I’m glad he’s here.
But Evan wasn’t here because he had loved Ken. He was simply on the job. She shouldn’t read any more into it than that. He stopped in front of her and removed his sunglasses.
Rowan nearly broke down at the sympathy in his eyes.
“Are you here on a professional level?” For a greeting, she knew it was rather rude, but her emotions were all over the map.
His gaze softened. “No, I’m here because he was important to . . . a lot of people.”
“I’m sorry. I was rude,” she blurted, feeling even worse about her greeting. “I’m a mess.”
“Completely understandable.” He eyed the amphitheater. “Would you like to sit down?”
Rowan nodded, not trusting her voice. Evan lightly touched the small of her back and guided her down a few steps to a bench that wasn’t packed with people. She concentrated on stepping firmly with her bad leg, not wanting to lose her balance.
“Or would you rather sit with some friends?” he asked.
“This is perfect.” Rowan sat and inhaled deeply.
He took the spot next to her. “No Thor today?”
“He gets stressed when he knows I’m upset.” She gave a shaky smile. “And I knew I’d be emotional today.”
“I see Shannon Steward. Is that Ken’s dog beside her?” Evan pointed at a black Lab sitting next to a golden.
“Yes.”
“Who’s sitting next to her?”
“That’s Ken’s cousin Eric, and on her other side is Ken’s ex-wife Lisa. His first wife, Carolyn, is sitting directly behind Shannon with her husband, Steve.”
“I’m still stunned that all the exes get along,” Evan said. “What about the rest of Ken’s family?”
“That’s it,” said Rowan. “He was a single child, and his parents passed away a long time ago. Eric is the only cousin that he keeps in touch with. I think he told me one time he didn’t bother with extended family, nor they with him. His friends were always his family.”
“Who does the German shepherd belong to?” he asked, eyeing another dog behind Shannon Steward.
Rowan knew he was trying to distract her, and she appreciated it. “That’s Rees Womack’s dog. I’d say he was as close to Ken as Shannon. His dog is Gunnar.” She continued to share the names of other dogs and owners she knew—which was nearly every pair. She recounted amusing anecdotes about several dogs and the missions she’d worked with them. The tightness in her chest eased, and she no longer felt as if she were about to melt into a sea of tears.
The service started and she focused on the speakers. Thirty minutes later, her cheeks were wet from her laughing so hard. Ken’s three ex-wives had organized the service and had clearly instructed the speakers to recount their funniest experiences with Ken.
There were a lot of stories. For someone who had dedicated his life to SAR, Ken was known for his poor sense of direction and being rather clumsy. Failings he was well aware of and joked about often. Many of the speakers shared their adventures with Ken that had resulted in sprained ankles, broken bones, or getting lost.
Afterward Rowan rose to her feet, her heart light for the first time that day. The service had been cathartic. Shannon Steward made eye contact with her and grabbed Lisa’s and Carolyn’s hands, pulling them in Rowan’s direction. The three men who’d been sitting with the exes trailed behind.
Rowan was finally ready for a bit of social chat. She exchanged hugs with the women and introduced everyone to Evan.
“You’re the detective,” said Eric Steward as he shook Evan’s hand. Ken’s cousin was grim, dozens of questions in his eyes. Steve and Rees silently shook Evan’s hand. Their gazes were also suspicious and unhappy. Rowan suspected they viewed Evan as someone who hadn’t done his best because Ken’s killer was still on the loose. Until Evan found him, the men wouldn’t put their trust in him.
“Yes. I’m sorry for your loss,” said Evan.
“Ken’s case is in good hands,” Shannon said quickly with a glance at Eric. “Detective Bolton is known for getting things done. I’ve been reading up on him.”
“Me too,” added Carolyn.
The women see the men’s distrust too.
Evan raised his brows but said nothing. Eric looked away, frustration on his face. Rowan suspected he was biting his tongue, holding back dozens of questions because he knew this was not the place or time for them.