“I’ll tell Raymond and every relative in that parlor that you stole cash from Dad’s wallet while he was sick,” Julian whispered.

“I’ll make sure no one in this town speaks to you again.”

I pressed my back against the wall, feeling the brass key and its chain resting heavy against my collarbone.

Julian stepped in close, demanding the key, while I stayed pressed back against the wall.

I kept my right hand pressed flat over my dress collar and didn’t answer him.

Julian lingered in the narrow hallway until Uncle Raymond carried two metal folding chairs past us into the viewing room.