22The rain had really settled in by the time they got out to the cemetery and found their way down to the graveside. The Warrnambool cemetery was on a hill in the eastern part of town, overlooking the stately Hopkins River—prime real estate.
The Reverend Cobbs, shielded by a large black umbrella held by the ever-attentive Mrs Cobbs, conducted the short ceremony, with the mourners dispersing soon after. Elena and Vince spoke briefly to Rita then walked back up to the car.
‘Not going to the wake, Doc?’
He shook his head. ‘No, Sarge, I’m not in the mood for that all that grog-fuelled revisionism.’
They gratefully sought refuge in Benny’s capacious interior, staring in silence through the lashing bursts of rain across the headstones.
In the distance, the Hopkins river wound stolidly aroun
