Chapter 75

- LOUISA -

St. Augustine's Church is enormous. It's beautiful, yes, but in a cold, regal way, which seems fitting for our current circumstances. I wrap my arms around myself as I look up at the massive stone face. Beside me, Ward is quiet and still.

I reach out and take his hand. He grips my fingers. We stand across the street from the church, watching from the doorway of a small bistro. There's a crowd around the steps, and it's not just funeral attendees. There are a number of people with cameras and at least three news crews - their vans are in a line just down the street - plus a bunch of casual bystanders who have gathered to gawk at the commotion. As we watch, a black limousine pulls up to the curb. The reporters all crowd around the sidewalk, their microphones and digital recorders outstretched as the door slides open.

"Mrs. Carolson!" some cry.

"Laura!" say others.

They elbow each other as they try to get closer to their target.

But instead of Laura Carolson, Edward's wid