Julian was standing four rows back near the center aisle, watching the family line move forward.

He caught sight of the brass key resting against my black dress collar and pushed roughly past cousin Marcus.

Julian cut me off at the end of the wooden pew before I could step into the center aisle.

“Hand that key over right now, Elena,” he said, keeping his voice to a harsh whisper.

“Not here, Julian,” I said, keeping my voice low and steady.

“Wait until we meet with Samuel Price on Maple Avenue.”