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“All hell’s broke loose,” Aunt Odie said.

“Evie,” Buddy said, “I didn’t mean I was worried about us going fast. I’ve thought it over. I like things fast.”

“Ain’t no one who can compete with the dead,” Momma said.

“Why, why, why?” JimDaddy said. Tommie hovered near him.

Baby Lucy sounded like a tornado siren.

I was in a blender of people, alive and dead, heartbroken and happy, good-looking and rich.

No wonder Paulie had closing hours! No wonder.

I wiped my eyes and followed the most important problem down the hall.