“Could it have been an administrative mistake by the bank?” I asked.

“Sixteen of those nineteen transfers cleared into a single external commercial account,” Melissa said.

“That is not an administrative system error.”

The evening viewing at the funeral home began at six o’clock under heavy maroon draperies.

I stood near the walnut display case in the carpeted hallway, watching second cousins sign the dark leather guest register.

Julian stepped out of the main parlor, cutting off a conversation between two uncles with a loud, hearty laugh before walking straight toward me.

He adjusted his gold wristwatch again and again as he closed the distance.