I nodded, feeling pain for the suffering my uncle must have endured. It made me hate the people that had hurt my family even more, and gave me even more reason to find out who had done this and see that justice would find them.
“But…” Mara patted my arm lightly. “I’m sure you didn’t come here for the sad stories. I’d be happy to tell you of the happier times.”
Vernon nodded. “Daniel was a good friend, and a riot at parties. His jokes didn’t always land but when they did… he could command the entire room. You could always tell he had a bit of royalty in him, but he used that power for humor and kindness. A good man, all around.”
I sat there as the pair, with sometimes Ruth flitting in and out as she worked, telling me story after story of my uncle. They painted a picture of a man who wou
