CHAPTER 7: Julian Counts the Doors

Julian looked toward the side aisle first. That told Eleanor more than any confession could have.
A guilty man did not look for comfort. He looked for exits.
Two ushers stood near the chapel doors now, not blocking them, simply present. Behind them, a pair of men in dark coats had entered so quietly that most of the guests noticed only after Julian did. They were not family. They were not mourners.
They were Adrian's private counsel.
Celeste turned her head just enough to see them, and the color beneath her makeup shifted.
Reverend Alden continued reading. 'My brother Julian has requested interim authority over Vale House and the Northshore accounts. Those requests are to be denied. The signatures attached to them were obtained while I was sedated, misled, or not present.'
The word sedated moved through the pews like a cold draft.
Julian's jaw hardened. 'This is slander from a dead man.'
Eleanor finally turned to him.
'Then let the living records answer.'