Fifty-One
The following day Joshua stood with Victor in the pouring rain. Together they watched as the casket containing Emma’s body was lowered into the grave. A clergyman murmured the ritual words.
“Ashes to ashes, dust to dust . . .”
Victor’s legs were shackled. His right arm was in a sling. Three constables stood respectfully nearby. A black police van waited at the iron gates of the cemetery. But in spite of it all, Victor stood proud and undiminished, still a commanding presence, still the brilliant and mysterious Mr. Smith.
Beatrice and Nelson waited some distance away. A somber funeral attendant held an umbrella over Beatrice’s head.
When the solemn service was concluded Victor reached down with his left hand and scooped up a clod of wet earth. He tossed it down onto the casket. He straightened, closed his eyes in silent prayer and then he looked at Joshua.
“Thank you,” he said. “I should have said my goodbyes to her long ago. Now it’s done and I am free to seek my own peace tonight.”
Joshua did not speak. There was nothing to say.
Victor looked at Beatrice. A melancholy smile flickered at the edge of his mouth. “I congratulate you on finding a woman who will always know your heart. You are a fortunate man.”
“I’m aware of that,” Joshua said.
“Does it strike you as ironic that you might never have found her if it hadn’t been for me?”
“Yes,” Joshua said, “it does.”
“Your nephew reminds me of you at that age. Smart, fast, with a bit of talent. He is looking to you for guidance now that he is coming into the fullness of his manhood. You have a task ahead of you. I know you will not fail him.”
“Everything I know about being a man I learned from you,” Joshua said.
“No.” Victor shook his head. “You became what you were meant to be. All I did was help you uncover the strength inside you and teach you the discipline and control you needed to handle it. If that strength of spirit had not been there at the start, there is nothing I or anyone else could have done to endow you with those qualities.”
“I will miss you, Victor.”
“You are the son of my heart,” Victor said. “I am very proud of you.”
“You came into my life when I needed you. You saved me from myself. I will never forget you.”
Victor was quietly pleased. “That is good to know. Goodbye, my son.”
“Goodbye, sir.”
The constables led Victor to the police van and ushered him into the iron cage. Joshua watched until the carriage clattered away into the rain.
After a while he realized that Beatrice had come to stand beside him.
“We said our farewells,” Joshua explained. “He told me that he will find his peace tonight. He will be gone by morning.”
“Shackled as he is?”
“He will find a way,” Joshua said. “He is Mr. Smith.”
He took Beatrice’s arm. Together they walked through the rain to where Nelson stood waiting for them.