2016

Tree Hill, North Carolina

(The Funeral)

The large church, located downtown on one of the busiest streets of Tree Hill, was filled to its maximum seating capacity. Mourners lined the walls and hundreds even stood outside among the various members of the press who had shown up. A loud speaker set up to broadcast the funeral service live to the town was of no use to Detectives Tucker and McFadden along with Gigi, who had come to pay her respects as well. They had just made it into the last vacant seats in the pews.

The sad music played as the solid black marble coffin trimmed with gold lay open. There was the handsome bearded Lucas Scott, hands across his chest. Karen Roe Scott, Lucas' mother was accompanied to the final viewing by her husband, Luke's uncle and stepfather, Keith and her mother in law, Mae. At the sight of her son, she lost her footing and wailed as she had to be helped to her seat. A tearful Mae was solemn. Next was Deb, who simply said a prayer and wiped away a tear before taking her seat. The Jagielski family and Larry Sawyer entered next.

"It's a shame", Larry muttered, quickly taking his seat.

With the death of his wife Anna, his own parents, his granddaughter Jenny and then the passing of Ellie Harp, a woman he had considered to be a close friend, he'd had his share of funerals.

"Peyton, I can't believe you brought her", Jake whispered tersely for the hundredth time. "I already told you Minnie is way too young for this. She doesn't understand what's going on."

"She needs to say good bye to her uncle Luke. All the kids do. It's best for them."

"You're gonna traumatize them."

Tucker and Mouth exchanged glances. The husband and wife, with their neatly dressed, sad yet adorable faced three children, couldn't even keep it together long enough to walk down the aisle to say good bye to a loved one. Their tense body language was evident to all.

Next all eyes turned to get a glimpse of the other Scott's. Haley, dressed in all black, wheeled her stoic husband to the waiting casket. Little Landon, dressed in a suit, followed close by, his mother's hand in his. Nathan simply stared at the brother he had been through so much with. He reached inside and touched his hand.

"His skin feels like wax", he said, a little louder than he should have.

Haley and the other guests were horrified.

"He's been in a refrigerator for the last three days, genius", Tucker mumbled out loud, shaking his head.

Haley gingerly lifted Landon, who placed a kiss on Lucas' forehead.

"Good bye, Uncle Luke", he said sadly.

Haley put her son down and took a deep breath as she leaned in to say her own good byes. He was so still and quiet. Then it hit her. Whatever had happened between them over the years, he was still her Buddy and she still loved him. Now he was gone forever and it was too much to take. She broke down sobbing.

"That seems genuine", Tucker whispered to Mouth.

Mouth nodded.

"Peyton reacted as well. She's not the type to have a full out emotional breakdown in front of everyone but I watched her respond."

"So far the girls seem halfway sad, the guys look like they can't wait to get home and kick back with a beer and watch the big game."

Then she arrived. It was the entrance all had awaited as if it were a glamorous red carpet Hollywood event. Brooke Scott, wearing a trendy all black pantsuit and a traditional widow's veil over her upswept hairdo, walked into the church with Coach Durham on one arm and a tearful Bevin Franklin on the other. Her parents were close behind.

A crying Brooke walked up to the coffin and just stared at the body inside, the last 12 years of her life, his life, their life together, flashing before her. Finally, she placed a single red rose on his chest before taking her seat.

"...To the beloved family and friends of this departed young person we find ourselves gathered, humanly speaking, prematurely to say fair well to someone we loved, laughed, labored and lived our lives with. For us this happy relationship has ended much too soon. We understand what Tennyson was feeling when he cried out, 'And O for the touch of a vanished hand and the sound of a voice that is stilled.' Yet, our Christian faith assures us that death shall not have the last word. Christ is alive and we have hope beyond the grave. Consequently, we look for hope even beyond the grave and we are confident of victory over death..."

The presiding minister spoke as the mourners listened. The detectives paid particularly close attention to the five suspects. Jake Jagielski never once raised his head. In fact, it was kind of difficult to tell if his eyes were open or closed. From the minute of his arrival, he had appeared antsy and uncomfortable, sweating even as he took deep breaths. The twin boys were like quiet, stoic little trained soldiers as they sat between their parents. A sleeping Minnie seemed comfortable in her mother's lap. Peyton said nothing but her eyes told another story. They were filled with water and regret and she quickly wiped away at them before they had even fallen.

Nathan Scott, dressed in an expensively tailored designer suit sat straight up in his wheelchair. His blue eyes cast forward, his lips turned upright into a smirk one would assume if he were not sitting at his own brother's funeral. If Jake was itching to leave, Nathan was the exact opposite. With his arms folded, he looked as if he could have sat there forever. Beside him, Haley cried softly and at times not so softly, to herself. Her small body shook with sobs as one arm held a tissue to her face and the other was draped protectively around her son.

Karen, who had been earlier sedated, appeared as if she'd have to be removed several times. The pain in her cries was evident while Keith, Deb and Mae cried as well but their emotions were more subdued. Next to them, tears poured from the eyes of Luke's widow but she said nothing as Bevin held her hand. After a prayer and a hymn, it was time for the eulogy. Mouth frowned as he viewed his program. He didn't recognize the name, as she had gotten married, but he did recognize her face.

"...Lucas Eugene Scott was a pure soul and a kind spirit and one of the very best and most loyal friends anyone could have", the woman began with a deep breath. "I'll never forget the day I first met him. We were in second grade but it wasn't until a few years later when I was going through a hard time being harassed by some of the bullies in our school, that Luke came to my rescue, literally. He stood up for me and he took care of me and we became lifelong friends from that day forward. The bravery and loyalty are a true testament to his character. He was a wonderful friend, son, brother, uncle and a loving husband. A kind and decent human being who was adored by his family and friends and colleagues alike. A man who put nothing before his love for his childhood sweetheart and beautiful wife, Brooke Davis Scott. We all mourn his passing today alongside with Brooke and we will continue to grieve as we honor the life of one so loved, admired and respected. We have come as far as we can go today with Lucas. Let us come not with tears but with smiles as we reflect on the good times and the fondest of memories. As we take him to his final rest today, let us all look back and remember with love the kind of person he was. I choose to think of the many lives he touched in his short time and those that touched him. Some men strive to accomplish extraordinary feats in this world that make them great men. Not our Lucas. He instead chose the simple route...work hard, love his family, take care of his family and be a decent human being. Every single moment of our lives comes from grace realized. Some men look at the world and ask why. He looked at things that never were and asked why not. He was content to be a good man rather than a great one. And for that we will love and miss him everyday. Lucas will live on in our hearts, the beautiful blonde haired boy with the pretty blue eyes and the smile that could melt a glacier, the same smile that melted our hearts time and time again. May he find peace and forever bounce his beloved basketball up and down on the River Court that he loved so and called his home. So good bye for a little while, our dear, sweet friend. We will see you again."

"Where he is? Man, I hope not", Tim Smith blurted out loud. "Hell is way too hot for me."

His former cheerleader wife, Teresa, gasped and smacked him on the head.

"Faith Garrison? Who is that?" Detective Tucker read the obituary again.

"She used to go to our school. She moved away a few years before we graduated when her mother got a coaching job in another town. She and Lucas were really close."

"And in recent years?"

Mouth shrugged.

"I don't know, sir but I can check on it. We can speak with Mrs. Garrison after the service."

The funeral continued and finally it was time for the burial. Interment would take place at the Tree Hill Memorial Gardens. A long line of cars followed behind the solid white hearse and two limousines carrying the family. The coffin was placed for commitment to the earth right beside the grave of Dan Scott. The remaining mourners gathered around and held hands as the minister began.

"We acknowledge the sadness today of Lucas' many friends and the entire Scott family, yet let us all take comfort to know that our brother in Christ now lives with God and is in the welcoming and loving arms of the Almighty. Eternal life lives on in the dark night of sorrow, the light and life of Jesus has gifted our dearly departed with a special place in Heaven prepared just for him. The book of John 14:27 reads, 'Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.' Life prepares us for the next perfect and eternal life within God's realm. We share your loss and pray for peace, mercy and the love of God to provide comfort and sustain this beautiful family."

He then shook hands with the family as various others in attendance greeted the Scott's as well. Mouth McFadden made his way over to the former classmate he hadn't seen in years.

"Faith?"

She looked up and smiled.

"Mouth", she hugged him. "You grew up! Look at you. It's so good to see you, although I wish it was in happier circumstances."

"I agree. I haven't seen you in a while. What are you up to these days?"

"Believe it or not, I am a Medical Examiner. It's not your average job but let's just say growing up watching all those cop shows intrigued me."

"You're not the only one. I'm a cop now with the Tree Hill PD."

"Good for you. Little Mouth, the police officer. Who knew? I guess we all changed. Life had different things in store for all of us. Too bad about Lucas."

"Had you kept in touch?"

"Here and there. We weren't that close, though. Why do you ask?"

"No reason. It's just that you gave such a beautiful and moving eulogy in there. I don't know, I was kind of expecting that to come from one of the family members or Brooke or Peyton or Jake or Haley."

Faith cleared her throat.

"Brooke called me up, asked me to do it."

"Why? Why you?"

Faith shrugged.

"Because no one else wanted to. They all know Lucas as someone else, something else. I remember the sweet boy I described inside that church. Apparently I am the only one. You know what they say…if you can't say something nice about someone…"

"Don't say anything at all."

"That's right. Well, I'm sorry Mouth but I have to run. Please forgive me. I hope to see you soon, perhaps under happier circumstances next time."

"Take care, Faith", he hugged and kissed her forehead.

"Interesting", Tucker smirked as he rejoined his colleague after Faith had left. "I'll see you back at the station, kid. We have a lot of new ground to cover."

Mouth nodded as he made his way alone over to where Brooke was standing. He waited patiently in the line formed to get to her. When she saw him, he saw the eyes of the bubbly, flirty cheerleading captain he had loved so many years ago.

"Mouth!" she hugged him. "You made it."

"How are you holding up?"

"I'm hanging in there the best way I can. It's just still so hard to believe that he's really gone."

Mouth sighed.

"I know how much you loved him."

"I did. I do. Faults, flaws and all. Lucas was my world. Now the biggest part of that world is gone."

"I'm sorry."

"I know you are. Thank you."

"Brooke, you know I'm an officer on the force but I am also a homicide detective. I have been assigned to Luke's case."

"Good. I know with my Mighty Mouth on the job, whoever did this won't get away with it."

"I'm going to investigate the situation thoroughly. I just want you to know, I'll need to talk to you and your family members and Jake and Peyton and basically everyone Lucas had contact with. It's my job to interview and interrogate people."

"I understand and you'll have my full support and cooperation."

"I promise you, Brooke. Whoever did this, the callous cold hearted person who murdered your husband…I'm going to find them and bring them to justice."

She hugged him and winked.

"Thanks. I know you will."

"You have my deepest sympathies", Mouth nodded as he left her and headed back over to his wife.

He put his arm around Gigi.

"What now, babe?" she asked.

He shrugged.

"It's just beginning. I watch and I wait."

"You think it's really one of them? You really think Nathan or Haley or Jake or Peyton or God forbid Brooke could do that to Lucas?"

"I wish it wasn't true but it looks that way."

"How are you going to catch the killer?"

Mouth looked at Jake who had loosened his tie and was standing as far away from the coffin and Scott family as possible. He eyed Peyton, standing with the three of her surviving four children. She seemed to be in another world, the grief naturally consumed her as one so young had already lost so much. Then there was Nathan, a smirking, relaxed clone of his father. And Haley who was trying to keep it all together despite her own anguish. Last but not least was Brooke. Of all the five, she was the hardest to figure out.

Before the casket was lowered into the ground, separately Brooke, Haley and Peyton approached it. Brooke laid her head upon it and sobbing, whispered a few final, private words. Peyton simply crossed herself like the Catholic faith she had been raised with had taught her. And Haley, Landon in her arms, leaned down and gave it a simple kiss.

Mouth sighed as he turned to Gigi and answered her question.

"You give them enough rope…then you watch them hang themselves."