A Funeral Interrupted
The funeral was suspended for nearly twenty minutes.
The family gathered near the cemetery chapel while security surrounded the grave.
Leo refused to leave.
Every attempt to move him away from the coffin failed.
Then Henry noticed something.
The lion wasn't behaving aggressively.
He was behaving protectively.
As if he believed something inside the coffin was in danger.
Henry approached the elderly veterinarian who had cared for Leo for years.
"Has he ever done this before?"
The veterinarian shook his head.
"Never."
"Not even when Richard was sick?"
"Never."
Henry looked toward the coffin.
"My grandfather died three days ago."
The veterinarian lowered his voice.
"And Leo was with him?"
"Every day."
"Then perhaps he knows something you don't."
Henry's stomach tightened.
Before he could respond, Ethan approached.
"The coffin needs to be moved."
Henry stared at him.
"Why?"
"Because this isn't safe."
"For whom?"
Ethan didn't answer.
Then the cemetery director arrived carrying a document.
"Mr. Montgomery, there's a problem."
"What kind?"
"The burial authorization doesn't match the medical certificate."
Henry frowned.
"What do you mean?"
"The cause of death listed on one document is cardiac failure."
"And the other?"
The director hesitated.
"Pending investigation."
Henry's expression changed.
"Who ordered the second certificate?"
"I don't know."
Ethan suddenly stepped between them.
"That's a medical matter."
Henry looked at him.
"No. It's a family matter."
Leo suddenly roared.
Everyone turned.
The lion had lifted his head toward the chapel.
Henry followed his gaze.
A woman was standing inside the doorway.
May you like
She was Richard's personal physician.
And she looked terrified.
