They had fully expected the casket to be buried deep underground long before she could ever arrive.

“Open the lid,” Martha demanded once more.

The funeral director swallowed nervously.

“Legally speaking, I require explicit authorization from the designated next of kin.”

“I am his birth mother,” Martha stated clearly.

“His legal wife is registered as the primary next of kin on all official forms,” the director explained.

Valerie lifted her chin proudly.

“I do not give permission to open this casket.”