Didn't really plan to continue this past the first chapter, but I got a good response so I figured I'd give it a shot. Please review!
The police had to question Roger because he was the one who'd found April. Maureen had found a blanket and wrapped it around his shoulders. Mark made coffee in the kitchen. Collins talked with one of the people from the coroner's office who'd shown up for the body, finding out what needed to be done.
"Since she's a suicide, we'll have to do an autopsy," the man said.
"She slit her wrists. You can see that."
"I know, but we gotta be sure there was no foul play. Case like this, I highly doubt it, but for legal purposes…"
"You gotta cover your asses, I get it," Collins said in a gentle voice.
The man looked mildly embarrassed. "I'm sorry. I'll make sure it's done as quickly as possible."
"Thanks. Appreciate it."
"No problem. Very sorry for your loss…Um…After the autopsy, someone will have to claim the body. We prefer it be immediate family."
"She doesn't have any."
"Then any close friends."
"I'll do it."
"And your name?"
"Collins. Tom Collins."
"Okay, Mr. Collins. And if you can just let us know what funeral home will be handling it, we can have the body delivered there."
Collins nodded numbly. "I'll give you guys a call soon as I find that out."
"Or if you just want to bring that information when you come to identify…"
He nodded again. "Yeah, yeah, I'll bring it then."
"I'm so sorry to have to bother you with all this now."
"It's okay. I understand. Just doin' your job."
The man gave Collins a card with the address and phone number for the coroner's office. Collins thanked him and slipped the card into his jacket.
Maureen sat at Roger's side, her arm protectively around him. The police officer in charge finally stood up.
"Well that should do it, Mr. Davis. Again, terribly sorry for your loss. We'll be in touch regarding Ms. Ericsson's personal estate."
Maureen stretched out her hand to accept the officer's card. She felt Roger tense up.
"What's the matter, Rog?"
He stared ahead, not answering. Maureen heard the creak of wheels and saw a stretcher being wheeled in. She put her other arm around Roger, turning him to her. His eyes sparkled with new tears.
"Honey, don't look, okay? Just look at me. Don't look," she said.
Roger's head fell to her shoulder. Maureen rocked him gently and watched, her own silent tears falling, as they carried out April in a body bag. They placed her on the stretcher and wheeled her from the apartment.
Mark watched for a minute, but had to turn away when he saw the body bag. He stood over the kitchen sink, overwhelmed with nausea. Collins put a hand on his back.
"You okay, man?"
Mark nodded. "Just give me a minute."
"Sure. Take as long as you need."
Maureen held Roger, his hands wrapped around his stomach. His crying slowed, then stopped. He took a few deep breaths and pulled away. She wiped the tears from his cheeks.
"You okay?"
"I'll be fine."
"Let's go home, Rog."
"I need to be alone."
"Roger, you shouldn't—"
"No, I should. I need to be alone right now, okay? I'll come see you guys this afternoon. I promise."
Maureen looked at Mark and Collins. They both nodded. "Okay. But you have to promise that you'll call if you need anything at all."
"I promise."
"And you'll come over this afternoon."
"Yep. Promise."
"And you won't do anything stupid."
"I'll be fine, Maureen."
She leaned forward and kissed his cheek, then hugged him again. "I love you, Rog."
"Love you too, Mo."
She rose from her place and stepped aside so the others could say goodbye. Collins said a quick farewell and ruffled Roger's hair. Mark gave him a quick hug and promised to return at any time if Roger needed him.
As they left the building, the dawn crept over the edge of the city. Maureen wondered aloud if leaving Roger alone was the right thing to do.
"People grieve in different ways. Some need to be with people. Some need to be alone," Collins said.
"Yeah, Maureen, I've known Roger for years and he's always needed to deal with tough things on his own."
Maureen bit her lip, afraid that this was different. She nodded slowly and let Mark's arm around her waist guide her back to the loft.
