by Henry Hack
The butterfly turned to face me and unfurled its large wings as if to offer itself to me for inspection. I looked at its intricate black markings and said, “If there’s a Star of David on there, I know it’s Mom or Dad, not you, Mort, you non-believer. And if there’s a cross on there, I know it’s the soul of Frank Manzo.”
There were no stars or crosses, of course, and as I got up to leave, the golden butterfly arose from its perch on the bench and flew slowly across my line of vision, not more than two inches from my face. And damned if one of its black markings – an inch-long, curved black line with a dozen thin black lines attached and perpendicular to it – didn’t resemble a pocket comb. You’re imagining things I muttered as the butterfly circled my head and landed on my right shoulder near my cheek. And then I realized I smelled of herbal shampoo and floral scented after-shave lotion. This butterfly was doing only what butterflies do. I brushed it gently off my shoulder, but it continued to follow me to my car which was parked on the nearby lane.
I dared not tell this story to my step-mom or to Vivian. I could hear them exclaim, “See, I told you so!” from those two true believers. But there is no God and butterflies are butterflies, not spirits visiting from an imaginary heaven. As I got into the car the butterfly flashed me the golden wing with the pocket comb marking on it and flew toward my parents’ headstone where it alighted on the pebble I had placed on top of it. I looked at the beauty and serenity of my surroundings – the neatly-clipped green grass, the trees showing their autumn finery, the deep-blue sky, and one beautiful golden-yellow butterfly, now completely motionless. I started my car, put the lever in drive, and slowly pulled away.
A pocket comb!
Bah, humbug!
A butterfly is just a butterfly.
There is no God.
Well … maybe.
Also by Henry Hack
Harry Cassidy Novels
Cassidy’s Corner
The Last Crusade
The Romen Society
Election Day
Danny Boyland Novels
Danny Boy
Cases Closed
Mommy, Mommy
Forever Young
The Marsh Mallows
The Group
Collection
Portraits in Blue
www.henryhack.com
NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR
Word-of-mouth is crucial for any author to succeed. If you enjoyed Absolution, please leave a review online—anywhere you are able. Even if it’s just a sentence or two. It would make all the difference and would be very much appreciated.
Thanks!
Henry Hack
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Award-winning author, Henry Hack served twenty-two years in the Nassau County, NY Police Department rising to the rank of Inspector. He commanded the Scientific Investigation Bureau and was qualified as an expert witness in several forensic fields. He also commanded the Eighth Patrol Precinct in Levittown, NY. After leaving the police department, Henry served sixteen years as the Vice President of Security for a major cable TV company on Long Island. He now devotes his time to writing fiction and has published ten mystery/thriller novels in two series and a collection of stories. A lifelong New Yorker, Henry now resides in coastal North Carolina with his wife, Lorraine. Descriptions of his work can be found on his website, www.henryhack.com.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
A big thank you to all my readers, especially those of you who kindly took the time and effort to post a favorable review of my previous work on Amazon and/or Goodreads. These reviews are important to assist potential readers to evaluate my books, and to encourage them to hit the “buy now” button. Yours have helped them to do so. My thanks also to my fellow author members of The St. James Writer’s Roundtable for their support, inspiration, and advice.
My manuscript was typed onto the computer by my loyal, loving wife, Lorraine, who managed to decipher my long-hand scribbling. Editing with a sharp eye, Lorraine, provided quality insight and input, keeping me from straying off message. She and our dear friend and neighbor, Cheryl Ann Samuel, proofread the manuscript without complaint. Since I edit the work once more after Cheryl Ann and Lorraine have finished their tasks, any errors you may find are wholly mine.
With their permission, I used several real names for my police characters to acknowledge their friendship, loyalty, and assistance during my police and writing careers. My deepest thanks to – Bob Livoti, Neil Brogan, Richard Paul, Charlie Seich, Harry Megara, Bill Presti, and Ray Elliott. And to those no longer with us – John Micena, Artie Ferrand, Lou Isnardi, George Geyer, Joe Brala, Ken Stachurski, Lenny Gadjewski, John McAuley, and Joan Yale – our good times together will always be remembered.
If you liked Absolution, a stand-alone novel, a visit to my website, www.henryhack.com, will acquaint you with my ten other published crime novels in two series. I hope you enjoy them all and continue to review them favorably.
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