The Fortress at the Graveside

An aunt nodded approvingly. “That would be sensible.”

“Take it,” another relative said. “Family helps family.”

Darren smiled, magnanimous. “It’s charity,” he added, as if bestowing mercy.

I removed my white gloves slowly, deliberately, tucking them into my belt. Every movement was controlled. Intentional.

“Thank you for the offer,” I said calmly. “But continue reading …