Yeah, I think, because Monae can probably move in with her brother or sister. Christine cannot.
“We’ve already contacted the rabbi,” says Judith. “The temple is making arrangements for Dad’s funeral.”
“Which,” adds David, “needs to happen right away.”
“Jewish tradition,” adds Michael.
Ceepak nods. Me, too. I went through a lot of this when Joe Getzler’s grandfather died a couple years ago.
“We’ll be sitting shiva at our home,” says Judith. “Just makes everything easier.”
“Plus,” says David, “we need to clean this place up. Get it ready to put on the market. Can’t have anyone camping out in the guest rooms. It’ll slow things down. Christine has got to go.”
“Understandable,” says Ceepak. “Where is Christine now?”
“We asked her to take a walk on the beach,” says Judith. “The three of us needed to discuss some family matters. In private.”
“For instance,” says Michael, “we need to decide who gets to take home all of these lovely photographs of my nephew, Little Arnie.”
“Dad liked them,” says David.
“Oh, I’m sure he did.” Michael gestures toward a photograph of the blonde boy poised like a quarterback about to heave a pass. “This is my personal fave. Such the little athlete. Guess he must take after Judith’s side of the family.”
Judith smiles and blinks some more.
David’s eyes drop, like he needs to examine his sandal straps.
Michael grins like he’s holding the hot cards in a high-stakes poker game.
Geeze-o, man.
This is one weird, freaky family.
Finally, Judith breaks the long, awkward silence.
“Our emotions are little raw right now, officers,” she calmly explains.
“Understandable,” says Ceepak. “We’ll wait outside for Christine.”
“Do you have some place for her to stay tonight?” asks Michael, the only one who seems the least bit concerned about the displaced help.
“We’ll work something out,” I say.