The following afternoon, I attended the private burial ceremony. It was strictly for close friends and family, but my connections opened doors that remained shut to others. A discreet gate pass later, I found myself inside the sprawling Murphy mansion.
I still couldn't believe that Mike was gone, so being here today on his burial proves that he was really gone. Which simply means I will never see him again.
The air was thick with the scent of lilies and polished wood. Soft classical music played in the background as black-clad guests murmured in small clusters. And then I saw him.
Teddy Murphy.
For the first time in years, I laid eyes on Mike’s son — and the resemblance hit me like a physical blow. He had grown tall and broad-shouldered, easily over six feet. The same sharp jawline, t
