Elizabeth dabbed her eyes with a tissue, saw tears running down Quinn’s face.
The rector finished his homily and stepped aside.
Another man in uniform came to take Quinn’s place in the honor guard, the two of them trading crisp salutes before Quinn went up to the lectern.
He wiped his tears away with a handkerchief, which disappeared into his pocket, then cleared his throat, notecards in his hand. “Jack Murray was the finest man I’ve ever known. As a veteran of the SAS, I’ve known a lot of good men.
“He and I met in recruit trainin’ and served in the army together afore we signed up for the SAS selection process. Both of us were Glaswegians who’d grown up on the breadline, livin’ in social housin’. I asked him why he’d joined the army, and he told me he wanted to serve his country and make somethin’ of himself. I thought he was a right numpty, so I did. I had joined because I had no home, no food, no shelter, and wanted to get out of the rain.”
Quiet laughter.
Quinn smiled, a heartbreaking smile. “No matter how rude I was to him, Jack was kind to me. It wisnae long afore I saw that he’d meant what he’d said. He wanted to serve his country.”
More laughter.
“If I told you everything I learned from Jack about being a good and decent human being, we’d be here until midnight. So, I’ll just say this: He and I joked that if we’d no’ joined up and met in the army, we’d have met in prison. But the truth is he’d no’ have landed in prison. I would have.”
Tears spilled down Elizabeth’s face.
Then Quinn looked directly at Ava. “Ava, Jack loved you wi’ all of his heart and soul. I’ve never seen any man happier than Jack was on your weddin’ day. He loved Olivia and Isla, too. He’d have gone to hell and back for you. I make a pledge now. Those of us who served wi’ him will stand by you and help you through this. We’ll be there for your girls as they’re growin’, helpin’ to keep Jack’s memory alive.
“Jack, my friend, my brother, I never got to thank you for all you did for me, but I have to believe that wherever you are now, you’re lookin’ down on this—and wonderin’ why the hell we’re all cryin’.” Quinn’s voice cracked. “Rest in the peace of heroes.”
Quinn was Elizabeth’s hero. Wiping her tears away, she couldn’t have loved him more.
* * *
Quinn stoodat Jack’s graveside. “I still cannae believe he’s dead.”
Ava and the others had gone, leaving Quinn, Elizabeth, and a few other stragglers.
“You did a great job today.” Elizabeth tucked her arm through his. “You made everyone laugh and cry. Jack would have been proud. I know I am.”
“The three-volley salute scared the wee ones.”
“Yes, I think it did.” Then Elizabeth stiffened. “Wilson.”
Wilson walked up to them. “I wanted to apologize on behalf of the station for what Patel did and for no’ seein’ through her. I’m grateful for your help. I’m no’ sure we’d have gotten to the bottom of this wi’out you.”
He held out a hand to Quinn and then Elizabeth.
They both shook his hand, and thanked him, and then watched him walk away.
Elizabeth motioned with her head. “Leo Grant is here.”
“What?” Quinn followed the direction of Elizabeth’s gaze and saw him.
Grant stood at a distance in the shade of a tree, wearing a hat, sunglasses, and a trench coat. After Wilson got in his car, Grant walked toward them, glancing around as if to see whether he was being watched. When he drew near, he pulled off the sunglasses, and Quinn could see that his eyes were red from crying.
“That was a good eulogy. You captured Jack’s spirit, so you did. He was a good man—better than this fuckin’ world deserves.”
“I’m no’ good at public speakin’, but I had some help.”
Grant smiled at Elizabeth. “You two make a formidable duo. You should go into the superhero business. I can play the villain.”
He chuckled at his own joke.
Elizabeth took his hand. “Thanks for helping to save my life.”