“It’s my small part in helping families deal with the transition of their loved one’s passing,” the director said. “So, as of now, she will be available for public viewing?”

They nodded.

“And the service is set for day after tomorrow, right?”

“Yes. Two p.m. at the First Baptist Church,” Emma said. “The family viewing will be tomorrow evening. And the day of the funeral there will be a dinner for friends and family at the church after the burial in White Dove Cemetery. I’ll be dropping off a notice at the newspaper office, but I’d appreciate it if you’d spread the word, too,” Emma said.

The director nodded. “Of course, and again, I am so sorry for your loss.”

They walked out in silence, then Emma paused on the steps. “People have been bringing food to my house. Y’all want to come over for dinner tonight?”

Both brothers nodded.

“I’ll come,” Birdie said. “But not one hateful word about Hunt, or I’m leaving.”

“Think we should invite him, too?” Emma asked.

Birdie rolled her eyes.

“I believe he’s already sent his regrets on how he feels about all of you. Don’t insult him further. I have to get to work. What time tonight?” she asked.

“Six o’clock okay for you?” Emma asked.

Birdie nodded. “Yes. I get off at five,” she said, and then she got in her car and left.

“Okay then. See you this evening,” Junior said. Then he and Ray drove away, leaving Emma standing.

Her steps were dragging as she got in the car, but she didn’t want to be alone. Gordon was at work. She had a few errands to run, and then maybe she’d go for a walk in the park before going home.

As the oldest girl, she had an inborn urge to become the hub of their family like Mama had been for them. But the crime and the secret was there instead. If she could take back the decision she’d made to stay silent, she would, but it was too late to change that. As their daddy had said, what was done was done.

* * *

Ava was having a video chat with her parents, Larry and Karen Ridley, when she mentioned Marjorie’s passing.

“Oh, bless her heart,” Karen said. “She suffered something awful.”

“Yes, she did, but you won’t guess who showed up at the hospital.”

“Who?” Karen asked.

“Hunt.”

“You’re kidding! Where has he been? How did he know?”

“I don’t know much, but evidently he stayed in contact with Marjorie because from what he said to her at the hospital, it appears she sent for him. I think that’s why she was hanging on.”

“You used to have such a crush on him. How does he look? Is he married? Did you talk to him?” Karen asked.