Tears welled up in his eyes.
“It’s ok,” replied Lori. “Neither of us were to know how he’d react. Are you ok?”
“Kind of,” he said, turning to follow her back to the car. “I thought I’d feel close to Gary out here, but I didn’t feel anything.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Thank you for driving me out here,” he said as they reached the car. “At least I’ve seen it for myself. It’s just a road junction though.”
When they arrived back at the hotel, Lori insisted Jake remain in the car while she escorted Tom back to the suite where his sister and Jason were waiting. Alice was full of apologies when she heard what had happened out at the intersection. She began to berate her young brother, but Lori stopped her, saying that the boy had needed to see the place for himself and that no harm had been done. As she turned to leave, Jason said he would come down with her. Once they were in the elevator, he asked if Jake was really alright.
“I don’t know,” Lori admitted, her voice full of emotion. “He wasn’t ready to go out there. Wasn’t ready to face that yet. He did it for Tom. I guess, he really did it for Gary.”
“I couldn’t have done it,” confessed the Englishman as the lift reached the ground floor.
“Me neither,” agreed Lori. “I took almost a year to go back to the scene of my own accident.”
“Look after him, Lori,” said Jason, hugging her tight.
“I intend to,” she replied. “Any decision on when the funeral will be? I assume that’s what you had to discuss with Alice while we were out.”
“Monday at two o’clock at the chapel with the crematorium out on the Coastal Highway,” revealed Jason, his face paling at the sudden realisation of the location.
“I’ll let Jake know,” promised Lori quietly. “He would want to be there no matter where it was.”
“Thanks. I’m sure we’ll see you both before then. Alice wants to see Rehoboth and she needs to sort out Gary’s things. Scott’s meeting us tomorrow. She also wants to go out to JJL to see where he was working.”
“Call if you need us,” suggested Lori. “Now, I really need to go.”
“Thanks,” he called, as the elevator door closed behind her.
Long, early evening shadows were being cast as Lori pulled up outside the house. Beside her in the passenger seat, Jake let out a sigh before opening the door and hauling his battered body out of the car. When Lori came into the house a few moments later, he had disappeared. Standing in the dining room, she noticed the basement door was shut tight. As she listened, she could hear him moving about downstairs. With a heavy heart, she turned and went through to the kitchen.
♫
Time dragged painfully by over the next four days for everyone involved with Silver Lake. The band had met up for dinner on Saturday out at the farmhouse. All of them had been relieved to see Rich. Both he and Jake were noticeably quiet and subdued. On Sunday, Jason had brought Alice and Tom out to the beach house for a couple of hours. They had been to the apartment in the morning, had lunched with Scott in town, then dropped by to see Jake. As soon as they arrived, he took Tom down to the basement, closing the door behind them. The others could hear the muffled soft strains of guitar music and assumed he was giving the boy a tour of the rehearsal space. When they emerged an hour or so later, Lori was relieved to see them both looking calm and relaxed.
“Can I ask you a huge favour, Jake?” began Alice as he came out to join them on the sun deck.
“Anything,” he replied with a warm smile.
“Do you think you could play tomorrow at the chapel?” she asked, her eyes pleading with him. “If you’re not up to it, I totally understand, but I think it’s what Gary would’ve wanted.”
“My shoulder’s still a mess,” began Jake hesitantly, “But I’m sure I can play something. I’ll stock up on pain meds first.”
“I don’t want to cause you any pain,” she said anxiously. “You’re already doing a reading for us.”
“Alice, it’s fine,” assured Jake softly. “If that’s what you and Tom want me to do, that’s what we’ll do. Did you have something special in mind?”
“We’ll leave that up to you.”
Come Monday morning, Jake was still unsure what was appropriate to play. He had lain awake most of the night, running over countless possibilities in his head. Finally, he had narrowed it down to two choices before he had drifted off into a restless sleep. It was late when Lori came through to waken him. She had brought him a mug of coffee and sat with him while he drank it. He had used the last mouthful to wash down two painkillers. The bruising to his rib cage and back had faded out to a dirty green-yellow colour; the stitches on his cheek felt tight and ready to be removed.
“Do you have a black scarf I can use as a sling today?” he asked, passing the empty mug to Lori. “I’m not wearing that hideous hospital thing a minute longer.”
“I think so,” she replied going over to search in the dressing table drawer. After depositing most of the contents on the floor, she found what she was searching for. “Will this do?”
Jake nodded. “Looks ideal.”
A couple of hours later, dressed in a black shirt and his best black jeans, Jake asked for Lori’s help to tie the scarf in place as a makeshift sling. It took her a couple of attempts to get the lengths right, but finally he was comfortable with it. Lori too was dressed in black, the colour setting off her golden blonde hair and beach tan.
“You look beautiful, li’l lady,” he complimented, kissing her tenderly.
“You don’t look so bad yourself, rock star,” she whispered. “There’s a glint of the old Jake in your eyes again.”
“I’ll be glad when today’s over,” he admitted. “It’s going to be tough to say goodbye.”
“I know,” she agreed sadly. “It’s never easy.”
Cars were already filling the parking lot when Lori drove up to the funeral chapel. A space had been reserved for them at the side of the building. Several journalists were gathered outside as she and Jake walked silently past them into the cool tranquillity of the building. In the vestibule, Rich, with dark glasses hiding his face, and Linsey were waiting for them. As they exchanged comforting hugs in greeting, Grey arrived with Kola, closely followed by Paul and Maddy. A few seconds later, they were joined by Dr Marrs, Todd and a sombre looking Scott. A member of staff politely ushered them into the chapel, directing them to their seats in the rows reserved for them. The chapel was full, a testament to Gary’s popularity. Friends had flown in from Britain and several other countries. A few of the musicians he had worked with had also made the effort to be there to say goodbye.
On the stroke of two, the mourners were asked to stand as Gary’s casket was carried in. Two single white roses rested on top of the plain oak coffin. Behind them, Alice and Tom walked in slowly and silently took their seats in the front row. The reverend, who was conducting the service, signalled for them all to be seated, then delivered a warm, heartfelt eulogy. It was light hearted and created a true reflection of the person Gary had been. Scott was the first to step forward to do a short reading, a Bible passage requested by Gary’s elderly parents. The young film maker spoke calmly and clearly, his English accent ringing round the chapel.
After the first and only hymn, Jake stepped up to the lectern, a piece of paper in his trembling hand. He looked out across the gathered mourners, spotting friends and colleagues. Taking a deep breath to try to steady his quivering emotions, Jake began,
“Do not stand at my grave and weep;
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
&nbs
p; Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there. I did not die.”
His voice cracked with emotion as he recited the last two lines. Wiping away a tear, he murmured, “Thank you,” and walked back to his seat, with his head bowed.
The preacher led the congregation in a short prayer and blessing, then announced that there would be an acoustic performance to end the ceremony. Carefully, Jake eased his arm out of the makeshift sling and passed the scarf to Lori. Keeping his head bowed, he walked back out to the front of the chapel, pausing for a brief moment beside Gary’s coffin. A chair sat to one side with one of his acoustic guitars on a stand beside it. He took a moment or two to settle himself with the guitar resting on his knee. Focussing his attention, Jake stole a glance over towards Tom and Alice. He could feel everyone’s eyes on him. Perhaps it was his imagination, but he could feel Gary standing behind him. Only at that moment did he finally decide which of the two songs that had been on his mind was going to be the one he played. The delicate, familiar strains of The Beatles “Yesterday” filled the chapel. Jake’s husky, unrehearsed vocal was perfect. Beside him, the curtains closed softly around the casket. His voice wavered and a tidal wave of emotion hit him as he sang, “Why’d he have to go?”
Seeing that he was struggling, the assembled group of Gary’s friends one by one joined in. Their united, strong voices gave Jake the strength to finish the song. When it was done, he sat where he was, eyes cast downwards to hide the tears that were flowing freely down his cheeks. The minister delivered a final blessing over them all, then came forward to shake Alice and Tom by the hand. Soundlessly, brother and sister led the mourners out of the chapel, their final goodbyes said.
Rich was the first person to reach Jake. Putting his arm around his friend’s shoulder, he said, “That was amazing. I could never have held it together to deliver that one.”
“Thanks, buddy,” said Jake with a sad sigh. “I wish I hadn’t had to. That was tough.”
“You nailed it. Gary would’ve loved it.”
“I hope so,” sighed Jake, setting the guitar back on its stand. “Let’s get out of here. I need a drink.”
At the front door, Alice and Tom were shaking hands and thanking each of the mourners for coming. Their faces were pale and strained. Silver Lake held back until the very end, Jake being last of all. When he finally stepped forward in front of them, Alice and Tom both reached out to hug him. All three of them stood in a tearful huddle for a few moments before Grey came back to say, “All local Silver Lake events end in one place. Let’s head to the Turtle to toast Gary. I think we could all use a drink.”
“Amen to that,” said Alice, forcing a small smile.
The private function suite at the Turtle was crammed full when Gary’s family and the band arrived. There was a table reserved for them in the corner and Jason had arranged for some champagne on ice to be waiting for them. When they all had a glass in their hand, the Englishman proposed a toast, “To Gary. Always in our hearts.”
“To Gary,” echoed the others, clinking glasses.
Most of the mourners only stayed for one or two drinks, then slowly drifted home. At the corner table, Silver Lake were collectively reminiscing about past nights spent in the bar. Alice and Tom were soaking up each tale, using it as a salve on their grief. Once again, they were all relaxed and there was laughter in the air.
“This might be inappropriate,” interrupted Jake after a couple of hours. “But let’s go back to our house. We’ll BBQ, play some music and party as though Gary was with us.”
“Sounds like as good a plan as any to me,” agreed Alice, already slightly drunk on the champagne.
Laughter and music filled the house. In the sunroom, Becky was camped out on the settee, watching the cartoon channel. Todd and Kate had arrived and been introduced to Tom. All three teenagers were huddled together on the other couch, watching YouTube videos of Silver Lake, some of which had been uploaded by Gary. Out on the deck, Maddy and Paul each had one of the twins nestled on their lap, both babies contentedly sucking on their thumb. While the others were relaxing on the sun deck, enjoying the late afternoon sun, Grey and Kola had slipped away, hand in hand, for a stroll along the beach.
“Jake,” giggled Alice, her confidence boosted by the champagne and the wine she was now enjoying. “Can I ask you something personal?”
“If I say no, you’re going to ask anyway, aren’t you?” he teased playfully.
“Yes,” she replied without hesitation. “Will you show me your tattoos?”
“All of them?”
She nodded.
“Ok, ma’am,” he laughed as he stood up. Gingerly he slid his arm out of the scarf sling, then asked Lori to help him off with his shirt. Discretely he whispered to her to unfasten his jeans too. Stifling a giggle, she obliged. Alice watched as the tall rock star stripped in front of her until he stood there wearing only his boxer shorts.
“Your wish is my command, Miss York,” he declared, flashing Alice a “Power” smile.
“Wow!” she exclaimed, her face flushing scarlet as she surveyed his ink gallery.
“Hey,” called out Paul, causing Wren to jump with a start. “When did you get the knot done?”
“The Thursday before the crash,” replied Jake, pulling his jeans back on. “Like it?”
“Yeah. We should all get one,” suggested the drummer.
“I’m up for it,” agreed Rich, admiring the tattoo design. “Once my ribs heal.”
“Think Grey’ll go for it?” asked Paul, shifting his daughter onto his shoulder as he stood up. He walked over to Jake, to take a closer look at the intricate design. “Nice!”
“Don’t see why not,” mused Jake as he slipped the sling back into place.
“Is there a story behind all of those?” asked Alice unable to take her eyes off him.
“Most of them,” he admitted. “The cross on my back was the first when I was eighteen.”
“What’s the music on your arm?”
“Stronger Within,” replied Jake, taking a seat on the sun lounger beside Lori. “It’s the first song I wrote for Mz Hyde not long after we met.”
“Do you have any, Lori?” asked Alice curiously.
“A couple,” she revealed shyly. “My butterfly and my anklet. She raised the hem of her long skirt to reveal the delicate chain design.
“That’s gorgeous!”
“If you want to get some ink, we can take you to see Danny,” offered Jake. “He did them all.”
“Oh no! Not for me. My folks never approved of tattoos,” said Alice then turning to Maddy, she asked, “Did this Danny do yours too?”
“No, darling,” purred Maddy with a smile. “I’ve collected mine from all over the world.”
Conversation moved on to travel as they all talked about their favourite places. Maddy expressed a preference for the Far East while Lori said she loved London and Paris.
“I’d love to see New York,” confessed Alice shyly. “This is my first trip to America.”
“That’s easily fixed,” stated Lori warmly. “It’s only a three hour drive from here. Well, maybe four, depending on traffic.”
“I’m heading back to New York on Wednesday,” added Jason, sipping his beer. “You’re welcome to travel with me.”
“And my apartment’s empty, so you are welcome to stay there,” offered Lori. “Stay as long as you like.”
“Well, I suppose we could go for a few days,” replied Alice. “Let me talk to Tom about it.”
“How long are you planning on staying over here?” asked Rich.
“I don’t know,” she sighed sadly. “Gary had wanted Tom to see you guys do those festival shows. I am hoping we can stay long enough to at least see you guys play once.”
An awkward silence hung in the air.
“That schedule is a bit up in the air,” confessed Jake, running his hand nervously through his hair. “Maddison?”
“We need to talk about it, but not now,” sta
ted Maddy, her business voice creeping in. “I’ve a few calls to make but maybe we’ll be back out there at the start of August. It depends on a lot of different factors. Primarily Rich and Jake’s health.”
After they had all eaten, Tom asked if he could walk back into town with Todd and Kate. They were heading for the boardwalk to meet up with Todd’s friends. Much to his surprise, Alice agreed, asking only that he be back by nine thirty. With the three teenagers out of the way, the adults sat around the table chatting. The twins had fallen asleep. Wren was nestled on Jake’s lap while Hayden was stretched out across Grey’s chest. Becky had grown tired of watching TV and had cuddled in beside Lori. The little girl had eyed Kola suspiciously when she had sat next to Grey. In the background, Lori’s iPod had been plugged in and music was flowing out from the sunroom.
True to his word, Tom appeared back on time, minus his two new friends.
“It’s time we headed back to the hotel,” said Alice, swaying slightly as she stood up. “Jason?”
“I’ll drive you out there, but I’m staying at JJL tonight. Jim? Kola? Do you guys need a ride?”
The producer and the sound engineer nodded.
As they all said their farewells a few minutes later, Jake cornered Dr Marrs, “Will you be about after lunch tomorrow, Jim?”
“Sure. Why?”
“I’ll take a run out to JJL. I want to talk to you about an idea for the record.”
“Fine. I’ll see you then,” agreed the producer, sensing that Jake didn’t want to reveal his idea just yet. “Thanks for dinner, Lori.”
“Any time, Jim,” she called from her seat on the sun lounger.
Beebe Medical Center was busy when Jake and Lori arrived next morning. Their first port of call was the triage nurse. As they sat in line in the waiting room, Jake fidgeted, drumming his finger on his thigh, tapping his feet. Eventually the nurse called him through and, with a few expert snips, had the row of stitches removed. He ran his hand over the thin scar. It felt slightly raised, but smooth to the touch.
Impossible Depths (Silver Lake series Book 2) Page 21
