Faith Read Online Free

measuring the skid marks on the road, questioning me and Ewan, the only witnesses. They seem at first to be of the view that Ed and Ewan were racing, but I strenuously deny that. I expect Ewan does too. Nothing could be further from the truth. Ewan tried to catch up with the bike, but only after he realised how recklessly Ed was riding the Yamaha. I suppose between us we manage to convince the police, and they drop that line of questioning.
    The coroner gives permission for the funerals to take place, so more arrangements are required. Caroline is to be cremated the day before Ed, and I’m determined not to go. I can’t. I know I won’t be able to bear all those accusing eyes glaring at me, blaming me for the waste of her precious life. Whatever courage I’m hanging on to by my fingertips would be splintered by that. Helen convinces me otherwise, insists I’ll never forgive myself if I let this occasion pass and I’m not there. She assures me no one will hold me responsible, I had no part in what happened, I wasn’t to blame.
    I know different, but I’m becoming used to doing as I’m told. So I do attend Caroline’s funeral, once more hanging onto Helen’s hand to borrow her strength and certainty when my own deserts me.
    It’s a huge gathering. Caroline was clearly a popular woman, much loved. I’m amazed that Ed is mentioned in the clergyman’s words as he offers up prayers for the family of the friend and neighbour who also lost his life that day in the same tragic accident. No one protests, no one points out that Ed doesn’t deserve prayers, that he was responsible for Caroline’s death. No one observes that he killed her, an innocent woman, when really it should have been his wife who died on that cold, damp roadside .
    The service ends and the congregation file out. There’s to be a family get-together at a restaurant nearby, all are welcome. Helen asks me if I want to go, but I shake my head, unable to summon up sufficient determination to even get out of the pew. I’m still there when Ewan passes, his head downcast as he strides towards the doors and the outside world. He stops beside me. I know it’s him even though I don’t lift my face.
    “Faith? How are you doing?” His tone is soft, holds no note of accusation, no suggestion of blame.
    I don’t answer, so Helen once again steps into the breach.
    “She’s in shock. It’s been very hard on her. She’ll be alright though, she just needs time.” There’s a short pause, then, “Were you a close friend of Miss Barclay? A relative? Mister…?”
    “A friend, and yes, we were close. My name’s Ewan, Ewan Lord.” He offers his hand, which Helen takes. They shake.
    “Nice to meet you, Mr. Lord. I’m Helen Frazer, Faith’s sister. I’ve been staying with her for a few days.”
    “Good, that’s good. This is a difficult time, she shouldn’t be alone.”
    “No, of course not. I’m going to be here for a few more days, just to see her through this worst bit.”
    I still don’t raise my gaze to look at him, I can’t, just couldn’t bear to see even a hint of reproach in his eyes. Helen and Ewan exchange a couple more pleasantries before he asks if we’re intending to join the family at the restaurant.
    “No, we won’t be there. I think Faith needs to get home now. It’s been a strain, and there’s tomorrow of course. We need to get ready for that.” Helen makes our excuses, and Ewan murmurs something about hoping tomorrow goes as well as it might. Then he’s gone, his footsteps echoing around the now almost deserted church.
    Ed’s funeral is also very well attended. This surprises me, I had never considered him a popular or gregarious character, too wrapped up in his bikes to socialise. It seems I’m wrong; he was a leading light in the Yorkshire motorcycling fraternity and they are here in force. The chapel at the crematorium is packed, the car park outside bristling with motorbikes, the roar of engines reverberating in the