Chapter 10

"I swear, Augusta's death had nothing to do with Rose," Jessamine said. Vance ignored her and walked straight to his car. … Jessamine and Sandra handled everything for Rosalea's funeral. Vance didn't lift a finger. Norman and Clyde showed up for the cremation, their eyes red and puffy. Jessamine wasn't about to argue with them. It would have only upset Rosalea's spirit. But then, Clyde said, "It's better that she's gone. At least she’s free from pain—unlike the rest of us, trapped in fear, never knowing when we'll be struck next, left with nothing." Jessamine couldn't hold it in anymore. She clenched her jaw and snapped, "What do you mean that it's better that she's gone? She was your sister! You loved her more than anyone. Why are you turning on her now?" "Would the Lovelaces even be in this mess if it weren't for her?" Clyde shot back. "My mom's got schizophrenia now. The doctor says that she'll never get better. "My dad's already getting up there in age, but he's still out