Hidden Hero: His Time to Shine novel · Chapter 23 of 24

Chapter 23: Pulled From the Pew

The Frederick chapel smelled of lilies again.

This time nobody had hired a crane.

There were no cameras on the aisle, no assistants fixing ties, and no photographer walking backward.

Forty rows of pews held the people who had actually known Morris Cunningham.

I saw retired analysts with canes, a baker from his street, and two nurses from Jo's ward in their good coats.

I saw the Marine from the plaza, in a pressed jacket, in the last row.

I was early, as promised.

I stood at the back wall, out of habit, in the charcoal suit.

The usher from the funeral came across the stone floor with his hands knotted.

He was an old man with a red nose and tired eyes.

"Sir," he said, and swallowed. "Mr. Benton."

"Yes."

"I'm the one who told you family only."

"I remember."

"I'd like to say I'm sorry.

"I'm not going to say I didn't know."

He looked at the floor.

"I knew he was wrong and I did what I was told."

"Thank you for saying it."

"Morris used to bring me soup in February." His eyes filled. "Nobody told me you were the boy."

"I wasn't allowed to tell anyone."

"Well." He cleared his throat. "Your seat is at the front."

I looked down the aisle.

The first pew was empty except for a white card on the cushion.

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