| Saying Goodbye Chapter 31 |
| Even the city of San Francisco seemed to be in mourning. The sky was cloudy and gray, the wind made a moaning sound as it swirled around the city and the bay was filled with whitecaps. Casey was dressed warmly in her winter dress uniform yet she shivered when she felt the sudden cold breeze. It took a moment to realize that her father had opened the car door and was holding out his hand to her. "It's time to go in, sweetheart." Vincent took his daughter's arm and escorted her to the front of the chapel where she took her place next to Virginia and Cheryl Leek. A steady stream of friends and co-workers filed through the small chapel to pay their respects and to offer condolences to the Leek family. Only a short six weeks earlier, these same people had gathered in this chapel to celebrate Casey and Harvey's wedding. Today the mood was somber as they mourned the loss of a beloved friend and colleague. Nash Bridges stood up and walked to the pulpit to speak. Casey thought that he looked the epitome of a proper police Captain in his dress uniform but that image quickly vanished when he tried to speak. He started to tell an anecdote about Harvey but choked up. He took a moment to collect himself, wiped the tears from his eyes and resumed his speech about Harvey's achievements as an SFPD officer and his dedication to his profession. "Harvey Leek was a good man and a good cop." Nash hesitated for a moment before continuing. The tears glistened in his eyes as he added, "He was my friend". * All along the route from the chapel to the cemetery, police officers stood beside their cruisers and saluted as the motorcade passed. Their kind gesture touched Casey's heart and she fought to maintain her composure. She draped her arm around Jerry and hugged him close to her. He looked so confused and sad. He couldn't understand why his Daddy had left without saying goodbye. At the graveside, one of Harvey's favorite poems was read before Rev. Baker offered a short prayer. The flag was folded and presented to Casey as a token of appreciation for Harvey’s 18 years of service as a police officer. The first shots fired by the honor guards resounded through the air and the ranks of officers came to attention when Taps was played. Casey and Vincent stood next to Nash and Joe and joined their fellow officers in saluting a fallen comrade. After the ceremony, Casey took Jerry’s hand and together they walked to car. Vincent realized that his daughter and new grandson needed to spend some time alone and discouraged anyone from following them. Condolences could be offered later at CJs after Jerry and Casey had spent some private time together. As Nash and Joe walked towards the Cuda, Joe noticed Nash scanning the line of parked cars. “Do you think he’s here?” “He’s here alright.” Nash removed his hat and placed it in the backseat of the car. He slipped on his sunshades and scanned the area once more. His gaze fell upon the lone black limo parked a short distance away. “He wants to let us know that he’s watching.” * The lone figure sat in the backseat of the limousine and lowered the tinted window. He placed a call on his cellphone and continued to watch as the mourners dispensed. “It’s me. I have some bad news, Sir. Inspector Harvey Leek is dead.” He laughed at the response he received. “Yes Sir, I knew that you would be heartbroken.” * Chuck and Jen Tanner had closed CJ's for the night. The sign on the front door read, "closed due to death in the family". Inside the club, family members and friends gathered to celebrate a friend's life. There were toasts offered in Harvey's memory, favorite memories and stories shared, and unashamed tears shed. Casey greeted friends with hugs and handshakes and thanked them for their well wishes and condolences but the faces and names soon became a blur. Needing some air, she excused herself and made her way to the dressing room. She closed the door and leaned against it for support as the pent up tears began to fall. She walked over to the sofa and lay down but found she couldn’t rest. The tears continued to fall and she draped her arm across her eyes. Why did this happen? The future had been filled with endless possibilities; now there was only uncertainty and fear. Nash Bridges knocked on the door before opening it. "May I come in, Casey?" "Of course." She sat up and straightened her skirt and jacket. Nash sat down on the sofa, picked up her hand and squeezed it. "How you doing?" She shook her head and shrugged. “I…I don’t know what to say to them, Nash. All these people are telling me how wonderful Harvey was and how much he’ll be missed and I have no idea how to respond to them. ‘Thank you’ just doesn’t seem to be enough.” Casey closed her eyes and laid her head on Nash’s shoulder. “This is so wrong, Nash. Harvey and I were supposed to grow old together and baby-sit our grandchildren. This whole situation is just…unacceptable.” Nash slipped his arm around her shoulders in an effort to comfort her. “I understand the inability to accept something that seems completely wrong. I went through a period of total denial when Lisa and I divorced. I thought that we would be apart for a few months and then come to our senses and get back together. The reconciliation didn’t happen but life did go on.” “I understand what you’re saying, Nash, but right now it doesn’t seem possible.” Casey’s eyes brimmed with tears as she gave Nash a sad smile. “Sorry. I’ve never been very good at accepting things that I didn’t like.” He patted her hand again and returned the smile. “Harvey would want you to continue on with your life, Casey. You have to take it one day at a time. It won’t be easy but you’ll be fine. I promise.” “I hope so, Nash. I really hope so.” * Mid-December found Casey closing the San Francisco apartment and making plans to return to Amarillo. Hopefully by returning to work she could deal with the grief and somehow come to terms with Harvey’s death. She planned to return to San Francisco frequently to visit with Jerry so she decided to keep the apartment. A dispute with the landlord forced Casey to place a call to her attorney in Atlanta. Within a few weeks, she was the proud owner of the Haight-Asbury duplex. It was the first time she had ever used the money from her trust fund. In her opinion, purchasing the home where she and Harvey had been so happy was the best investment she could make. In the weeks since Harvey’s death, Anna had arranged for Casey to become Jerry’s legal guardian should she become too ill to care for him. Both women agreed that Jerry’s welfare was top priority. Casey promised that she would visit often and suggested that Jerry spend some time in Amarillo during the summer months. Anna agreed but remained silent about her health. Casey would find out soon enough about the revision Anna had made to her will. Saying goodbye to Jerry was the worse part of leaving. It took a while to convince him that she wasn’t leaving forever. After assuring him that he was loved and promising to visit and call often, Casey drove away from Anna’s house. It took all the willpower she had to keep driving when she looked in the rearview mirror and saw the sad little boy clinging to his mother, waving goodbye while tears rolled down his cheeks. * “Who can say for certain, maybe you’re still here. I feel you all around me. Your memory’s so clear. Deep in the stillness, I can hear you speak. You’re still my inspiration. Can it be? That you are mine, forever love And you are watching over me from up above.” Casey lay in bed and listened to the song that was playing on the radio. The singer spoke of a love so strong even death couldn’t diminish it. Her tears rolled down her cheeks and wet the pillow. How many tears had she cried over the past weeks? A chill swept over her and she clutched the blanket closer. It would be a cold Christmas in more ways than one this year. “Fly me up to where you are beyond the distant star I wish upon tonight to see you smile. If only for a while to know your there. A breath away’s not far to where you are.” Casey pulled the PT Cruiser into the garage and took the garage door remote with her when she got out. Standing outside the garage, she pressed the button and the door began to slowly close. The blue cruiser and the royal blue ram truck were parked side by side. She would have to decide what to do with the vehicles but that was something she would do in the future. Walking into the apartment, she took a final look around. The kitchen counters were bare, the refrigerator was empty and all the appliances were stored in the cabinets. The computer was shut down and covered. Her bags were waiting in the hallway but there was one last thing to take care of. She hesitated before opening the doors to the Dead Room. A single black candle lit the small dark room. A lump formed in her throat as she looked around at the Grateful Dead memorabilia. This room was Harvey’s pride and joy. It was his sanctuary from the world. It was his special tribute to the memory of Jerry Garcia. Casey walked over to the table, cupped her hand around the candle and blew out the flame. Standing in the sudden darkness, she whispered an apology and promised that someday she would return and relight the candle. “Are you gently sleeping here inside my dream? And isn’t faith believing all power can’t be seen. As my heart holds you just one beat away. I cherish all you gave me everyday. Cause you are my, forever love. Watching me from up above. And I believe that Angels breathe and that love will live on and never leave.” Casey ran her fingers lovingly along the words that were engraved on the marble stone before laying a single red rose on top of it. “I won’t be gone forever. I just need some time away from all the memories.” She touched her fingers to her lips and then touched the stone. “I miss you so much, Harvey and I love you. Remember…forever.” * SFO was crowded due to the holiday season. Stephanie had flown to San Francisco a few days earlier to spend some time with Antwon and to accompany Casey on the flight to Amarillo. She knew that the decision to return to Texas had been difficult for Casey to make. Maybe having a friend along for the trip would help ease some of the pain. The women had set their bags down and were waiting for the flight number to be called. Casey heard someone call her name and looked up to see Joe and Nash walking towards them. “What are you guys doing here?’ “You didn’t think that we would let you leave with saying goodbye, did you?” Joe gave her a quick hug before handing her a card. “Here’s my business card. Call if you need anything.” “Thanks Joe. Tell Inger I’ll give her a call when I get settled.” “Alright, move so I can have my turn.” Nash playfully pushed Joe aside so that he could give Casey a hug. “I hate goodbyes so I’ll just say see you soon.” He pulled back from her and took her hands in his. “Seriously, if you need anything…anything at all…you call me.” “I will, Nash. Thank for everything.” As the boarding call was made, Joe and Nash said goodbye to Stephanie while Casey gathered her bags. Lying on top of her carry-on bag was a long, white box. She removed the lid and found two long stemmed roses. One white and one red, entwined. She held her breath as she ripped open the envelope to find out who had sent them. One word was written on the card…Forever. “HARVEY!” Casey began frantically searching through the crowd for her husband. “HARVEY, WHERE ARE YOU?” Nash, Joe and Stephanie stood in stunned silence for a moment, unsure about what had happened. Finally, Nash grabbed Casey by the shoulders and turned her to face him. “Casey, what’s going on?” “Look at these roses. They’re like the ones that Harvey always gave me. Look at the card. This is our code word. Nash, he’s here. He’s alive!” She continued to scan the crowd for a glimpse of a beret or a colorful vest worn over a jacket. Instead she saw a businessman reading a newspaper. Judging from his boots, cowboy hat and beard, he was probably headed home to Texas or Oklahoma. There was a young mother trying desperately to control her twin boys and a young couple sharing a passionate embrace. But there was no sign of Harvey. Nash led Casey to an empty chair and asked her to sit down. He couldn’t let her board the plane in such a hysterical state. “Harvey didn’t send these flowers, Casey. I think that you know that.” She slumped back in the chair and took a calming breath. “Your right. I know your right but I couldn’t help myself. I’m sorry.” “You’re sure you’ll be alright?” Joe asked. The concern could be heard in his voice. “Yes, I’ll be fine. It’s just going to take some time to realize that Harvey’s gone.” Casey picked up her bags, gave the men a final hug and took Stephanie by the arm. “Come on, Steph. Let’s get out of here.” Nash and Joe watched from the window as they boarded the plane. Both men were concerned about Casey’s well being. “Well, I feel like the world’s biggest jackass. What about you, Nashman?” “Ditto Brother. I just hope that she can forgive us.” * Las Vegas, Nevada It was late when the man arrived in checked into the hotel. He slipped the keycard into the lock and entered the room that he would call home for a while. He took off the cowboy hat and placed it on the dresser. He took a look at himself in the mirror but didn’t recognize the man staring back at him. He had lost at least fifteen pounds. His hair had been cut short and darkened. It would take a while to get use to the scratchy beard and mustache. The man walked over to the bed and lay down for a moment. He took out his wallet and looked at the photo of the dark haired woman hugging a cherub faced little boy. At the airport, she hadn’t recognized him and thankfully, he didn’t get caught leaving the roses on her bag. He hated to leave his family especially this close to Christmas but he didn’t have much of a choice in the matter. When it became a life or death situation, he chose life…theirs and his. He tugged off his boots before reaching for the phone. “Room Service? This is Jeff Hunter in room 915. I’d like to place an order, please.” After dinner and a shower, he was about to retire for the night when someone knocked on the door. On the other side was a young, tall, blond haired man. “Jeffery Hunter?” “Yes.” Extending his hand, the younger man smiled. “I’m Adam Thomas.” “Of course. Come in." The young man entered the room and waited for the door to be shut. The two men stared at each other for a moment before bursting into laughter and embracing each other. “How much bleach did it take to get your hair that blond?” “What about you? I haven’t seen you this thin in years.” “Yeah, I sort of lost my appetite. I miss my family, man. We need to wrap this up as soon as possible.” “Not a problem, brother. After two years on this case, we may actually have a break. If it all goes well, we should be back in the arms of our loved ones in no time.” “Well, alright then. Let’s get started!” * **“Smuggler’s Blues – Vegas Undercover” is a new story that I have started and hope to have finished soon. It will be a follow up to Frisco Dreams but will prominently feature Evan and Harvey’s undercover assignment. ***The song used in this chapter is called, “To Where You Are” by Josh Groban. |
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