Grace and Disgrace (32 page)
Read Grace and Disgrace Online
Authors: Kayne Milhomme
A gust of wind caused a lapse in the conversation, which stretched into a lengthy silence. The numbered graves waited quietly below, and upon reflection seemed to expect the same from those looking upon them.
“I think we’ve talked enough about the case,” said Eliza, her gaze fixated on the gravestones. “The truth is, I’m glad to be standing here, and not residing in my own grave right now.”
“Life isn’t quite done with us, it seems,” said Tuohay.
“So, this is where the brothers are buried?” asked Eldredge. “A pauper’s grave…not even consecrated ground for a priest that deserved it above so many others.”
“Indeed,” said Tuohay, his voice solemn.
“Do you know which markers are theirs?”
Tuohay nodded. “Those two there, side by side.” He clasped his hands behind his back and stood against the wind. They gazed silently upon the rows and rows of meagerly marked graves for several more minutes. Breaking the reverence, Tuohay took out his flask and handed it to Eldredge.
“You first, old boy.”
Eldredge removed his hat. “As our good Lord says:
for those who honor Me, I will honor
.
” He raised the flask and took a long drink. Blinking from the strength of the liquor, he handed it to Eliza.
She took a moment, the breeze blowing wayward strands of hair across her face. “In the words of the great bard,
Mine honor is my life, both grow in one. Take honor from me, and my life is done
.” She took a swig. “They were honorable to the end, and so it was life that was taken from them instead.”
“Well said.” There was a distant look in Tuohay’s eyes as he accepted the flask
from Eliza.
“To my brother Gregory,” he said, and he drank the last of it.
A Word from the Author
Thank you for taking the time to read Grace and Disgrace. If you enjoyed it, please consider telling your friends or posting a short review. Word of mouth is an author’s best friend and much appreciated.
If you would like to see more mysteries involving Tuohay, Eliza, and Eldredge, please don’t be shy about it. Visit my website or send me an email to let me know:
Website:
www.kaynemilhomme.com
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Best Regards,
Kayne Milhomme
Contents
Acknowledgements
I am indebted to my father, William Milhomme, for providing the historical content for the novel, and more importantly for being my partner on this journey. Without him, this story would not exist. And to my mother, Donna, for indulging the countless hours spent by her husband on his research.
Additional debts to Cole Confer, who took part when the characters were at their most vulnerable; to Jen, Kent, and Helen Marie, who provided a steady stream of fuel for the imagination; to Tracy, Toby, Matt, and Brandin for their thoughtful and creative insights and contributions; to Jennifer Weltz for her enduring support; and to Danelle McCafferty for the editorial wisdom that allowed the novel to breathe.
The largest thanks go to my wonderful wife Marcy, without whom this and so much more simply would not be, and to Saylor and Hadley, upon whom I will always rely.
This book is a work of fiction. Any references to historical events, real people, or real places are used fictitiously. Other names, characters, places, and events are products of the author’s imagination, and any resemblance to actual events or places or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
Copyright © 2015 by Kayne Milhomme
All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever.