Mandy had to stop herself from rolling her eyes. What a speech this was going to be with Mackenzie's complete inability to talk like a normal human being. She doubted the sincerity behind it as well, given the fact that she was certain the mortician had killed Danny in the first place. At least he had the decency to show up for the funeral, but just as soon as everyone was done saying their piece, she was going to make sure he got comeuppance for his actions.
"He was an insane moron, but that is probably why I was so fond of him. We were compatible. He was the other half of me. He was everything that I could never be and so out there and energetic. Yeah, he was crazy. He was stupid. He did reckless things and things that were completely out of the blue. And somehowā¦ it made me love him more."
This was unexpected. She raised her eyebrows andĀ side-eyed Mackenzie. It was literally the largest amount of words she'd ever heard the mortician speak. This had to have been coming from guilt, there could be no other source. It wasn't passion or emotion, it was plain old fashioned guilty conscience. She could see it in his eyes, the way they darted back and forth. At least perhaps he was remorseful for his actions, but that wasn't about to stop Mandy from laying into him once the funeral was over.
Ā "But we all knew he would get himself killed sooner or later and I guessā¦ I expected this to happen. I am sorry Dannyā¦ If you are listening or out there somewhereā¦ I am so sorry."Ā Ā
That was it, that was the big hint. That apology wasn't coming from sympathy, it was coming from remorse. It was as plain as the nose on one's face. She clenched her jaw and pursed her lips, trying not to say anything before it was time.
"Can I say a couple things about the guy?"
Mandy looked over and saw a face she didn't remember. A girl who had to be in her late teens or early twenties. Possibly one of Danny's cohorts... or sweethearts. She always had to leave room for Danny's oh-so-polyamorous ways.Ā
"I didnāt know Danny too well. The first time we met he tried to kill me. But damn, he had determination and spark and I admire that. Hell, the bastard even gave me some of his supplies whenever he had some to spare. He really did look out for his friends and allies. Iāve got to admit, this place will be a little less lively without good old Danny."
It seemed the girl was just an ally. One of many, no doubt. Danny always did used to talk about his various allies and how he'd look after them and they'd look after him and it was all mutually beneficial. However, they weren't there for him when someone was out to get him, and now he was dead because of their inaction.Ā
Byron piped up this time. Mandy hadn't expected him of all people to want to say anything, but she wasn't about to stop him either. After all it was a funeral and everyone could have their say if that's what they wanted. She just hoped it wouldn't be anything rude or disrespectful.
āDanny McQueen. I never knew him and I doubt he knew me. But, during my time here, Iāve heard things about him, and Iām sure he was a great man. It would have been an honor to know him. Danny, he was just like one of us, trapped in the same predicament as us.ā
Mandy was filled with relief. Byron seemed to be taking the funeral seriously enough, and the death of one of the innmates was something everyone feared. It left them knowing any of them could die at any time, and that death was a very real possibility.
āAnd yet he died, though we donāt know exactly how - but weāll always remember him. Whatever and whoever killed him will pay dearly. So, Danny, wherever you are now, donāt worry. We will avenge you, Danny McQueen.āĀ
She gave a curt nod of agreement. Now she was never a religious woman but she had been raised Catholic and she did happen to know a few prayers from other funerals she'd attended. One came to mind in particular, and knowing Danny was half-Irish, she thought he could appreciate a Gaelic prayer.
She recited, "May the road rise to meet you,Ā May the wind be always at your back.Ā May the sun shine warm upon your face.Ā May the rain fall softly upon your fields until we meet again, and may God hold you in the hollow of his hand. Amen."
"You may all be dismissed," she added as soon as she was sure no one else had anything to say.
Before Mackenzie could slink off into the shadows again to brood, Mandy placed a hand on his shoulder. Her green eyes were filled with ice and hatred for the mortician.Ā
"Mackenzie, darling, may I have a chat with you?" she asked. "Come and sit with me, please."
She led him over to one of the stone benches after exchanging looks with Byron, signalling for him to follow her. They were going to get the truth out of Mackenzie even if they had to beat it out of him, at least that's what she decided. She couldn't hit heavily herself, even after her self defense classes, though she could give someone a nasty slap across the face that would leave her nail marks in their cheek for a good week. She thought perhaps she'd leave most of the dirty work to Byron though.
She curled her fingers under Mackenzie's chin and turned his head so that he would face her, since he always seemed to want to look away. Such an innocent face for someone who was no doubt a cold blooded murderer. Those sad brown eyes couldn't hide the look of panicked guilt behind them.
"We just want to have a talk with you and get some answers. You can make this as easy or as difficult as you'd like," she told him.
