that is what happened. Even the autopsy agreed with me. Are you doubting me?” Larry asked

Jim stood, his hands clenched turning purple and started to walk away. 

Larry rushed over to Jim and grabbed his left shoulder to turn him around so they’d face each other. “Answer me.” Larry yelled. 

Jim swung his right hand at Larry and grazed his left cheek as he lost his balance and stumbled to the ground. Larry charged Jim as they tussled on the ground kicking up dirt. 

Two police officers separated the two men as Jim lunged once more at Larry.

 “I know your father had that autopsy report changed to make it look like an accident but I knew the truth. I waited until your father retired and had the police reopen the case and run the evidence again. They found your palm and fingerprints on her sweater in the chest area. Why did you throw her to the ground?”

“I loved her and wanted her but she rejected me for you. I wasn’t going to let her walk away from me.” Larry said

“Ok that’s enough, “ yelled one of the officers and turned to Larry as he placed him in cuffs.  

“Lawrence Sanders, you are under arrest for the murder of Jill Casey. You have the right to remain silent..”

Larry looked over to Jim with the stare of death in his eyes. 

“You killed the woman I loved and now you must pay for it. Maybe this time you won’t have your Daddy save you by cleaning up your messes. You got what you deserved.”Jim said