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“When you’re ready, I’ll have the ME pull the curtain back,” the detective said

“I’m ready,” Mav said without hesitation and he faced theI automatically moved to his side, but I doubted he noticed me Mace was on his other side The detective went to an intercom and spoke into it and a second later the curtain was drawn back I forced ht of the covered body, but I felt like I was going to throhen the ME began drawing back the covering to reveal the body

I hadn’t asked Mav how his mother had died, but I had my answer the instant the woman’s face was revealed Because there was a sht temple I shifted closer to Mav when I heard a rush of air escape him

Pain tore through , I autorab his hand A few an to release hihtened around mine

“Mr James, is this your mother, Kim Red Winds?” the detective asked as he read the na

“Kimimela,” Mav murmured “It’s her Indian name She shortened it to Kim when she left the reservation It means Little Butterfly,” he said dully

The detective didn’t respond, but I saw him jot it down

“What happened?” Mav asked, his eyes never leaving his mother’s bloodless face

“It was a do with Witnesses said they were often heard arguing and evidence suggests sheto leave him when he shot her”

“Where is he?” Mav asked, his hand tightening on mine

“Dead He took his own life shortly afterwards”

Even though Mav’s hold on me bordered on painful, the rest of his body showed no reaction whatsoever

“Mr James, the ME will need some information on what you would like done with the body Have you selected a funeral home yet?”