Ciara swallowed hard, unsure of what to say next. How could she talk to her aunt after everything that had happened? Her husband's death, his brother's turning themselves to the authorities for committing a great crime —with her husband inclusive.

“I'm sorry, aunt Elsie.” Ciara sighed, unsure of the best words suited for a situation like this. “I should have come to you as soon as I heard the news about his death, but I couldn't create time for myself —work is overwhelming these days.”

Aunt Elsie smiled faintly, her eyes clouded with a warm expression. “I know, right…" She nodded slowly, her smile still on her face. “It must...