After the service, the Reverend led Eli and Bones outside ahead of the crowd. The three of them stood just outside the entry doors and shook hands with people as they left. Some said, “Thank you,” others said, “Good luck,” but most gave courteous nods or gripped his hand without a word.
Sirens were sounding in the distance, which was nothing unusual. But off in the direction where Eli had parked, there was a column of black smoke.
Eli and the minister seemed too preoccupied to notice. But seeing the smoke, Bones muttered to himself, “I’ve got a bad feeling about this.”
When they were finally alone on the steps, Bones didn’t remark on the smoke but suggested he drive Eli back to his car. “You’d best lay low. You’re coming back to my place. Now.”
“How’d I do?”
“They didn’t throw you out
