Chapter 20
A conventional brown box; gold nameplate: Henry Rivers; a heaven-blue egg-shaped dome, glass; silver nameplate: Henry Rivers; and a bronze double heart necklace pendant; birthstone, emerald.
David Howe, owner of Redding Funeral and Cremation Chapel, stood before Philip and me in an immaculate airy room adjacent to the showrooms, lined wall to wall with a variety of expensive coffins. His crowbar straight mustache and dark brown eyes seemed fitting in the brooding atmosphere.
He opened his mouth to welcome us. Pleasant. Jovial. I didn’t know what I expected.
I shoved my hands into my pockets to hide my nervousness.
“I’m sorry for your loss, Mr. Rivers.” Mr. Howe reached out to shake my hand.
Quickly, I pulled my hand out of my pocket, the palm moist, and shook the short man
