The blow caught the side of my cheekbone and split my upper lip against my front teeth.

Dark blood spilled over my chin and stained the black collar of my funeral dress.

Cousin Marcus and Uncle Raymond surged across the pews from the aisle and grabbed Julian by the shoulders of his suit coat.

“Get off me, Marcus!” Julian yelled, thrashing against their arms.

They pulled Julian back against the carved oak railing near the vestibule while he kicked at the wooden kneelers.

“She took Dad’s money!” Julian shouted, his face flushed dark red as cousin Marcus pinned his arms.