They were about to cre:mate my pregnant wife when I pleaded, “Open the coffin… just once.” They all laughed, until her belly moved. My mother-in-law turned pale. My brother-in-law hissed, “Close it now.” But I’d seen enough.

disposal of a living person.”

Marcus jumped to his feet.

“This is ridiculous!”

The prosecutor pressed a button.

Audio filled the courtroom.

Dr. Crane’s recorded voice echoed through the speakers.

“The medication will slow her enough. After cremation, there will be nothing left to examine.”

Then Marcus’s voice:

“And the baby?”

Helena answered softly,

“Collateral continue reading …