We don't create a fantasy world to escape reality. We create it to be able to stay. - Lynda Barry
"Damn..."
Hannibal looked up, frowning. "Problem, BA?"
"Yeah. Remember that pilot we pulled out of Venezuela? With the drug smugglers?"
"Sure. Robbie Hicks. So what's the problem?"
"His mama died. Amy sent a copy of the obituary."
"Oh, that's too bad. I liked her."
"Yeah." BA sighed. "So did Face."
"I'm sure he did. We all did. She was a nice lady."
Hannibal turned back to his book. BA shook his head. Hannibal didn't know. Most likely Murdock didn't either.
BA wouldn't have known either, except he'd seen that tin of cookies at Face's place a while back. Different from the one Mrs. Hicks had sent with him after they got Robbie out. Face had been embarrassed when asked about it, finally admitting that he'd been back to visit them. A few times.
BA didn't know why Face didn't want anybody to know, but he hadn't said anything to anyone. It didn't really matter then. But it mattered now. He had to make sure Face knew about Carrie's passing before one of the others mentioned it. And he had to do it in person.
So now, mid-morning, on an exclusive street in an exclusive neighborhood, he sat in front of yet another place Face didn't own, but lived in quite comfortably, making friends among the neighbors, fitting in as if he really belonged there. BA had stopped at a friend's place, borrowing a car that would be less conspicuous than his van. The last thing he wanted was to draw attention to the place.
Taking a deep breath, he stalked up to the door and rang the bell. It took a few minutes before Face opened the door, and, as expected, looked like he'd just gotten up.
"BA! Don't tell me Hannibal's got another job lined up already."
"No. Got somethin' else." BA pushed past him into the living room. Immaculate as expected. He waited until Face followed, noting the curious frown. Not one to waste words, he pulled out the clipping and silently handed it over.
*****
The two men walked quietly into the funeral home. They'd waited until the visitation was nearly over, when most people had already gone. Much as BA knew Face wanted to go the funeral itself, he'd been able to convince him it could cause problems, not only for themselves but for the family. Even attending the viewing was risky, but Face wanted to say goodbye, and BA understood that. They'd be in and out fairly quickly, long enough to pay their respects, speak with the family.
It would have to do.
BA waited near the door. He was dressed as conservatively as he could, simple jacket and jeans, and no jewelry. Judy, Carrie's niece, came over and spoke quietly, both watching as Face went up to the coffin. He stood for several minutes, stiff postured, before turning and speaking to Carrie's husband, Jes. Robbie stood to one side, and BA wondered at the look he was giving Face. Eventually, Jes and Face shook hands. Robbie turned away when Face looked at him.
BA glanced at Judy, frowning.
"I don't know why, exactly, but Robbie didn't like Face coming to visit the family. I always thought he should be grateful, but he wasn't. He just hasn't been the same since he got back. I guess losing the business cost him more than money."
BA didn't like any of that. Face wouldn't have visited so often if Carrie and Jes hadn't wanted him there. What right did that pipsqueak have to object?
He quickly put his feelings aside as Face walked up. Judy gave him a quick hug and took his arm as they walked out. BA liked Judy, and now she was saying all the things Face needed to hear, things BA wished he knew how to say.
They were almost to the car when Robbie called out. He was standing by an old pickup a couple yards away. Face pursed his lips but headed over, motioning BA to stay put. He couldn't hear what the two men said, but it was obvious Robbie was doing most of the talking. Finally, Face shook his head and moved back toward BA and Judy. Robbie called out one more time before going back inside.
"Just remember, they're not your family. Never were!"
*****
Face never did tell Hannibal or Murdock about those visits. Two weeks later Face had to move out of his temporary home, and BA, who had been subtly trying to spend more time with him, stopped by to help with the final cleanup.
He said nothing when he saw that last cookie tin in the trash.