A/N: Thanks again to all my reviewers. I'm glad you all seem to be enjoying this story so far. Mr. Doomvomit, I'd like to say in response to your comment that I'm doing my best to portray all the religions I'm writing about in this story both honestly and respectfully, and I'm glad you think I'm succeeding in that, and I can only hope that that will be the consensus opinion of all my readers. The italics are Duncan's voiceovers this time.

A/N on translation: The memorial prayer at the end of this story is written in somewhat poetic language, which is always difficult to translate. As such, I've opted for a more figurative translation than I've used for the biblical passages.

A/N on pronunciation: The "ai" in "Lailah" is pronounced like in "aisle," not like in "paid." All "o"s (not including those used in English words, obviously) are long, as in "row," not as in "rob."

"Absalom did not speak with Amnon for evil or for good, for Absalom hated Amnon on account of the fact that he had violated Tamar his sister." 2 Samuel 13:22

October 5, 2005

10:12am

"Ya'amod Daniel ben Ya'aqov Hakohen."

Duncan arose from his seat and began the walk toward the lectern.

Just one more thing I'm expected to do because of who my father is.

When Duncan and Lilly had been younger, Duncan had often wondered why, on the rare occasions that they attended services, their father was always called to bless the first reading. Their mother had explained that even though their congregation was a modern, liberal, Reform one, it still preserved some of the ancient traditions, among which was included that a kohen should always be called first, and since their congregation was also a small one, Jake Kane, whose great-grandfather had been Kahn before Ellis Island, was the only one who qualified.

"It's an honor," Celeste had concluded at the time, as if that explained everything. His mother had always thought honor was very important.

At the time, Duncan had understood even less than he did now how it could be an honor for them just because of who their ancestors had been, but, when he was nine he had been more interested in more recent famous relatives.

"Is it true we're related to the guy who created Batman?" Duncan had breathlessly asked his father.

"Well, I guess technically we are, but I think you'd have to go back at least a few centuries to find the connection," Jake had replied with a smile as he ruffled his son's hair. "Maybe even a few millennia."

It was only when they were thirteen that Lilly had told him that the only reason their congregation had brought back the tradition anyway was because Celeste, who was, after all, the temple's largest donor, had insisted. Their mother had always thought honor was very important.

Jake Kane was in prison now, having pled guilty to conspiracy and three counts of falsifying evidence. It was that dishonorable little twist of fate that found Duncan ascending to the lectern now.

Duncan recited the blessing, and stood and listened as the reader began to recite the story of how God tested Abraham by calling upon him to sacrifice his son Isaac.

Abraham's faith was so strong, he didn't hesitate. Too bad my father had no faith. No faith that if he just told the truth, Keith wouldn't just assume that I had done it. No faith in me, that I could never do such a thing. And certainly no faith in God.

The reader finished, and Duncan recited the concluding blessing.

"Ya'amod Alon ben Gavriel Halevi."

Duncan moved off to the side of the lectern as his physician walked up.

"Happy New Year," whispered Dr. Levine with a warm smile as he shook Duncan's hand.

I'm so glad you could make it. My father was careful to keep your name out of it. Never revealed just how he found out that Abel Koontz had stomach cancer. "You don't leave people who have helped you, been loyal to you, just twisting in the wind, Duncan." What is the going rate on your patients' privacy, anyway?

"Happy New Year," answered Duncan. Then Levine recited the blessing. When the second reading was completed and Levine had recited the concluding blessing, Duncan shook hands with the reader and with Levine again, and started back to his seat.

On his way back, he had to stop repeatedly to shake all the hands that were extended to him.

"Happy New Year, Mr. Sopher."

"Happy New Year, Mr. Bloom."

He hesitated only once, and even then, only for a moment.

"Happy New Year, Duncan."

Ah, Harvey Greenblatt, how are you? So sorry to see your wife Monica couldn't make it this year. I hope nothing's wrong between you two. I can only imagine what a stressful time this must be for you, what with losing your biggest client and all. Still, I'm sure you'll bounce back; you're very good at what you do. Who knows? Without you, Aaron might never have become famous in the first place, and Lilly probably would never have even heard of him.

"Happy New Year, Mr. Greenblatt."

Blaming Aaron's agent. That's big of you. While we're at it, maybe we can go egg the car of the guy who did the lighting in Breaking Point. I mean, Lilly always loved that movie, and maybe if the lighting hadn't flattered Aaron's features so much, she wouldn't have been so attracted to him.

Finally Duncan got back to his seat.

"You did very well, sweetie."

Or maybe we can blame Mom and Dad. Hey, it's not like the apple fell all that far from the tree, seeing as how Dad wasn't exactly the past-master of keeping it in his pants either, at least not when it came to Lianne Mars. Or maybe if both of them had given Lilly more attention and approval, she wouldn't have decided to sleep with the famous movie star. Or maybe it was the opposite. Maybe they spoiled us, and Lilly never learned that there are some things you just don't do. Like your boyfriend's Dad.

"Thanks Mom."

Or maybe I should blame myself. Maybe I could have looked out for Lilly more. Or maybe if I'd just gotten home sooner. I didn't have to spend all that time hanging out after soccer that day. Or maybe I doomed her long before then. They say girls who have twin brothers get exposed to much more testosterone in the womb than normal; it changes their whole brain structure, tends to make them more promiscuous later in life. Maybe if I'd never existed, she wouldn't have been like she was.

Finally, the reading concluded with how God substituted a ram for Isaac, and rewarded Abraham for his faith by renewing his promise to him and to Isaac and to all their descendants after them. Duncan stood as the scroll was rolled back up and carried back to the ark.

Or maybe it's Lilly's own fault. I mean, let's face it. Aaron's a monster, and sure, he's to blame for all this. But none of this would ever have happened if Lilly hadn't slept with him. What kind of teenage girl has sex with a man old enough to be her father? Her father's best friend, no less. Who's married. And the father of her boyfriend. How could you be such a slut, Lilly? What did Lynn of all people ever do to you, that you couldn't stay away from her husband? And could you have hated Logan that much? I mean, he kissed another girl. You screwed his father. Or did you even think about anyone else at all? Did you ever think about anyone besides yourself? Do you care at all about how much you've hurt everyone who loved you?

Duncan listened with the rest of the congregation as Cantor Loomis blew the shofar.

I'm being stupid. Why do we always wait until after someone's dead to say all the things we should have said to her when she was alive?

1:16pm

With the morning service finally having concluded, the worshippers began to file outside. Standing next to his mother on the synagogue steps as Celeste shook hands with Rabbi Wilder, Duncan spotted an unmistakable yellow X-Terra parked on the other side of the street.

"Would you excuse me for a moment Mom?"

"Of course, honey."

As Duncan crossed the street, he saw Logan standing there with his arms folded in front of him, his eyes downcast. Veronica stood next to him with her hand reassuringly on his arm.

"Hey DK. Happy new year."

"Happy new year, Duncan."

"Thanks guys. What's going on? What are you doing here?"

"Duncan, there's something I need to tell you." Logan shifted his gaze to either side, unable to meet Duncan's face.

"What's up? Is it about the sentencing hearing? Is the jury back?"

"No, nothing like that. Do you, uh, do you remember Shelly Pomroy's party two years ago?"

"Yes. Why?"

"Do you remember how Veronica was passed out on the chaise-lounge by the pool, and me and some of the guys were, well…."

"Yeah?"

"Well, remember, how I brought you that drink and apologized?"

"Right. Why?"

"Well, I had, uh, sort of spiked that drink with GHB."

Duncan decked him.

"Duncan, no!" shouted Veronica. Many of the people still standing around across the street were staring. Celeste began to hurry over.

"No, no, it's alright," Logan said loudly as he got to his feet, one hand held up in front of him. "I deserved that."

"You deserve a lot worse! Do you have any idea what you did to me? To Veronica?" Duncan was shouting.

"Yes. I know all about it. She told me everything that happened."

Standing just behind and to one side of Logan, Veronica shook her head and mouthed "not everything" to Duncan, seeing how white he had just gone.

"Veronica, you know what he did. You should be as mad as I am. More!"

"He didn't know what was going to happen, Duncan; it's not like he planned it."

"I didn't know, I swear. I just wanted you to relax a little, enjoy yourself. You hadn't been yourself since, well, you know. Believe me, if I had had any idea…."

"Alright, okay." Duncan let out a long sigh. "I won't apologize for slugging you, because you're right that you deserved it, but I guess if Veronica can forgive both of us for what happened that night, I should forgive you too."

"Thanks, man." Logan extended his hand. Duncan shook it, but then pulled Logan in for a hug; they slapped each other on the back as they embraced."

"Man, that's some right hook you've got there, man," joked Logan, rubbing his cheek after they had separated. "And I would know; I've been by slugged by the best."

"And the worst."

"Too true."

"Come on, guys. My mom and I are going home for lunch. Why don't you come with us?"

"I don't know," answered Veronica. "I'm not sure your mother would really want us there."

"Yeah, well, that's one of the whole host of subjects on which I've lost all interest in my parents' opinions."

6:19pm

Finally, with the afternoon service having finished as twilight descended outside, the memorial service began. Duncan bowed his head, and trembling, began in a whisper:

"O God, full of mercy, who dwells on high, grant serene repose under the wings of your presence to the soul of Lailah Shoshannah bat Esther….In the garden of Eden let her rest…." Tears were streaming down Duncan's face. "O Master of mercies, gather in her soul to eternal life under the shelter of Your wings, and grant her her portion with the Lord, and let her rest in peace, and let us say amen." Duncan exhaled slowly.