"Ben was a good boy," Mrs. Lawrence sobbed.

"He never meant to hurt nobody."

Mrs. Haven rubbed circles on Mrs. Lawrence' back in an attempt to sooth her but the situation was far past being soothed. That grave would stand there forever as a reminder to all. As a warning to any strangers that those who appose the authority would pay.

"What about his little girl?" Mary Higgins asked quietly.

"That poor little lass has no one left."

Without even thinking about it everyone looked to the grave beside Ben Rody's. A bouquet of flowers was lying in front of it and in bold lettering on the stone were inscribed the words, 'R.I.P. Laura Rody. Loving wife and mother. 1895-1923.'

"I supposed she'll go to Ben's sister. She's the only kin Tracy has now."

"It ain't right. A lady who doesn't have the decency to come to her own brother's funeral has no wright to little Tracy," Mrs. Lawrence brooded.

"Now Katy don't be so harsh. Sarah probably had very good reasons. She does have six boys after all. We don't know Sarah well enough to condemn her," Mrs. Haven said calmly.

"Besides, she did show up for the service and that's more than most folks expected," Mary answered, putting her two cents worth in.

"That little girl'll grow up like a savage that's for certain. Livin' with all those boys. It makes me shutter just to think about it," Mrs. Lawrence hissed.

She had a boy and girl of her own and the thought of such a small child as Tracy growing up with a bunch'a'boys nearly nocked the livins' out of her.

"She's such a delicate creature," Mary whispered quietly, thinking of the pretty little three year old who skipped alongside Ben as they went to the market.

"Look!" someone from the crowd exclaimed.

A black automobile had pulled up to the side of the road and out stepped Sarah Conagy, Ben's sister. She was dressed in a black pencil dress that reached barely past her knees. There were black frills at the ends of the quarter sleeves and she held a small black clutch. Her blonde hair was pulled back into a tight bun and she wore a small black cap, a mesh veil covering her eyes, falling from the rim of her hat. There was a collective gasp as she approached the grave of Ben Rody, her heels making soft clicking sounds on the pavement, and everyone stared in wonder.

They had not expected her to come to the burial.

Father Damien was the first to respond. He walked up to Sarah who now stood in front of her brother's grave.

"I am deeply sorry for your loss Mrs. Conagy," he said quietly.

Sarah looked up at the middle aged Priest and gave him a sad smile. Under the veil a small tear trickled down her cheek.

"Thank you Father," Sarah answered, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I believe you are the one who will be taking care of Tracy from now on?" Father Damien inquired.

"Yes Father. She's in the car waiting for me."

Mrs. Lawrence let out a small grunt of displeasure but Sarah did not notice.

Father Damien smiled at Sarah and after a small pause he said, "She's in good hands."

The small crowd was surprised by his attitude towards Sarah. After all, she did have a past and was possibly quite dangerous. But, like always, Mrs. Conagy ignored all the surprised exclamations and simply granted Father Damien another smile.

After long minutes of silence Sarah turned and walked slowly back to the car. As it drove off Mrs. Lawrence slowly shook her head.

"That poor little dear," she said quietly.

"Who?" Mary asked.

"Tracy of course. Now that girl'll never had a normal life. Everywhere she goes, everything she does, she'll be hanging her head in shame."

-Hello peoples! This is my new book which I am very excited to write for you guys. What did you think of the chapter? All comments and votes are greatly appreciated so don't be shy! Thanks :D - Anna