The rest of the funeral, to Shaggy, felt like the longest half hour of his life.

He, Velma, and Daphne returned to the chapel as the speeches were finished and a soft hymn began to play. They made sure to stay in the back, as to not attract attention.

Shaggy shifted uncomfortably in the pew. Velma and Daphne were on either side of him, looking forward. They were unmoving.

Finally, the pastor stood and offered for the last viewing of Fred. Mr. and Mrs. Jones could be heard sobbing from the front of the chapel. Shaggy couldn't do it, and he knew Velma and Daphne couldn't either.

They immediately stood and left through the large wooden doors after the other guests went to view Fred. As they were exiting, Shaggy saw that they were getting strange looks from random guests with something of pity and curiousness.

Shaggy knew they would have to get used to it.

They witnessed their best friend's death. The murderer was still out there. Gossip goes around in the small town of Coolsville. And everyone is a suspect.

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

The van hummed as Shaggy drove along the winding snowy roads. Although its interior was warm, the weight of the funeral left a cold presence. Shaggy gripped the wheel, his knuckles turning white. Fred was gone. Really gone. There was no more Mystery Incorporated.

Velma sat beside him, looking ahead as she had during the remainder of the service. Shaggy could tell she was holding back more tears. Daphne was the same, though she was looking out the passenger window, her eyes following the blur of passing trees.

"That bastard's still out there," Velma muttered, her voice filled with bitterness.

Shaggy looked at her, shocked at the sudden sharpness.

"Like, I – I know, Velma."

"I wish they'd just find him already."

"There's still time."

"Shaggy, every minute counts with this kind of thing."

"I know!"

"Well, it seems like you don't."

"Like, what's that supposed to mean?"

"Will you both shut up!" Daphne snapped, turning to Velma. "Can we please just let this go!"

Velma flushed, immediately realizing her anger was flaring up again. "I'm sorry, Daphne. I-I don't know what's with me right now."

"Like, we're all on edge," Shaggy said as he pulled up to Daphne's family estate. "But look, we're already here."

"Thanks, Shaggy," Daphne said softly as she stepped out of the van with Velma following close behind. Velma offered to stay with Daphne during the week of the funeral.

"You sure you guys are okay?" Shaggy said, looking from Daphne to Velma. They had their arms wrapped around themselves. "Do you want me to stay, or –

"No, we'll be fine," Velma said. "Thanks."

Shaggy nodded as Velma closed the door. He watched them head to the estate.

Then he sighed, closed his eyes, and slumped back into the driver's seat. He didn't know what would happen. What would become of them. Their friendship. Their connection. He gave one more sigh as he shifted gears and headed home, where he knew his best friend would be waiting.

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

Daphne closed the door behind them. It was only her and Velma tonight; her parents left an hour ago for their usual month-long vacation to the Caribbean. Daphne was used to having the whole place to herself, using the large hollow space of a million dollars for her various hobbies of dancing and painting.

Velma looked at Daphne. She was shaking as she locked the door. "Daphne . . . I'm sorry about earlier, I shouldn't have –

"No, it's fine, Velma," Daphne said. "I want to know who did this too . . . but right now, I just really can't think about it."

"I understand," Velma said. "I shouldn't have brought it up."

They both stood there for a moment in an awkward, heavy silence.

"So . . . would you like some tea?" Daphne finally asked. "Mother has some nice ones all the way from London. You know, the usual."

"Sure, but are you okay? I – I mean, all things considering –

"Yeah," Daphne said, forcing a small smile as they headed to the kitchen.

Tea was made. Small sips were taken. And Daphne and Velma were ready to head up to bed.

There was nothing much to talk about. Velma mentioned a project she was working on in school – something about a chemical – Daphne was barely listening. She couldn't take much socializing after today. All she wanted to do was sleep.

Daphne led the way to her bedroom with Velma close behind her. Velma was exhausted as well, fatigue gripping her whole body.

But it took one second once Daphne opened her bedroom door for Velma's fatigue to disappear.

"What. The. Hell."