Maryann was adamant. “There’s no way in the world that I would ever agree to include Danny in the service with Rachel and Evan. I already spoke with Tony and told him that, and he said that he was okay with it. He was disappointed, for sure, but he said he and his parents would make the arrangements for Danny later next week. He also said that he wanted to pay for all of the burial expenses for Rachel and Evan. I told him he didn’t need to, but he insisted.”

“Boy, that must have been one awkward discussion.” Pete said. “You really have to let the rest of us do some of this stuff, Maryann.”

Maryann suddenly looked so young to Carolyn (she was only twenty-two, after all), and so she took her hand and said, “I agree; just tell us what you need us to do. Anything.”

“Well, Carolyn, I was thinking of asking you to do the eulogy for Rachel at the service. Of all of us, you were the closest to her, and I think that’s what Rachel would have wanted.”

Carolyn looked over at Mitch and he was nodding and smiling, and so she smiled for the first time that day, and said, “Maryann, I would be proud to do that. I’m afraid that I won’t be able to get through it, but I’ll do my best.” Her response made it clear to Mitch that he needn’t mention the very vivid dream he’d had that morning.

“Thanks, Carolyn, and one more thing, if you don’t mind. The police told me that we could go to the house later today to select some clothing for Rachel and Evan and get some photos of them to display at the church. I was planning on going over there around three, and I would really appreciate it if you would help me pick out her dress and something for Evan to wear.”

Carolyn gasped at the idea of going to the house so soon after the murders, and was surprised the police would allow them to visit an active crime scene. “Are you sure they will let us do that?”

“That’s what the sheriff in charge told me. He said we could only go on the first floor, though, and could only stay a few minutes,” Maryann replied.

“Do you mind if Mitch comes as well?”

“No, of course not.”

“Maryann,” Mitch said, “why don’t we come by and pick you up a little before three, and we’ll go over together?” Mitch imagined there would be television crews staked out in front of the house and didn’t want her to have to face them alone.