"Mr. Greaves, this is Captain Behar from the County Sheriff's Department. I'm afraid there's been an accident." Why would he be calling me about an accident back home? I looked up at the red stoplight, hoping it would turn green and that I could just drive away before I heard what he had to say next.
"Your father and stepmother were involved in a head-on collision this evening. I'm sorry, son, but neither of them survived." The light turned green, but I sat paralyzed by what I had just heard. I could not speak.
"I'm sorry for your loss," the distant voice said. Still I could not speak. A car behind me honked. I sat.
"Is there anyone I can call for you, son?" I thought of D.H. and finally I found my voice. The honking behind me became more insistent.
"No, thank you, Captain. Has my stepbrother been notified?"
"Yes, sir. He arrived on the scene and is with your parents' remains now. He asked that I call you." Two cars swerved around me and I watched their taillights recede as the signal turned red again.
"Um, thank you, Captain. Tell my stepbrother that I will be in touch." And I just hung up.
I turned the car and headed back to D.H.'s townhouse. When she answered the door, I burst into tears.
* * * * *
The next 10 days were a blur. Arrangements, lawyers, funerals, real estate agents, auctioneers, and people I hadn't seen for years. D.H. was always right there, by my side, supporting me, handling things. I honestly don't know how I would have made it without her. As executor my job was not complex; my father had executed a simple will that was very clear and instructive. My younger half-siblings were taken care of; I got a modest inheritance. D.H. guided me through the process, and soon I found myself back in D.C., back at my desk and my duties.
My first day back D.H. asked me if I wanted to come to her place that evening for a bite and some company. Again, I was grateful and agreed to come after we got off work. We left the office about 9:00 that evening, with loads of work still undone from our long absence. On the ride D.H. called and ordered Chinese to be delivered. Karl, who had paid his respects that morning, drove us in silence and dropped us at the curb in front of the townhouse.