Janice Riley's husband Phil was next to speak. He stumbled as he climbed the steps to the pulpit and grasped the podium like a life preserver. He spoke of family barbecues and a week's vacation on the Jersey shore, kids growing up and Christmas eggnog shared. He was frighteningly nervous, but in Dean's mind his sincerity buried the flowery words of the Philadelphia insurance executive. Riley's comments were simple but moving and made Dean wonder if he were the eulogized party, who would speak so kindly of him-or, for that matter, even attend the memorial. The service ended in 40 minutes with the priest extending an invitation for friends to return to Mrs. Byrne's home.
As the congregation filed out the door, Dean was surprised to see attorney Arthur Atherton, Ethel Rosewater's partner and Vinnie Baratto's lawyer, rise from two rows in front of him. Arthur recognized Dean but avoided eye contact until Dean stared him down and forced a glum nod.
Dean cornered Atherton near the entrance. "Friend of the deceased?" he asked as the attorney tried to push past him.
"No," Arthur replied, adjusting his designer tie as he continued to try to step around Dean.
"I figured you'd be so busy defending the scum of the earth you wouldn't have a minute to spare. What's the matter? Are the bad boys being good this week?" Dean added, "Maybe you're just hoping someone will fall down the front steps of the church and break their neck so you can be Johnny-on-the-spot."
"If you must know, Ethel couldn't make it to the service and thought the firm should be represented." Arthur looked very uncomfortable but his voice didn't disguise his annoyance.
Dean stared coldly at the lawyer. "Arthur, I think that's bullshit. I want to hear from your mouth your being here has nothing to do with Vinnie Baratto."
"I don't discuss privileged conversations I've had with my clients. Please get out of my way." He turned on his heels and left, making Dean sorry he'd mentioned Ethel Rosewater to Cynthia Byrne in the first place. His big mouth was continuing to place the woman in harm's way. It was as if he'd tossed out a sacrificial lamb to a flock of vultures.
Dean stepped to the sidewalk and waited for Cynthia to emerge from the church, but when she did, a crowd of friends and well wishers surrounded her, with the Mayer-the-leech encircling her shoulder with his scummy arm. Dean caught her eye from afar and waved a greeting that she acknowledged. She looked as if she wanted him to stay, or at least he told himself that, but he returned to his car. Fred could play surrogate and go back to her house, heeding the priest's invitation. One member of the Dean household was enough.