Nick, Brian and Howie walked along side AJ as they left the funeral
service. Brian and Nick shared a look over his head as they grabbed his
arms before he fell to the ground. They loaded him into the
back of Nick's truck and pulled from the cemetery.

"Has he said anything?" Howie asked as they sat in AJ's dining
room.

"Not much." Nick replied with a sigh."I don't know what to do."

"He's got to have time to get over it." Brian replied.

"He's had almost a week. It's getting worse."

"It takes more than a week to get over something like this." Howie
smiled trying to be reassuring.

"I know man. I saw what happened. I'm just worried about him.
It's just so unlike him." Nick sighed and looked toward the stairs in the
living room. He leaned forward on the table and propped on his elbows,
"I'm scared to leave him alone."

Howie and Brian looked at Nick in shock,"Seriously?" Howie
spoke first. When Nick nodded Howie sighed sadly."We will take turns
with him. I'm sorry that I haven't been around much."

"I know. You have Leigh and the baby on the way." He turned to
Brian before he could speak,"You have Bailey and Leigh. Don't worry."

"I'm so sorry." Brian whispered as he looked down at the table.

"It's alright." Nick replied with a weak smile.

They all looked up as the doorbell rang. Nick stood from the table
and made his way toward the front door.

"Yes?" Nick asked the plain clothed cop who stood on Aj's stoop.

"Is Mr. McLean available?"

"No, he's not. Is there anything I can help you with?" Nick replied
as he crossed his arms.

"This was in Ms. Coates belongings at the hospital. We believe it
was in her pocket. Can you make sure he gets this?"

"Yes I will. Thank you." Nick took the envelope and closed the
door. He cringed as he saw the dried blood on the right corner of the
envelope.

"What was it?" Brian asked as he joined Nick in the foyer. Nick
looked up at Brian and then at Howie as he entered the room.

"It was a cop. He said Ashley had this with her at the hospital."

"What do you think it says?"

"I don't know. It's been opened." Nick lifted the flap but didn't pull
the folder paper out.

"Do you think it's best to show that to him now?" Howie's voice
was soft with concern.

"Show me what?"