It was cold and miserable on the day Renee Coltons body was laid to rest.

The wind
and drizzle pounded on the church relentlessly. This, combined with the low
temperature, did nothing to keep her friends and family away from her funeral.
Daisy Colton had provided the funeral directors with Renees favourite sky blue dress
which her 22 year old daughter now wore for the last time.
Her long blonde hair complimented the dress. Renee looked peaceful inside the
coffin, Daisy thought. A stark contrast to the body they found in their home only a
week earlier. It was a memory that Daisy was trying her best to forget.
Youre at peace now dear, Daisy said quietly. She felt a hand on her shoulder and
turned to see the parish Priest standing beside her. He was a good man, who had
shown a great deal of compassion and empathy towards her in the past week.
Come, he said kindly The detective needs to ask you a few more questions.
Daisy followed the Priest into an adjoining room.
Moments later another figure appeared by the coffin. It was Ted Jacoby, a friend of
Renees from high school.
He looked at Renees body as it lay there, stiff as a board.
Renee, Renee, Renee, he said while looking at her. Not a sign of any blood or injury.
Youve done it now, havent you. And now, youre dead.
Tim was still bitter with Renee. He had warned her plenty of times not to date
Anthony Evans but did she listen to him? No. And now she had paid the ultimate
price. Someone was behind him, he could feel their presence. He turned slowly to see
who it was and realized it was Renees little sister. Tim took one last look at Renee
before moving on.
Renees sister, Aubrey, stood over the coffin next. God damn it Renee, she said with
a tear rolling down her cheek. Mum had to give you that dress? I was going to wear it
next week to the bloody work ball.
Aubrey was a realist. She didnt have time to dwell on fanciful things. Life was too
short to cry over spilt milk. She thought back to when Renee had stood up for her
when she was being bullied at school. Now I dont have to worry about you
meddling in my business, she whispered to her late sister.
As she walked off to find some refreshments, she passed Anthony Evans and flashed
him a wicked smile. He returned it with a wink.
Anthony strutted his way up to the platform at the front of the church. He wore his
black leather jacket and jeans instead of a suit. The jacket wasnt long enough to
cover the tattoos that ran from his shoulders to the tips of his fingers. He leaned in to
see what Renee looked like now.

Oh, arent you a pretty thing, he said indifferently. People still think we were a
couple. Been comin up to me all day sayin how sorry they are.
The truth was Anthony had been dumped by Renee two months earlier. She was tired
of his cheating and he was tired of her nagging.
It was good while it lasted, eh love? Anthony said as he gave Renee the same wink
and smile hed just given to Aubrey. Anyway be seein you round I spose. Anthony
wandered off in search of Aubrey and a free cigarette.
The coffin sat alone now. There were dozens more in the church, all engaged in
discussion or with their heads buried in their smart phones. Lee Davis sat quietly at
the back of the hall. He made his way towards the coffin trying to be as
inconspicuous as possible.
He mounted the two steps on the dais and gingerly approached the body inside the
coffin. Flashes of violence entered his mind. He looked at the pretty girl who lay there
before him. Lee didnt really know her but her face was familiar.
So this is you I guess. He said quietly. For what its worth, Im
Lees thoughts were interrupted by a high pitched scream from one the children in the
church. He turned sharply to see who it was. A mother was scolding a little girl
between the first two pews. He shook his head in disgust.
Who brings a kid to a funeral? he asked Renee. Renee said nothing in reply.
Youre giving me the cold shoulder? He said as he stared at her closed eye lids. Still
no answer. Lee was starting to get mad. His train of thought was interrupted again by
another scream from the same child. He spun around and stared daggers at the mother.
The girl caught his look and ran out of the church, quickly followed by her mother.
Well, I wont be ignored, Lee said as his anger gradually subsided. You of all
people should know that.
Lee turned on his heel and quickly followed the mother and girl out of the church.
As he left, a handsome young man entered by the name of Thomas Lowe. He had a
neat beard and was well dressed in a black suit and tie. There was redness around his
eyes, partly from being tired and partly from crying. He walked through the church
with purpose, bee-lining towards the coffin.
He barely caught a glimpse of Renee before tears started streaming down his face. He
quietly sobbed as he fumbled for a handkerchief in the pocket of his jacket.
Renee, its Tom Lowe. He said softly. I dont know if you can hear me but He
reached down and touched her arm. It was cold and lifeless.
I have always loved you. Always. More tears ran down his face. I should have told
you earlier, its just well, I suppose it doesnt matter anymore.

Toms head was filled with confusion and grief. How could Renee be dead? She was
only 22 years old.
Three years earlier, Tom and Renee met at a caf near their university and for him, it
had been love at first sight. Renee had a boyfriend at the time and Tom respected their
relationship enough to remain silent. He now regretted that decision.
Deep down, he believed Renee knew how much he loved her. He remembered her
birthday and always left her comments below her photos on Facebook. For the past
month hed been working in far north Queensland, yet not a day passed where he
didnt think of her.
He was going to ask her out on a date. Now she was gone.
***