"Thanks. Thanks a lot. I really appreciate this."
"There's a lesson there," Dean added, although he wasn't exactly sure just what the lesson was. Somehow it sounded appropriate.
"Yeah, I guess you're right," Randy answered. "I'll get Ma. And thanks again."
Cynthia Byrne apologized for not answering the phone. "Things are a little hectic around here planning for the memorial service next week. Will you be able to come?"
"I'm on a new case now, and things are a little confusing."
"Oh," she said, sounding disappointed.
"...but I'll try to sneak away, if I can."
"Thank you," she said. "I'd like for you to be there."
"How have you been-generally speaking?"
She was slow answering. "Pretty good. This was a tough day. I received a post card from Jeff-from Norfolk. He often does that when he's out of town even though he's always home before they get here."
Dean wanted to ask what the card said but was far too civilized to ask. Instead he said nothing.
Cynthia paused, and added, "I saw your attorney friend this afternoon...Ms. Rosewater."
"Yes," he said. "She called and said she'd spoken with you."
"She seems like a very nice woman." Dean wondered if they were speaking about the same Ethel Rosewater. "I think she was disappointed I didn't want to sue someone." It was the same Ethel Rosewater. "She was very helpful. I was afraid the insurance company might try to claim Jeff committed suicide and deny coverage, but Ms. Rosewater said that wasn't a policy exclusion anyway."
"That's good," Dean said. Then he asked, "Have you checked the items I brought back from Norfolk? I held the inventory to make sure."
"Yes," she answered. "Everything was there." Then added, "Except the bathing suit-and his cap." Dean had forgotten the waiter saying Byrne also wore a baseball cap when he left the room. Cynthia Byrne continued. "Jeff loved his Phillies cap. He's had it for years."
"I've got a few old things like that myself."
She hesitated. "There's one more thing. I have a really big favor to ask of you."
"What is it?"
"Ms. Rosewater says the more thorough the investigation into Jeff's drowning, the better the chance to have a judge issue a death certificate. If the court thinks there's any possibility Jeff's alive, I'd have to wait years and years. I really don't know what I'd do."
"We've closed the police investigation," Dean interjected. "There wasn't any evidence to suggest other than an unfortunate accident."
"I know," Cynthia Byrne said quickly. "But Ms. Rosewater said the more detail, the better-bury them in paper, she called it. I asked about a private detective-God knows how I would pay- but she said a hired person wouldn't be seen as objective." Dean was silent. "I know I'm asking a lot, but...."