At the beginning of July this year I had the pleasure of receiving a copy of “Death of an Angel” by Anna Na Maus. The book is part of her “Angels of Etain” series of stories.
I read the book from start to finish in one morning. Once finished I felt their was something missing some sort of tribute for the Angel who Died.
I contacted Anna offering to write this tribute and this was accepted the original version appears on Anna`s own blog page and I have her authorization to post this to my on Blog.
“Death on an Angel” by Anna Na Maus Published by TransScripts Publishing is available as an E book via Anna`s Blog and from Amazon.
A link to Anna`s Blog is at the bottom of this Blog post.
For those who have not yet read “Death of an Angel” this tribute names a couple of the deceased which may spoil the experience of reading the book.
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A Tribute to an Angel
With the court case still, weeks away the bodies of the trans killer’s victims were released into the arms of their loved ones so that funerals could take place. All the funerals were important but two stood out even more than the rest. Of course each of the senior officers involved attended all the funerals as a matter of respect.
The funeral of WPC Helen McGiven was conducted with full police honors as befits their fellow officer.
A guard of honor from most of the United Kingdom police forces lined the streets to salute the coffin draped with the Avon and Somerset constabulary flag and her uniform hat on the top.
Helen may not have lost her life in the line of duty, but she was well respected by many not just in the force she was also an outspoken on behalf of the local Transgender community.
The last of the funerals was for their close friend Mary Shannon everyone knew this was going to be the most difficult day for all at Sanctuary.
A day that everyone connected to Sanctuary had been dreading and one they had to endure. Each and every one had been shocked by the murder of Mary, within a place of safety, support and understanding.
Mary was one of a kind.
Mary was often the first person to greet the new arrivals at the front doors.
Mary was a friend to all.
Mary was a confident.
Mary was a nurse.
Mary was a great cook and everyone loved her cakes.
Mary was the good foil against the punishment from Danni and Ang for those in the correction suites in the basement.
The Orangery was so different today the usual bright white drapes had black sashes around them in neatly tied bows.
No singing or music was to be heard anywhere in the room.
Mary was always immaculately dressed and this went hand and hand in with everyone that touched her.
The tables were placed around the perimeter of the room and laid for a small snack later on with soft flickering candles dancing to a gentle breeze blowing from the opening doors.
In the middle of the room Mary was the center of attention for the last time, her coffin sitting on trestles with a wreath of white roses on the top.
Those that Sanctuary had assisted over the years filled most of the chairs many in brighter clothing as Mary would not have it any other way. All of them bereft in grief for their friend.
D I Gregg DeSilver escorted Dr Celia Davenport.
DS Carl Brightwater had a very emotional Angelina Carson on his arm.
Danni Wentworth had Mark Blakeney at her side.
Andi was there dressed in her Black waitress uniform with white apron and the seams on her stockings perfectly straight with her polished court shoes.
Tiffany Shannon was there with her girlfriend Violet.
Tiffany`s sister, Kelly, was there with her friend Emily.
There were fitting tributes shared from those close to Mary.
Danni recalled when Emily had persuaded Madame to change their treatment of her that Mary told that the gardener had picked some fresh tomatoes and she would go and rustle up some home-made Tomato Soup and would be back shortly. Mary had returned with some fresh made Tomato soup that was very special; Mary had a way of making the simplest of meals into something special.
Tiffany told all that Auntie Mary made such wonderful cakes that everyone enjoyed along with some extra lbs on the hips. The whole room laughed at that one.
Dr Davenport, spoke about Marys private fears on being buried alive and had requested that she would be cremated. Cecelia would honor that request.
Cecelia spoke to the room in between the tears and the laughter. Most knew that Mary was actually her Husband Martin, being the first of many irritant males to come into her programme of punishment. Many she knew deserved it what they got others like Mary and a quick glance towards Danni did not.
Mary had forgiven her wife on all that happened and in truth it brought them closer together. Looking down at the coffin she whispered so they had to strain to hear her you were my loving wife and you have been taken away from me.
At that the pall bearers step forward, Greg, Carl, Mark and Gareth lifted the coffin for Mary`s last journey from the Orangery and Sanctuary to the waiting hearse and the funeral cars ready to take the journey to the local crematorium for a private service.
As the funeral procession started to move off all the staff and guests lined up on either side of drive way each with their own unique memories of Mary. As the last of the cars went through the gates all that was heard was wailing and crying as they returned to the Orangery and a small meal prepared by the caterers.
The following week Mary`s ashes were returned to Sanctuary where a private interment occurred with those close to Mary.
Cecelia kept a small urn with some of Marys ashes in her handbag so that they would always be together.
In a few weeks they would all be in court to hear the case against Mary`s accused murderer Morag Baines.
Sam.
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