Footsteps drew closer. The door opened, and a young woman greeted them with a warm smile. She wore a blue pantsuit not unlike an FBI agent’s. “Good morning. Please come in.” As she spoke, her eyes swept over them from head to toe. “What a beautiful cane, ma’am. Is it a family heirloom?”

“Future heirloom. I’m afraid I’m older.”

The woman stepped back and gestured for them to enter. “I’m Evelyn Walther. How can we help you?”

“Ethel Crestwater. My grandson, Jesse Cooper. We’re helping a dear friend.”

Evelyn’s countenance conveyed concern. Ethel thought if it wasn’t genuine, the young woman was a good actress.

“I see. Why don’t we step into the office and you can tell me what you need? Has there been a death in your friend’s family?”

“Yes. But you’re already handling the arrangements.”

Evelyn looked confused. “The only family we’re currently serving is the Finch family. Has there been a death overnight?”

“No. It’s the Finch family. Susan is a dear friend.” Ethel nodded to Jesse. “And Jonathan was a mentor to my grandson.”

“He was like an older brother,” Jesse said.

Evelyn clasped her hands together in front of her. “I see. I’m so sorry for your loss. But I had a good conversation with Mrs. Finch yesterday. I thought everything was worked out.”

“Oh, it was, dear. And you have a wonderful reputation. You live here?”

“My family takes turns staying overnight. We want to be responsive.”

“Yes, I can see that. And I don’t mean to imply there’s anything wrong. It’s just when you reach my age and have attended so many funerals, well, you don’t get a chance to make a second first-impression. Susan doesn’t know we’re here. We’ve come on our own initiative. It was a shock the way he died, and I just want to make sure everything is perfect when Susan walks in.”

Evelyn Walthers took a deep breath and dropped her hands to her side. “Mrs. Finch is supposed to come later today. But I was up early getting things ready. Some flowers arrived yesterday afternoon, and I’ve set those out. You’re welcome to make changes in their presentation. Mrs. Finch said our smaller parlor would be sufficient, but any overflow can be accommodated by the whole first floor.” She started walking. “If you’ll follow me.”

Ethel stayed close to the woman as the three left the foyer.

“We’ll have the ‘Those Who Called’ book on a stand right outside the door.” Evelyn led them down a short hallway. “It’s here on the right.”

“What suit did Susan decide on?” Ethel asked. “I assume she sent one down yesterday.”