Read (2012) Colder Than Death for Free Online Page A

remains cremated and buried. Fair enough?”
    Quilla nodded yes. Mother and daughter's eyes locked for a brief moment as if some unspoken understanding had been satisfactorily reached.
    The next point of business was the choosing of a grave. I explained the various options they could choose from, namely that the cremated remains could be placed in an urn which would then be sealed in a niche in the large mausoleum at Elm Grove, buried in the ground or simply returned to her to either be kept at home or be scattered.
    “My parents are buried at Elm Grove,” said Suzanne. “If my sister could be laid to rest by them, that would be fine.”
    “That shouldn't be a problem, unless your parents are interred in a Section that's completely filled up.” I said.
    “I don't recall where they're buried. I don't get out to the cemetery that much.”
    “I can find that out easily enough. All that's left to do now is pick out the exact grave site.”
    “I know this may sound cold,” she said looking uncomfortable. “But I'd rather not go to the cemetery. Can you pick something out or is there another way to do it?”
    Quilla stood up and faced Suzanne. “ I'll do it. Why should he pick out her final resting place?” She gestured towards me. “A perfect stranger. How do we know he'll choose the right spot? He could stick her anywhere!”
    “Quilla, stop!”
    Suzanne and Quilla's eyes locked again.
    “Uh, Mrs. Worthington,” I said. “Frankly, I’d be more comfortable if a family member was involved in selecting the site.” They both looked at me. “If Quilla wants to drive to the cemetery with me we could leave now.”
    Suzanne eyed her daughter suspiciously as Quilla examined me with a sense of curiosity. I got the impression that she wasn't used to adults giving her feelings much credence. “Jesus, if you want to go with him, go ,” Suzanne snapped.
    Quilla seemed genuinely surprised at her victory. But she didn't thank Suzanne for giving in. The only indication of gratitude was a softening of the nasty glare she'd been directing at her mother.
    The only words Quilla uttered were directed to me: “Can I go to the john before we leave?”

Chapter 7
    Before the meeting ended, Suzanne and I took care of the few remaining details of her sister's funeral arrangements. She let Quilla pick out an urn for the ashes. I showed her the four styles I kept on hand starting with the cheapest--a plastic receptacle that looked more like an ice cube basket that went for a hundred dollars, to the most expensive--a stainless steel vase in an Egyptian design which went for a thousand. Quilla settled on the latter.
    Suzanne wrote out a brief obituary which I would place in the newspaper. Quilla insisted on checking it over and adding one piece of information: that the cause of death was murder. They decided that viewing would be from seven-to-nine and that there would be no religious service the morning of the funeral. A Minister from Suzanne's church would come to the cemetery, say a few words and lead the mourners in prayer. We discussed flowers and agreed that a floral spray of red roses would be draped atop the coffin. I would take Brandy Parker's remains to the crematorium, then the next day interment would take place at noon.
    I walked Suzanne to her car after the meeting. Quilla tagged along, staying a few yards off to the side. “Any problems, please don't hesitate to call. That's what I'm here for.”
    Suzanne nodded. To Quilla she said, “How will you get home?”
    “I'll drop her off.” I moved closer to Suzanne. “She's in mourning. Her hostility is normal. Really.”
    “This is how she is all the time,” Suzanne said as she got into her car. “Thank you for your help.” She glanced coolly at Quilla and drove off.
    I turned to Quilla. She was watching her mother head out of the parking lot. “Bitch,” she muttered softly.
    “All set?” I asked, trying to project a pleasant tone.
    “Yeah. Are we gonna take the