The peal of bells from the nunnery tower caused one to reflect for a moment on the tenacity of the sound that had been resonating for centuries - it was hard to believe in this throw away world of ours. Cleverly complimenting that, the order of nuns had been established for the last seven hundred years. Barring the odd war and religious insurgence from the local populace, the order had lived out their lives and, if not flourished in the confines, certainly survived! Wasn’t surviving enough? Particularly as the human race had a hell bent suicide mission automatically installed at birth. From the point of view of an outsider or alien from another planet you would certainly be forgiven for thinking we had that tormented structure in our lives, in particular with our treatment of our fellow man, and the hand that fed us, our planet. Needless to say, those bells didn’t stop and hadn’t through thick and thin. This perhaps sig nified the order’s fortitude, a little like the true nature of the human beast. We survived some how or another - at times it wasn’t prudent to ask how, merely thank whomever you prayed to, if you did, for that second…millionth chance.

Darkness had eroded any natural light. The shadowy strands of moon-glow that led the way towards the main part of the order’s building, danced, with what might be called frightening images of gargoyles and immobile faces of the past. Following such a path was, if you thought about it, as brave as facing Satan himself. It was hard to figure that, in a hundred yards, these imposing images and half-lights that lit the way to the entrance would be flooded with artificial light. Almost like following the path too heaven some might say, particularly inside the building. Out of the darkness into the light! Cobbled paths treated the feet with a somewhat haphazard meandering route that had the balls of the feet protesting for the smooth cement surface they were used to. Alas, it wasn’t to be; not here anyway. Luxury, even as perverse as a decent pathway wasn’t the norm for this particular order. The only true luxury wa s the nurturing of the soul, at least that’s what this order considered paramount.

Cascadian Nuns were an old order of a long ceased practicing European faith; the fact that this one nunnery survived today was perhaps testament to a long forgotten ethos that our modern views of the world had totally given up on. The fact remains these nuns devoted their lives to helping the soul sick. How that translates to modern day speak is a matter of opinion, possibly some would say the equivalent of herbal medicine for psychiatry. They lived cloistered lives and had little contact with the outside world. The only outsiders allowed access to the buildings and property were invited and on rare occasion a government official or two. The invited were those that need help and as for the government - that was rare. In all the years the order had been in this location it had never fallen foul of the administration and wanted to keep it like that.

As with all old buildings at some stage something happens that requires attention and the only people left to call are the ones you really wish you didn’t need!

+ + +

Doctor Amelia West had braved the gargoyles and the imposing gate that had greeted her and rang the outside bell. Its sound appeared to echo a far greater distance than the entrance vestibule. Gazing up at the old stonework that had survived centuries of embattlement and a move of country, she smiled at the cherubic features of a face that had been carved in the stone centuries earlier. It made her consider just who had done the deed, what they would say if they had known that it lasted for hundreds of years and that in this technical age, people like her would still be looking upon it in awe of its craftsmanship.

“How may I help you?” a voice, gentle in style yet cleverly disguised a controlling fraction, asked.

“Hello, my name is Doctor West. I believe you’re expecting me.”

The nun peered at the outsider and then turned away to consult, as much as Amelia could glean, a document. As she watched the nun stooped over a table and what she surmised was a ledger she wondered if perhaps she was wrong and it was a computer instead. Whatever it was, a short time later she was being ushered inside the entrance and the heavy door slammed shut behind her.

“I will bring Mother Superior to you, please wait here. Please do not stray past this point.” The emphasis, clearly on the no straying part, brought a smile to Amelia’s lips. It reminded her of her years spent in a restrictive environment such as this one.

“No problem, take your time.”

Amelia watched the nun leave. Her habit was the old style garment that had, in many orders, been forsaken for a less restrictive dress code to suit current modern day trends. At times, it was hard to tell a nun on the street and it wasn’t surprising that some conservative parts of the community frowned upon the practice. Glancing around the entrance vestibule, Amelia saw the general prerequisites of the religious order and the austerity that went with it. The area was freezing cold too. It must cost a fortune to heat these days. All that stonework was a boon for the electric and gas companies, which made it not unsurprising that most of the old convents had closed down and taken up residence in a much more practical environment.

Walking over to a small stained glass window on the north end of the area, she was struck at its simplicity yet power of the subject matter. It was a A figure of a woman, probably a past nun of the order, with her eyes raised to a shaft of light that was presumably the pathway to God. It was quite inspiring even for someone who was less than religious.

Another nun who had the ambience of someone with more authority than the earlier one appeared from out of nowhere. “Thank you for arriving so promptly Doctor West. If you will please follow me our Mother will see you in her study.” Amelia followed as directed. They passed along three narrow corridors that were all adorned with crucifixes and tapestries from various centuries. This place was a goldmine of historical artifacts. Probably if an appraiser came there he would be whistling through his teeth at the fortune that could be gained from selling even one of the pieces.

After following the black habit for what seemed like forever, Amelia was finally shown into a private study. She gasped at the opulence of the room in contrast to the rest of the building she had seen so far. It was adorned with leather tooled books along the length of each wall. A large, no, gigantic desk resided pride of place in the centre of the room and well-worn leather chairs were placed in several strategic positions around the room. As she was shown inside, Amelia saw the figure of a nun sitting silently in the corner as if she was lost in the room. That wasn’t the case. As the door closed silently behind her the woman rose from her chair and held out her hand as a carefully controlled smile flittered around her lips.

“My dear, welcome, we are grateful that you chose to attend and grant your advice to us on this delicate situation.”

Amelia grasped the hand and gave the older nun a smile. The woman appeared to genuinely want her there and that was a good start. Most of the places like this that she went to had a difficult Mother Superior but this looked promising. “Thank you Mother, it is a pleasure to answer your call. I’ve heard a lot of great things about your order.” It wasn’t bullshit - it was true, for over the years she had. It was not her choice of orders however some still went for the harshness of the old ways.

“Thank you. I of course have heard of you too. You have an impressive record in your field.”

Trading glance-for-glance with the older woman, Amelia saw an element of truth in the statement but also wariness and that was understandable. Psychologists were not every person’s favourite professional body to have around. Still she was here to help in any way her expertise could and right now ensuring that the leader of this particular order was on her side had to be the priority.

“Records are only impressive if you can continue to have good results. Some would say I’ve been lucky in my cases.” Amelia looked down at her well-manicured hands that lay in her lap as she spoke then glanced up to gauge the Mother Superior’s reactions.

“Yes, you are right. We are often cursed by our failures and overlooked when we succeed.” The older woman’s voice held a resignation and reflection of complete understanding.

“Do you want to explain the situation to me as you understand it?” Amelia decided to get right to the point. The Mother was on her side and that had to be good enough for the time being.

For a moment the Mother looked flustered and then, in a low voice, began to relate the situation from her viewpoint as head of the order.

“At this time, Sister Marie Clarice-Benoite is our most sensitive and successful practitioner in the nunnery. She has completed hundreds of sessions with unfortunates who sought our help with their soul problems and had a remarkable success rate. We at first thought it was over-work or stress related this … this problem she has now portrayed. Of course she refuses to consider this and has stated before God that this is divine intervention. We have prayed constantly for a solution but none has been given to us. Initially we refused Father Johansson’s help when he paid one of his regular visits out of friendship. As I’m sure you are aware, we do not consider ourselves part of the main stream.” The Mother Superior stopped and stood up to face the window in the large study.

Amelia studied the woman’s straight back as she waited for the Mother Superior to continue. She already knew that the nun they were talking about refused to accept that her current predicament was anything but the hand of God. It happened, and she was the one, hopefully, to have the nun understand and accept the truth of her condition.

“Now, we have no choice but to accept outside help. Our order is in torment for we have believers of Sister Marie Clarise-Benoite’s testament and that cannot possibly be!” The last statement was expressed with extreme emotional anxiety.

“I understand your predicament Mother. Do you have any objection if I meet with Sister Marie Clarise-Benoite and make an initial evaluation about the case today?”

The Mother Superior turned to the younger woman and nodded slowly, “You understand that this is extremely sensitive and must never be revealed to the outside world?”

“I understand perfectly, though I must make my own position clear. I cannot, and will not, discuss the Sister’s private sessions with anyone, and that includes you Mother.” This was where Amelia knew she was treading on quick-sand. In all the cases she had taken it was always the same; the initial wanting to have help overridden by the need to keep secrecy. That and the fact that the Mother Superior was, without any spin on it, the top dog who had to know everything there was to know about her own order.

Complete silence shrouded the room and Amelia wondered if this was a stumbling block that would prevent her from seeing the patient. It had occurred before but only once and that had been trounced by a senior power. “I’m sorry to labour the point Mother. However, it is important you understand this and that I have your complete cooperation.”

With a heavy sigh the Mother Superior replied, “I do not like that factor but I will abide by it on the grounds that it does no harm to the order and the rest of the nuns. If this leaks to the outside world only you will be responsible and I will make you atone for that sin. Is that perfectly clear?”

Well, she’d had some interesting sessions with Mother Superiors over the years but this was a first. Could she actually be under some kind of notice of threat? Perhaps she hadn’t done enough background research on this convent. She’d consult with Father Johansson when she returned to her office. “I think we understand each other Mother. Now may I see the Sister?”

“I will take you to her personally. Father Johansson indicated that you preferred to keep things formal and be named as Doctor West therefore we will refer to you as such in all dealings here. Now please follow me, I have vespers to take.”

Amelia followed suit. In her gut she had a feeling that this case might prove the most challenging of her career to-date. The one thing her own mother had always said about her was she wasn’t afraid to take a challenge head on. Others had also told her told that sometimes a collision that might hurt may occur. She would cross that particular bridge when it came along. Right now Amelia was fascinated to meet the troubled Sister and hopefully provide the answer to, if not her prayers, the rest of the orders.

+ + +

The door to the cell that housed Sister Marie Clarise-Benoite was as large an example of a medieval oak door as the inside was a stark and cave-like in appearance. Much as Amelia had expected. The whole building had the aura of being in the dark ages with its dim lighting and chilly corridors. In the depths of winter the place must be no better than living in medieval times. As the door opened wider, she saw a plain wooden chair in one corner, a rather non-descript single draw table on the other with a bed in the middle. The bed had to have been made for a midget as the dimensions didn’t dwarf the room in any way. Standing to the left of the chair stood a dark shrouded figure where a tiny window, barely the size of a foolscap letter, held some fascination to the only occupant.

“Sister, you have a visitor, a psychiatrist friend of Father Johansson’s.” The harshness of the words had Amelia take in a deep breath. Did the Mother have to be so blunt?

Initially there was no movement from the figure whose back was towards the new occupants of the room and then the body turned slowly towards them. What Amelia had expected and what she now saw made her silently throw a few prayers up to the good father in heaven herself.

Sister Marie Clarise-Benoite, had a slimly built figure, and one might say pathetically so. Making the emancipation even more pronounced, as the reason Amelia was here, physically showed itself in view for the first time. The Sister was dressed in a loosely fitting habit that didn’t help matters. In fact, to a stranger she looked under nourished and feeble, except … her face had a serene quality that made you lose sight of her physical bodily appearance and concentrate instead on the soul within. To make sense of her thoughts, Amelia noted in her head that looking at the picture of the Madonna was a little like the presence that glowed around this particular nun. In fact, she looked the picture of true innocence, which was what most people’s perception was of a nun.

“Hello Sister, I hope you don’t mind the intrusion, my name is Doctor West.” Amelia walked into the room and offered her hand in greeting to the nun.

Sister Marie did not take the gesture but nodded her head towards the chair. As she did so, her eyes cast upon the Mother Superior who, with a despairing shake of the head, quickly left the room announcing she was late for vespers.

The door had been closed behind the mother and that was how Amelia normally carried out her evaluations although, for a few seconds, she felt that the door being ajar might not be a bad idea. There was something nagging at Amelia’s subconscious as the room became, to her anyway, like a prison cell. She had never enjoyed being in small spaces and right now this felt very claustrophobic.

A sound that left you feeling warm and safe drifted over to her as Amelia realised that the nun was speaking. “Don’t worry, take a deep breath and you will feel much better.”

What the … had someone told the nun she wasn’t particularly enamoured by small spaces? Then again who would know? “Thanks, it’s a small space phobia. How did you know?”

Sister Marie smiled. She felt the soul in the room with her had nothing but good intentions. “I have an ability that bonds with other souls. In some people that particular attachment is very clear.”

Grinning slightly, Amelia pulled out a small electronic notebook and showed it to the Sister. “Do you mind?”

For a moment, the softness in the gaze that emanated from the brown eyes disappeared and then reappeared almost as quickly. “I know why you are here. It was only a matter of time.”

Amelia heard the resignation in the nun’s voice. At least it wasn’t negative. “I’m here to help if I can. If at any time you feel I’m intrusive please let me know and I’ll change the subject matter.”

“Thank you, but nothing that you ask me will be intrusive. I have nothing to hide and have never lied about anything in my life and will not do so now. Although, I suspect some would rather I did under the circumstances.”

Amelia quickly wrote down one word, delusional.

“How about we start with the basic stuff, where you were born, how old you are that kind of thing.”

Half an hour later, Amelia had the basic background of the patient for her to work on. The Sister was twenty-nine years of age. She had been brought up in the orphanage run by the Sisters of Mercy in a town two hundred miles away. When she was sixteen she had found that her talent for understanding the souls, as she called it, made her something of an oddity. Having already decided to take her vows, the Mother Superior of the Sisters of Mercy had contacted the Cascadian Nuns, who were documented as having talents in this area. Initially upset at not being allowed into her chosen convent, the Sister had found that this was where her abilities were best suited. In the thirteen years she had been here her ability had been nourished. Now she felt that she had been chosen and bestowed with a gift from God.

“Sister, when you say a gift from God, and you had been chosen, don’t you think that most women in your particular situation feel the same way?” Amelia watched every facial expression for any sign that the nun would show any kind of self-doubt.

She didn’t, quite the reverse in fact. As her face became wreathed in a smile that filled the room with sunshine, its power incredibly enticing. “People who do not fully understand think that way. I know that at first I had to consider the possibility that this was a trick that my mind was playing with me. Time has proven otherwise.”

Frowning slightly, Amelia noted the nun’s words. Then with a warm smile of her own, which was a fraction of the intensity she had felt emitted from the nun’s, she replied, “In what respect has time given you the conviction that it isn’t, for want of a better expression, a figment of your imagination.”

The nun was silent for a few moments, Amelia wasn’t sure if that was a good or bad sign, though she would gauge that soon enough.

“God has given me the gift of sight of the soul. I know that I’m not like other women.”

Amelia glanced around the room and a shudder ran down her spine. The zealot was always the hardest to convince and the Sister was definitely in that category complete with turbo charger attached. Standing up from the uncomfortable chair, Amelia decided that now was a good time to end the initial consultation, if you could call it that.

“I’ll leave you to your prayers Sister, and if you have no objections, I’ll return tomorrow?”

The frail nun turned her arms and wrapped them around her abdomen, her features serene. Clearly she thought that she knew what her path was, even if it was absurd to suggest it could be true. “I have no objections Doctor West. I will see you tomorrow.” The nun gave Amelia a gentle smile and returned to her contemplation of the small window in the room.

Leaving the cell and closing the door behind her, Amelia had to confess that the woman was going to be a tough nut to crack. But, she would give it her best shot, for the nun, her friend Father Johansson, the convent and the other nuns’ sanities. Most of all, she would do it for the unborn child that the nun was carrying.

When she returned to the office she was going to have to consult with the church about other such cases. She knew that there had been isolated incidents of this nature linked to a liaison of some description with a man from the outside. Because, at the end of the day, there had to be some male influence at work - God, pardon her blasphemy, did not make the frame as the possible candidate!

+ + +

Father Johansson gave Amelia a searching glance as he contemplated her request. Then his greying eyebrows moved towards a skyward position as he finally spoke, “Is it really necessary for you to have the old cases?”

“Father, it is essential. Better yet, if you have another in my field that has this type of experience then I’ll gladly leave the case to them.” Amelia knew that the church was less than forth-coming when it involved private and personal information within their community. Although she would love to have this case as solved in her portfolio for the future, it was a way too sensitive a situation not to have the right professional in charge.

With a grizzled smile the priest shook his head. “Sorry, we haven’t anyone else that we would trust to take this case. Besides, it will be good for you. I’ll have the files sent over in the next couple of days. Now what else do you want? Because I know by the look on your face there’s more you haven’t asked for.”

He was right she did want more information. “Do I receive the physician’s report on the pregnancy”?

There were a few moments of silence before the father replied, “It can’t be done Amelia.”

“I get the picture. It isn’t right to intrude on the Sister’s private medical records. Fine, who can provide the details without showing me the contents? I need to know everything before I can decided on what type of therapy to use.”

“There isn’t anyone but the Sister herself. She has refused all attempts by the Mother Superior to see a doctor about her condition. As much as the Mother can do she has. Beyond actually forcing her to see the convent’s resident physician, there is little we can do.”

Amelia frowned. This wasn’t a good start but then again maybe it was. “Is the local doctor a man?”

With a soft chuckle the Father shook his head. “Sorry Amelia, but it’s a woman and has been for the last fifty years. Good thinking though, as I believe you thought that the doctor might have something to do with the delicate situation, was I right?”

“On the button as always Father. I can’t get anything by you can I?”

“No you can’t my girl. I’ve known you since you were a baby and your parents had you christened in my church. Even at the Sunday school classes with those tricks you played to get out of the class, I always found you out.”

Amelia walked from around her desk and kissed the old man on the cheek. He was a one-off the good Father, and she was glad that he had always been in her life. “You certainly did Father. I might need someone to help me with the research and a little leg work. Do you have a candidate that you trust with the case?”

With a hearty laugh the Father stood up from his chair and flexed some of his aging muscles that refused to function without a little extra help these days. “I know just the person. Give me a little time and they will be here in your office before you can say your prayers. Now Amelia, I have to go and talk with the Archbishop about your request and have those files brought here. Will you let me know how you’re progressing?”

“You know I will within the bounds of the doctor patient confidentiality. It could take time though. I think the good Sister is pathologically convinced she’s giving birth to a child of God, in the truest sense of the term.”

“I know you’ll do your best Amelia. By the way, Sister Constance sends her regards.” The Father left Amelia with a cherry wave of his hand leaving her to contemplate what to do next.

The mention of Sister Constance brought a smile to her face. The old nun had been her favourite teacher in high school. Having been educated in a restrictive church establishment wasn’t what appealed to young adolescents and she was no exception. Time and again she had broken the rules and made life a misery for some of the younger nuns. As she broke the rules, so Sister Constance had chastised her and made her stay behind at school to help with chores and extra prayers. Gradually over the years she came to respect the old nun, and it was, in part, her teachings, in particular the human mind, that had pushed Amelia towards her profession. She had never regretted her chosen career path and knew that deep down the old nun had been delighted with her choices. Ah Sister Constance what would you make of this particular situation I wonder?

Now back to the important matter of how to tackle the next phase with the Sister . First, she needed a list of things for the help to uncover on her behalf. Normally she worked independently but this case was different. Her concentration had to be on the nun’s state of mind and whoever came to help could search out the physical evidence to explain the nun’s current dilemma. Reaching inside the pocket of her jacket she removed a small voice activated recorder and switched it on and began listing various points for both her and the assistant.

1. Find out if there were ever any men allowed in the convent.
2. Had the nun ever gone beyond the walls of the convent for any length of time?
3. Could a trespasser have had access to the nun’s rooms?
4. Had the nun been acting strangely in recent months?
5. Anyone have a grudge against the nun?
6. Check out her sketchy background, any siblings, any chance of mental illness ran in the family.

Switching off the recorder, Amelia glanced over at the clock. It was almost lunch and right now a Starbucks coffee would go down nicely as a treat.

+ + +

Father Johansson gave the figure standing at the graffiti covered wall, which was shadowed by the lengthening of the night approaching, a careful once over to assure himself of the person’s identity before walking forward. It wasn’t the safest area in the neighbourhood and picking a conversation with the wrong person could get one a nasty beating, even if he were a priest.

“Why are you standing here in this dark alley way Olivia? Are you up to no good like the last time I caught you here?”

A dark swathe of hair swung around as a Latino woman faced him her lips in a snarling position until she realised who had spoken her name. “Why Father Johansson, what brings you into this area of the neighbourhood at this time of night?”

“You did Olivia. I‘ve been looking for you all day. Can you spare me a little of your time?”

With a deep sultry chuckle, the Latino woman hugged the old priest and nodded her head. “Let’s go to Mike’s bar. I’ll even buy you a Guinness that you’re so fond of.”

Arm in arm the unlikely looking duo headed for the bar across the street. The neon light flickered the name Mike above them as they entered the establishment. It was Wednesday evening so not many frequented the bar but even so, there was a hush for a few seconds as the old priest stepped inside.

“Mike, I’ll have a beer. Father here will have the best you have on the house.” Olivia Santos shouted to the barkeep who had a smile plastered over his boxing ravaged face at the sight of the couple.

“Only the best for you Father. It’s been a while since you’ve blessed me with your presence. Take a table over there and I’ll bring the drinks to you.”

“Thank you Michael. I’ll look forward to drinking the fine nectar of the old country.”

Several minutes later, after a brief conversation with the barkeep when he brought the drinks, Olivia gave the priest a quizzical look. “Want to tell me now what brought you out from your cosy church to roam the delinquent streets to find me?”

“I need you to help a friend of mine solve a mystery.”

“A mystery heh. Who’s the friend?”

“A psychiatrist, there’s some leg work to take care of and I know you are the one to do it … with the utmost discretion.”

Olivia grinned and her perfect teeth glistened against her olive skin. “Discretion is the name of the game with me Father as you know. I always thought shrinks worked alone?”

“They do, at least for the most part. However, this is a delicate case, a church matter. It needs a few questions answered to fill in some gaps. I doubt it will be more work than a day, or so, for someone of your calibre. Will you do it?”

Smoothing the skin around her strong rather than the normally delicate jaw of a woman, Olivia thought about the request. Not much is happening in town at the moment and a break would be good from my current case load. Max can handle the office for a day. “Okay, but only a day mind you … I have other irons in the fire.”

“You’re a wonderful woman Olivia. Thank you, I’ll pray for you this evening.” The Father smiled warmly at the young woman. Olivia Santos had a chequered past and one that she wasn’t proud of, but that had set her in good stead for the career she had now fallen literally into - private detection. With her partner Max Anderton, they owned a detective agency and from all accounts the business was thriving. He had gotten to know her ten years earlier when she had fallen from grace with the police over what was eventually translated as an overly enthusiastic shooting of what turned out to be a rotten DA. She had been retired quietly from the force and embarked on a mysterious, and some said sordid episodes, before meeting Max Anderton, who owned a run down detective agency. With the help of a few words of kindly persuasion from a certain priest, he took a chance and put the young woman was on his payroll. It had worked out all around and Max now looked on Olivia as the daughter he never had.

“Hmm okay, now tell me where this shrink is and the name.”

“Doctor West, 100 Boulevard Terrace. I said you’d be there before she said her prayers.”

“As always with you Father, no rush.” She laughed heartily. “Don’t worry I’ll go in the morning.”

The discussion turned to other topics as the two caught up on the latest events happening in the neighbourhood.

+ + +

Axel Randal glanced out of the office window at the sea of faces hidden behind the screens of the outer area that he could just partially make out . This was the commercial hub of a business that had fingers in every conceivable pie both legal and illegal. The rest of the floors in the fifteen story building were government departments of differing levels. It was the perfect foil for his particular operation to be lost in. It is sometimes better to live in the belly of the dragon than to live outside it a close associate of his had once informed him. The door to his office opened as Pamela, his secretary, entered with the package he’d been waiting for. Thanking her for her prompt delivery he waved her out of her office and asked her to hold any calls until he told her otherwise.

Wanting as much privacy as possible, he closed the automatic blinds that gave him total isolation from the sight of any curious eyes. He picked up the small packet and gazed at it for a few moments before opening it with the flick of his sharp paper knife. As the contents were taken out one at a time a note, attached to the main report, was the most important part of the package.

Randal,

The church is about to intervene. We have to extract the sample now. Ensure it is in the lab within forty-eight hours of the courier arriving with the package. I don’t need to explain what will happen if you are late or do not comply.

Slipping the note into his wallet Axel sighed for this was an unexpected situation. Tthey had committed million of dollars to this project and to have it almost at full term and in jeopardy was not an option.

Half an hour later, Axel left his office and took the elevator to the car park in the basement of the building. Locating bay eleven, he stood by the dark Mercedes and waited for the window to drop down. A leather gloved hand slid out slowly and Axel dropped a package into the out-stretched palm. No words were spoken as Axel moved away seconds before the car exited the parking space. Had he not moved when he did he’d have been nursing bruised, if not broken, metatarsals.

He reached inside his jacket and speed dialled a number on his cell. The call was answered immediately.

“We have a problem.”

“What kind of problem?” the party at the other end of the phone asked quietly.

“Interference. Why haven’t you informed me of this situation?”

There was silence and a heavy sigh at the other end of the line. “I didn’t expect things to become this complicated or that anyone would be allowed access so easily.”

“Have the sample ready for collection by my operative at the arranged place tomorrow evening.”

“It’s impossible. I need more time.”

“There isn’t any more time. Don’t let me down - the price for that you wouldn’t want to pay.”

Axel ended the call abruptly and headed back to his office. His next appointment was with the rather ravishing deputy district attorney, Sheila Crawford.

+ + +

Stretching her aching shoulders after a three-hour drive from town to the convent in heavy traffic wasn’t how Amelia usually began her sessions. The comfort of her office and a large latte by her side was her usual modus-operandi. Locking the car at the gated entrance to the austere looking building, she pulled the bell cord. As she waited for a nun to allow her entry she mused over the notes she had taken on her visit the previous day and her initial analysis of the patient. Without knowing the finer details, her first reaction as a diagnosis would be as she mentioned to Father Johansson, delusional. Various reasons abounded in the outside world, such as stress related concerns, emotional problems, inability to cope - the list went on. However, in such an environment, could some of those factors be dismissed?

“How may I help you?” The voice brought Amelia out of her ponderings as she smiled at the nun who gave her a slight smile in reaction. Her quizzical grey eyes were friendly but not overly so.

“Hello, I’m Doctor West. I believe you are expecting me.”

The nun gave her a long searching look and then, with a tilt of her covered head, opened the lock of the gate. As she did so Amelia wondered if the key was as enormous as the lock itself.

Entering the convent courtyard made the same shiver that had gone down her back the previous day returned with a vengeance. It was not surprising as she saw several pairs of eyes watching her every step towards the main door and the inner sanctum. Looks like I’m going to popular around here - not! She had been subjected to similar aversions in the past when she was involved with other church cases.

With a quickening of her step, she almost cannoned into the back of the nun who was escorting but luckily Amelia stopped in time. As the door of the entrance opened, the dark confines, which were in stark contrast to the beautiful blue sky that lightened the medieval features of the outer building, greeted her.

“Ah, Doctor West punctual, very good.” Mother Superior spoke in a clipped manner. She wanted this interloper out of her convent as soon as possible. If she had her way, no outsider would be allowed within these walls. Only those in need when unwanted aspects of the modern world infringed upon them would be allowed. When she had been young, the convent had used the small church a few miles away to carry out any ministering to the poor souls who needed them. Today’s modern world had too many risks involved to allow them the same luxury.

Amelia smiled at the older nun. In a way she reminded Amelia of Sister Constance and the way she clung to the old ways. Not that there was anything wrong with those days but, at some stage, you had to move with the times or they simply passed you by. And, before you knew it, you were a relic of days gone by of no use to anyone. Here, in this convent, it was worse than any other she had experienced. “I try to arrive at the appointed time Mother. Is Sister Marie Clarise-Benoite ready for our session?”

“She is. She asked that I allow you to undertake your sessions in the library. I have agreed. I can only allow you privacy in that area for a two-hour period. Will that be sufficient?”

“Absolutely, thank you.” Amelia sighed silently in relief. The library had to be bigger at least than the shoebox the nun had as her private quarters.

A few minutes later, Amelia was shown into the library and she smiled slightly as she saw the size of the room. It was impressively decked out with thousands of volumes in ceiling high wooden racks reminiscent of an old fashioned country house library one saw in the movies. The sun streamed in from the large windows that gave the room a warm appealing ambience.

“I thought you might prefer to have our consultation with a more open room.” A voice travelled from a corner of the room and Amelia spun around to stare at Sister Marie Clarise-Benoite.

“Thank you, that was very thoughtful of you. How are you feeling today?” If it was possible, the serene expression become even more marked on the sister’s features.

“I’m very well, thank you. If you want to feel as if you are in a garden please step over here.” The nun pointed to a spot several feet from her position.

Amelia intrigued, did so and was amazed to see that from that part of the room one could view three different windows. In the main view was the potage garden that was being tended to by several of the nuns. “Wow this is great.” The seating in the room wasn’t comfortable but it would serve its purpose. “Shall we have the session here? I’m sure it will ease any tension you might have about my visit.”

The nun turned her head to gaze into Amelia’s face and then she spoke softly, “I have no tension around you doctor quite the opposite.”

With a start and feeling somewhat mentally naked under the intensity of the nun’s gaze, Amelia motioned for them to sit in the two chairs closest to them.

Amelia began the session with an unobtrusive start and, as the session progressed, she felt that the nun was being honest with her answers. Interestingly enough, when she had asked if there had been any interaction with any males in the last year, the nun had chosen that moment to hesitate for the first time in her answers. Ah so now we are getting to the point.

A smile that put the sun to shame wreathed the nun’s face as she finally spoke. “Of course I have interaction with a male. Have you forgotten I’m married to God? I speak with him every day. He is always with me in my heart and mind and in the very essence of everything that I do.”

Invisibly kicking her self for the way she had asked the question, Amelia nodded her head and tried again. “I was thinking more of mortal man in a physical capacity … in your work or perhaps someone who might visit the convent?”

“We are Cascadian nuns Doctor, we have little interaction with the outside world. Men who require our services are helped by the older nuns or under supervision. I have not had a male soul searcher, as we like to term it, in over two years. As to any other man who might have been within the walls the answer is no.”

The conviction in the Sister’s voice and the slightly indignant way she spoke had Amelia wondering if these delusions were brought about pathological lying. It had happened in extreme cases before. “You know why I’m asking you this question don’t you Sister?”

“Of course, you don’t believe that the child I carry is a gift from God. I may be a nun and not worldly of the modern goings on but I am not stupid. It is clear that many do not have the faith I do and are looking at other avenues that might explain my condition.”

At least the nun wasn’t totally out of her mind. What she didn’t understand was that what she was actually saying about the father of her child had people suspecting her sanity. “Thank you for being frank with me Sister. To some, what you indicate is a little bit hard to believe and they want justification of the truth by facts. I heard that you didn’t want to see a doctor … not a doctor like me but your physician to check that everything was okay with the baby?”

Standing up from her seat with a flow that had Amelia wondering if the woman was the next best thing to an angel, she said, “I know that my baby is healthy therefore there is no need for a doctor to tell me so.”

Amelia considered the situation for a few moments and then posed a question crossing her fingers as she spoke. “I could arrange for you to see a doctor who didn’t know who you were or anything about you. Allow them to examine you and check both you and the baby out. Maybe the baby is healthy, but I’m told that carrying a child takes quite a bit out of the mother. What do you say about that? I know it will ease some of the wagging tongues that believe you are having a phantom pregnancy.”

Wide eyes flew open in amazement and distress as Amelia mentioned the possibility that the pregnancy was a phantom projection. “How could anyone think I would lie about such an important time in my life?”

Perhaps her words had hit home harder than she had expected but at least Amelia applauded herself on producing a less than serene objective to the predicament. “Will you agree? I can arrange the appointment today if Mother Superior allows?”

The nun closed her eyes before opening them again and staring into Amelia’s face as if she were searching it. Amelia didn’t know what she was looking for but whatever it was obviously satisfied the nun as she slowly nodded her head. “Arrange it. I will speak with Mother.”

Amelia speculated that the agreement was a little too quick. “I need to make a few calls. I’ll go back to my car and make them. Then I’ll advise Mother Superior and we can leave as soon as I’ve set everything up.”

“Impossible I never leave the convent!”

Hmm the first stumbling block, this had been too easy . “If you want the doctor to be impartial, the consultation cannot be performed here.” The smell of leather, which had been gradually permeating her nostrils, now attacked her forcibly as Amelia waited for a reply in the silent room.

“Will you be with me all the time?” There was a timid quality about the voice. It sounded like a child who was going to the dentist for the first time and had heard all the horror stories about the dreadful chair.

+ + +

The journey back to the city had been consumed mainly in silence. The nun had looked totally out of her depth climbing into the passenger side of the car. The glances from other nuns who had seen the Sister’s departure were a mixture of relief, surprise and, Amelia was certain, fear. These nuns, from the notes she had read, clearly disapproved of moving in the real world in any way. When she had been brought to the Mother Superior before they left, Amelia had felt like she had years earlier when being brought to task for misdemeanours at school. The older nun’s face was a picture of censure and displeasure and there were a few moments that she wanted to say forget it. However, Sister Marie knocked on the door and was ushered inside quietly. The younger nun had given the Mother a focused expression that brooked no dissension. Within minutes we were out on the open road with the convent being left behind with each passing second. As the final turret was lost from vision Sister Marie sighed heavily and, to Amelia’s sensitive hearing, the sound was profoundly sad.

“Hey we’ll be back for vespers, I promise.”

Sister Marie didn’t speak remaining silent and pensive for the remainder of the journey.

Amelia had contacted a friend who had agreed to contact a gynaecological specialist and at short notice it was going to cost Amelia in the future. Fortunately, her friend’s cost rarely ran to more than a decent dinner at her favourite Italian restaurant. Her friend was to leave the address and time of the consultation at Amelia’s office. She had decided that the best way to go about the situation was to return to her office and the nun could change in privacy there. They would have the consultation, return to the office to change and then back to the convent all in the same day. That was the plan anyway.

Pulling up outside her office, which was in a small leafy tree lined lane on the outskirts of town, she glanced around her to the surrounding buildings. The church she had worshipped in since she was born was a couple of hundred yards away. Her old high school was two blocks away and her family home, where her parents still lived, was only several blocks from there. She was one of the lucky ones finding a place in the world that she loved and wanted to spend the rest of her life in - where helping the local community wasn’t a chore but a willing devotion she would sacrifice her life to. Now, as she scanned her building, a converted nineteenth century three story house in red brick with the classical bow windows, she smiled feeling relaxed now she was home.

“Is this the doctor’s?” Sister Marie asked quietly. She had noticed the smile and Amelia’s relaxed posture.

“No, I work here. I’ll show you where you can change into, shall we say, more acceptable clothing for your doctor’s appointment.” Amelia stepped out of the vehicle and walked around to open the door for the nun. The sister gave her a grateful smile as she, with difficulty, extricated herself from the car. Her habit had twisted around her legs in the three-hour journey and seemed to refuse to straighten out. Reaching out a hand, Amelia took hold of the slight one of the nuns and helped her out of the vehicle. Once again she thought the nun was emaciated and could do with a few months of nourishing food especially if her condition proved to be valid. It would be interesting to hear what the doctor had to say about her physical condition. A few minutes later they entered Amelia’s office and the nun stared at the various certificates and awards on the wall of the outer office. A desk manned by a dwarf dimensioned blonde grinned warmly at them both as they entered the room.

“Hi Teal did you receive a message from Magda? Did you get those clothes I asked for and has the Father managed to send over…”

With a hand held high the tiny woman grinned. “Yes, yes and yes to both items from the Father.”

Quizzically Amelia stared at her assistant, two things, she wondered.

A low pitch voice that sent tingles down Amelia’s spine entered the conversation, “I believe I’m one of the items from Father Johansson.”

Spinning on her heels Amelia faced a woman who was around her age but definitely of a Latino background. Her body encased in tight fitting black leather trousers with a vest and jacket to match gave the woman a forbidding presence. Her tawny hair fashioned in a short attractive style complimented the olive skin and dark brooding intelligent eyes. Who on earth is this?

“I’m sorry, Father Johansson sent you?” Amelia had never seen a woman look quite so… primitive in her life. She hoped that this wasn’t another of the Father’s lost charity causes, because right now the nun was her first priority. As she thought of the Sister, she glanced in her direction and saw the nun observing the stranger, clearly fascinated by her.

Holding out her hand, Olivia smiled directly at Amelia waiting for acknowledgment. “I’m Olivia Santos. I believe you have work that requires my specific services.”

At a lost for words and completely thrown by the arrival of this woman in her office, Amelia inanely retorted, “I do?” Gathering her thoughts she turned to Teal. “Will you make the Sister comfortable in my office? I’m sure she’ll welcome some refreshment after our journey.” Then she smiled at the nun who was still staring at the dark apparition with her features schooled in a calm expression but those expressive eyes held another emotion and it wasn’t fear. “Sister if you would give me a few moments I’ll be right with you.”

Seconds later Amelia was alone in the room with the woman called Santos. “Exactly what services do you offer Ms. Santos?”

With a wry expression and a shrug, Olivia shook her head as she answered, “I take it you are Doctor West?” Amelia nodded. “At least that’s something. You know who you are.” The cynical remark made Amelia bristle accompanied by a glare.

“Of course I do! Now please, I have other important business to take care of - exactly what did the Father indicate I needed from you?”

With a wicked gleam in her eyes, Olivia spoke in a distinctly sultry voice, “I’m a private detective. Do I need to say more?”

Oh no , she’d forgotten that the Father was going to send her a helper. She had thought it would be a priest or another nun, not this…this outsider. “No, no that’s perfectly alright I understand why you are here now. Look, I haven’t the time to go over the details with you right at this moment. Can you return tomorrow?”

This time Olivia was the one to bristle slightly. Not that anyone could tell as her facial expression didn’t change. “Look, I told Father that I would help him out and he could have twenty-four hours of my time at no charge. If you don’t want to use it lady that’s fine by me I have other paying work to take care of.”

“Okay, okay we can work this out. Teal, my assistant, will give you a copy of my notes, which will have precise instructions on what I need to find out. I’ll talk with you later on with your findings.” Amelia directed her stare at Olivia Santos and didn’t flinch when the woman focussed a hard gaze in return.

“Has this anything to do with the nun inside?” Olive motioned to the inner office door.

“Yes it does. I’m sure Father Johansson gave you a little background. I need to go now. Is everything clear?”

“Perfectly, I’ll catch you later.” Olivia walked towards the exit.

Puzzled Amelia placed a hand on the detective’s arm and was amazed at how solid the flesh felt under her touch. This is one fit woman. “Haven’t you forgotten something?”

Olivia glanced initially at the hand that was attempting to prevent her leaving. If only the woman knew just how puny that felt on her forearm. She could snap the wrist in a second if she had the mind to. Fortunately, she didn’t have any such intention… yet. “I need a couple of things from my office I’ll be back for that list.”

Amelia could do nothing but stare open-mouthed as the detective left her office. Rubbing her forehead in frustration, she opened the door to her office and found Teal sitting on the edge of her desk talking amiably with the Sister. At least the nun now looked a degree more relaxed, that was a good start.

“Thanks Teal, any chance of a sandwich before we leave? I’m starving.” Teal grinned. Her miniature body swung familiarly off the side of the desk as she asked the nun what she’d like to eat before she left. For such a tiny woman, Teal left a great void when she exited a room.

“Sorry about that Sister. Occasionally things crop up when I’m out of the office. I’m sure Teal made you comfortable.”

Sister Marie smiled slowly. The serene expression she had as a permanent fixture on her face at the convent now returned and set the nun’s whole face glowing. “I understand. Teal is a very special person and it was a privilege to meet her.”

Amelia listened for any sign of condescension. Though why she should, had her baffled as the nun was hardly likely to have any hateful thoughts about her assistant. With a chuckle Amelia nodded her head.

“Yes she is. Teal and I started out together fresh from college and I don’t think I would have done half as well without her wonderful administration and people skills.”

The nun lapsed into silence for a few moments then spoke quietly, “Yes, I see her heart is filled with love and compassion for everyone. What she doesn’t share in stature her soul has been doubly blessed.”

Well that was the truth. The fact that Teal was a dwarf didn’t appear to bother her at all and once you were around her for any period of time you found out that she was a giant of a woman on the inside. “I agree with that diagnosis completely Sister. Now, I’ll show you to the bathroom where there are some clothes Teal has chosen for you. They will be suitable for the visit to the doctors. Why don’t you change while I confirm the appointment and Teal brings us lunch?”

Fifteen minutes later the three women were talking generally over the snack lunch, at least Amelia and Teal were. The nun merely listened and gave the odd nod when asked a question. The entrance door opened sounding a bell that someone came in the outer office. They saw a tall figure silhouetted against the backdrop of the frosted glazing of Amelia’s office.

“I see tall dark and sexy has returned. Now what do you make of her clothes Amelia? I wouldn’t even attempt to wear anything so close fitting though she reminds me of someone and it’s on the tip of my tongue.” Teal glanced disparagingly down at her figure and the beautiful cut of her own wardrobe, specially made for her. With a wink at the two women she left them to greet the visitor.

“A modern day Emma Peel and they look like David and Goliath.” Amelia hadn’t realised she had spoken her thoughts until the nun responded.

“Except they are both on the same side.” The quietly spoken words seemed to echo in the room as Amelia grinned to hide her embarrassment. Thankfully the nun hadn’t picked up on her initial remark. The appointment with the doctor was in an hour’s time and they needed to make it across town.

“Sister do you mind if I call you Marie Benoite until after the consultation? I was thinking that we need to drop the Sister.”

“That is my name and I’m happy for you not to call me Sister for this purpose. It has no meaning where we are to travel.” The oblique words had Amelia’s intelligent and professional mind musing the content. She would mull the words over when the nun was having her exam.

Picking up the note holding the address and her pocket book which never left her side, they exited the room and virtually cannoned into the detective who gave them both a long hard stare. The olive complexion of the Santos’ woman was a marvellous creamy colour and, except for the odd wrinkle around the eyes, was almost flawless. What does she want now? Amelia thought as she stood facing the detective with barely inches between them.

“Can I help you?”

A slow smile pulled the woman’s full lips like a bow across her face as she replied. “I’m coming with you. And before you say no, forget it.”

Amelia, closing her eyes briefly, puffed out an exasperated breath. She had no time for this. “Okay, but I’m driving.” Driving herself around was a phobia she’d had from childhood.

The smile on the detective’s face disappeared at the thought of someone other than herself in control. However, for the moment, she would allow it - but only for the moment. “Lead the way boss.”

Sister Marie watched the interchange between the two women and a twinkle began in her eyes. It was mirrored in part by Teal who had finally ushered them out of the office with the words they would be late for the appointment.

Thirty minutes later they arrived at the doctor’s office. The journey had been relatively silent although Amelia had been pleasantly surprised at the conversation that the detective had undertaken with the nun. It wasn’t an interrogation as such but, at the end of the journey, the detective had garnered many of the answers to the questions on Amelia’s list.

“Hi, I’m Doctor West and this is Ms. Benoite we have an appointment with Doctor Franklin.”

The fresh-faced young receptionist smiled and nodded towards the seats in the waiting room. There was only one other occupant in the room - a middle-aged woman who had been reading a magazine when they arrived but then blatantly staring at Olivia Santos. That wasn’t a surprise since the woman certainly looked out of place dressed as she was.

“Thanks,” Amelia decided that the detective could take a little teasing as she and the nun sat in the two chairs opposite the older woman leaving the detective to either sit next to her or on the other side of the room. With a knowing look, the detective sat quietly next to the older woman who looked terrified since the detective appeared to be larger than life next to the average-sized woman.

“Hello, are you here to see Doctor Franklin too?” the older woman began conversing with the detective.

“No, I’m here supporting a friend.” Olivia’s eyebrows rose to motion towards Amelia, who gave her a glare.

“I see.” The older woman frankly turned her gaze from Olivia to Amelia with a sparkle of interest in her eyes. Probably one of those gay couples who wants children. The woman was open-minded and the thought didn’t particularly bother her - she was just curious at what they looked like.

Olivia smirked at Amelia as she heard the intonation in the woman’s voice. Clearly mixed messages were being sent. Well the shrink has only herself to blame. “We were recommended by a friend. How good is the doctor?”

The older woman smiled widely her perfect teeth glistening as the afternoon sunlight bounced off the pearly whites. “Wonderful my dear. Trust me, I’ve been in his care for the last ten years. There isn’t a doctor in this field any better. I’m sure he’ll work miracles for you both.”

Under her breath Amelia muttered, “Miracles we have and we don’t need any more.”

Sister Marie had been listening to the exchange with interest. It was so rare to hear this type of conversation. Most people she came across in her work were so, soul weary and introverted that a simple conversation like this wasn’t in her experience in the years she had been in the convent. Hearing Doctor West’s comment about miracles cause her a small smile as her own thoughts drifted. All their lives people strive to achieve miracles and when they happen they find them totally unbelievable. As is the situation in my case. Why doesn’t my own Order believe me?, It is evident that even the Mother Superior has grave doubts.

“Miracles happen all the time Doctor - perhaps if you were more receptive instead of clinical.” The nun spoke in a whisper that only Amelia heard.

Darn it my tongue was going to be my undoing . Amelia gave the nun a shamefaced glance then the door to the doctor’s office opened and a handsome, late thirty’s, thin bespectacled man with a ready smile entered the waiting room.

“Ah Mrs. Calder, you’re early as always. Nurse Daniels will take your blood work before your consultation.” He smiled warmly at the older woman who responded with an eager one of her own. From Olivia’s position she could see that the woman had a crush on the doctor and it wasn’t surprising… she might have been the same if she didn’t have other preferences.

“Doctor West and Ms. Benoite please follow me.” The doctor, taking in Olivia’s general appearance with a speculative look wondered who she was. She didn’t look the usual type who could afford to pay for his services. However, he had to stop this assuming, he had done so in the first few years of his practice and he’d paid heavily for being overly smart on that front.

Amelia stood and turned to the nun who hadn’t moved. Fear was evident in her expressive eyes so Amelia, with an encouraging smile, held out a hand to the Sister. The nun grasped it like a lifeline and followed Amelia into the doctor’s office.

Olivia stood up and Amelia glared at her. “I’ll let you know what’s going on later, okay?”

The detective gave Amelia a shrug and with a wink replied brazenly, “I’ll be waiting,” much to Amelia’s annoyance and Mrs. Calder’s amusement.

+ + +

Darkness invaded the vehicle as Amelia and Olivia Santos sat side by side in the car, neither speaking. The consultation had been thorough and within two days they would know conclusively the results, although Doctor Franklin had already given his diagnosis. The Sister, Amelia suspected, had been exhausted in part by the rigour of the tests but mainly by the journey and the unfamiliarity of the whole day. They had arrived at the convent to late for vespers and the Sister had insisted that she wanted to go inside and talk with Mother Superior alone. That had been reluctantly agreed upon and an hour later they were still outside the convent waiting.

Finally Olivia spoke, “I don’t know about you but I’m hungry. Are we leaving or staying here all night on a vigil?”

Anguished eyes glared at the detective. “I should have gone inside with her. We don’t know what’s happening now and I’ll feel responsible if anything bad happens to her.”

“Then you should have followed her or better yet, go inside now and seek an audience with the Mother. I suspect she’ll want your take on the doctor’s initial findings anyway, which, by the way, you haven’t told me about yet.”

Amelia hadn’t thought about informing the detective of the details. It was a need to know basis and, in her opinion, she didn’t need to know. “It’s a very sensitive subject matter. How about you tell me what you found out talking to Sister Marie.”

Olivia stared out of the car’s windscreen considering the request and the lack of information forthcoming from the shrink. Sure there was patient/doctor privilege and all that went with it, however asking for her help even if second-hand must mean there was an element of risk or the Father wouldn’t have involved her. She wasn’t noted for taking on minor enquiries. “Okay, she’s an only child. To the best of her knowledge, and its limited, since she was orphaned at five, her parents hadn’t suffered from any major illness. She hasn’t been alone in the company of a man, excluding Father Johansson, since she entered the Order, and he’s the only man allowed on the premises. This is her first venture beyond the walls alone in five years. Nothing much more I could glean from the notes you had given me. I’d need to speak with some of the other nuns or the Mother Superior.”

Impressed with the concise way the detective talked Amelia had to hand it to her - she had mastered the art of extracting information without the nun realising what was going on. “Looking at this place in your professional capacity, do you think someone could have broken in the convent without anyone knowing?”

Practised eyes surveyed as much of the building as darkness would allow. There wasn’t enough light to see properly to make a clear judgement call. Opening the door to the car Olivia slid out. “Where are you going detective?”

With a side-ways glance, Olivia smiled, her white teeth illuminating her face like a light bulb. “You asked me a question I’m going to find out.”

Aghast at the words Amelia whispered, “You can’t do that, what if you’re caught?”

With a chuckle that sent ripples of nervous energy down Amelia’s spine, Olivia gave her a wicked glance. “Then you will have your answer. If you’re that concerned about me why not join me?”

Spluttering over her words, Amelia quietly hissed, “I’m not concerned about you at all detective. Father wouldn’t have sent you if you hadn’t been able to look after yourself. However, if you’re caught what will the nuns think?”

“Suit yourself.” Olivia closed the door and slid into the night like a chameleon.

Shaking her head, Amelia didn’t know what she should do now. Father Johansson better have a good reason for involving this woman in this problem because right now she thought of the detective as a liability rather than any help. Mentally wishing she was anywhere but here, Amelia stepped out of the car and vaguely went in the direction of where she had last seen the detective.

Awkwardly Amelia positioned herself between the outer gate of the wall and the tiny cabin like building that faced the east side as she swung her gaze around. She saw no sign of the detective then she heard the sound of footsteps crunching on the gravel close to her position but on the other side of the wall. Oh god what a fool I’ll look like if they find me skulking around in the dark. Then she was shocked out of her composure, if she had any left, when a strong arm snaked around her and dragged her inside the building. On the verge of letting out the highest pitch scream she could her words were silenced as an olive skinned hand was placed over her lips.

“You’d never make a good private detective Doc.” The voice of Olivia Santos echoed in the small hut as she glared at the woman who was taller than her by about five inches. The flashing of her teeth and eyes were the only visible sign that she was there since she was decked out in black and could literally disappear like a shadow in the night.

“What was that for, I almost had a heart attack?” Amelia was angry and let her frustration of the evening vent itself with the few words she did say, her tone bordering on manic.

A long, slim finger gently silenced her again as Olivia pulled Amelia towards the small shuttered window of the cabin. A few pieces of the shutter were missing allowing an observer to barely see out onto the road. “We aren’t the only ones here Doc and very soon now they are going to see your car.” Olivia whispered into Amelia’s ear as she felt her heart thudding at the thought of being discovered loitering outside the nunnery. What will Father Johansson say? I dread to think.

“Can you see who it is…not that you’ll know them of course…at least I wouldn’t expect…?” Amelia was silenced by that forbidding finger again.

“Please be quiet doctor.” Olivia had long distrusted having a partner even though Max had constantly nagged her to have one. Now, the woman at her side with her idiotic babbling proved why she constantly battled against her business partner’s demand.

The footsteps stopped twenty feet from the cabin and the strike of match on the coarse board of a match box indicated that the newcomer was perhaps lighting a cigarette. Soon, the aroma of the tobacco infiltrated the night air. “I know that brand it’s expensive and not very common.”

Amelia, surprised, squeaked out, “You know the brand? How do you know it?”

That finger, this time held a degree of pressure, forced Amelia into silence once more.

Another set of footsteps approached from the inner courtyard and then they heard the creaking of the side door next to the gate open. They waited in anticipation of what was happening next.

“We need to act swiftly. I’ve been given my orders.” The voice was male, educated and had a youngish tone.

A female voice with an older scared tone answered, “I can’t do it this evening it’s impossible.”

“If you don’t, it will be too late. You were informed this is a dangerous situation.”

“Things have changed and now it will be impossible to do what you ask without someone else knowing.” The woman was agitated and there was a distinct rattle of beads possibly wrung through nervous fingers.

An exasperated sound was heard from the man as the sound of a foot grinding something into the gravel was heard. “I’ll be here until midnight after that …I don’t need to say what will happen do I?”

“No, I understand. I will do what I can. Is that your car?”

Amelia and Olivia both drew in a deep breath as the question floated in the air. Had their vehicle been seen?

“Yes, I’ll have dinner in the nearest town and be back in two hours. It’s up to you.” Footsteps were then heard heading away from the convent.

Seconds later, hurried steps could be heard passing by the cabin as both women ducked their heads to avoid anyone seeing them. The sound of a rusted hinged door being opened and steps rushing back into the courtyard had both women letting out a slow breath.

“Now that’s what I call interesting. Do you know what it’s about?” Olivia turned to Amelia though her expression wasn’t easy to decipher in the dark.

Her eyes flared upwards at the question. Did this detective think she was up to no good? “Of course not! Why would I?”

“Anything is possible. However, back to your original question - yes the convent can be broken into. The side door this presumabe nun came out of has a lock that can be easily picked.”

“You picked the lock?” Amelia asked accusingly.

“Yes, it was a piece of cake. Therefore I conclude that entry, if one is experienced enough, can be accomplished.” Olivia’s voice held a smirk and satisfied tone.

“How could you pick the lock to a sacred place, why…why it’s blasphemous?”

There was a small chuckle from the detective who flicked the end of Amelia’s nose hurting it slightly, “To you maybe but I’ll take my chances when I reach the pearly gates.”

Amelia felt this woman becoming more and more infuriating as the day had gone on. She would be glad when her services expired tomorrow at lunch. “More likely the gates of hell,” Amelia muttered and felt a sense of chagrin when she heard the detective laugh softly again.

“Why I didn’t know you knew me that well Doc. It would be more fitting.”

+ + +

Max Anderton had to take a second glance in the direction of the open door to his office. Well, in actual fact, the only office in the space that he and Olivia rented in the lower level of a three story building in one of the worse run down areas of the city. That made the appearance of a smartly dressed and very attractive woman standing in the doorway that much more surprising. True they had their moments with the odd wealthy client, but not often enough for them to upgrade to a more salubrious area. Though, with Olivia’s views on moving from the area, it would take more than money to wrench her away from the people she said needed their services more, but it didn’t pay the bills though. Take today for instance and her gallivanting off on some crusade for a priest, admittedly Father Johansson, who couldn’t do anything wrong in either of their books, he was the salt of the earth even if he was Catholic.

Shifting his attention to what he hoped was going to be a paying customer he smiled brightly. “Hi, how may I help you?”

The woman gave him a careful and, from his powers of deduction with over twenty-years on the police force, a calculating and somewhat dismissive stare before she spoke. “Is this the Anderton-Santos Detective Agency?”

Max had learned over the years to be cautious when something didn’t feel right in his gut and at this moment the woman in the room with him gave off those vibes big time. Thing was, he had the feeling that he’d seen her before. Damn mind was letting him down more and more these days. “Yes, how may I help you?” he asked again with a slightly more pointed emphasis.

Deep brown eyes glanced around the room, less than impressed. The office was tidy but could certain benefit from a good coat of paint and, in some places, general repair since the plaster in various spots on the walls and ceiling were peeling away like an orange from its skin.

“I have a small matter to take care of and I heard that you might be the people for the job.”

Max wasn’t fooled by the complacent tone. There was a hint of deviousness hidden inside that his experienced brain had winkled out of its shell. “Take a seat Ms….?”

“Ra…Frobisher, Danielle Frobisher. I need someone followed discreetly and I heard that this is a particular field you’re very experienced in.”

“You heard about us from whom if you don’t mind me asking? We like to send a Christmas card to people who recommend us.” Max smiled disarmingly. He knew she would probably think him an addled brained old man with a quip like that. It often served its purpose when he wanted to scrutinise someone more deeply by often putting them at ease thinking he wasn’t all there in the head.

The woman smiled at him with perfect white teeth as she answered him, “I’d rather not say at this time, does it make a difference?”

“Depends on the type of work you want us to do. Did you say you want someone followed?”

Danielle Frobisher nodded. “Hmm. An associate of my husband - I have all the details. Here take a look.” She handed him a buff A4 folder with several sheets inside.

Taking the notes, Max scanned over the sheets and the picture inside. “The name is familiar to me of course. I’d like to know why you want him followed and how intensely?”

Danielle gave the old man a long hard stare. Her face had the inscrutable look of someone who had a hatred of the subject matter. “How intense can you be, because that’s what I want?”

Shaking his head slightly, Max pondered that question for a moment. “Except for sleeping with the man we can get as close as anyone who has known him for years. Now the key question is why?”

“I believe he’s leading my husband into something that could ruin him. I need proof that he isn’t what he says he is. It’s the only way my husband will listen to me.” The woman sounded convincing to the inexperienced ear but not to him. There was something so pat about the whole situation and now he remembered where he’d seen her before and her name certainly wasn’t Frobisher.

Max pulled at his short greying beard as he studied the photo of the subject in question. “I see, and there’s nothing more I need to know other than what’s in this folder?”

“Nothing more, except I need you to start immediately. I know there’s a special meeting at his office this evening and I need you there on the case.”

“No disrespect Ms. Frobisher, assuming we take the job I will need to have a few hours to prepare. Before we can accept your case I will need to discuss this with my colleague.” Max didn’t need to wait for Olivia to return to the office to decide if a job was going on the books or not but this whole thing wasn’t what it appeared.

Danielle Frobisher opened her purse and pulled out a wad of notes, all hundred-dollar bills. “I’ll pay so much up front if you take the work and begin immediately.” A wad about three inches thick was slapped on the desk in front of Max.

Eyeing the greenbacks, Max wanted to say no to the woman because now he was sure this wasn’t on the up and up except… the bills had to be paid and they were already two months behind in rent not to mention a few other pertinent items that demanded payment before they could resume certain aspects of their work.

Max stood up and held out his hand, “We’re on the case Ms. Frobisher. How often do you want an update?”

With a satisfied smile, Danielle stood up to and accepted the handshake for all of a second before she dropped the detective’s hand as she might get leprosy. “Daily, unless you have something important and then you can contact me at this number.” An expensively printed business card was passed to Max. On it a cell phone and a landline number, but no name.

“No problem at all. We’ll be in touch this time tomorrow unless the meeting you mentioned is all you need.” Max was speaking to himself as he said the last word - Danielle Frobisher had left the building.

Sitting down and flicking through the wad of hundreds, he wondered just why the woman had to lie about herself. There was no mistaking Axel Randal’s wife. She was a society hostess and he recalled her picture from a magazine a couple of months ago, though the picture hadn’t done her justice. Peering at the clock on his desk, he noted it was 2:30 in the afternoon. With luck, Olivia would be back in the office to take over the case. If not, for the first time in over three years he’d have to go solo.

+ + +

“Mother, is this what you really want to do?”

“What other choices have we? I cannot see the Order erupt into chaos and possible dissolution over this! There have been Cascadian nuns here for centuries. To have our Order scrutinized and ridiculed not only external of our walls but inside as well does not bear thinking about. What other choice do we have? What other choice do I have?”

Sister Anne-Mary walked over to the Mother Superior and placed a gentle hand on her arm in understanding. Since this situation with Sister Marie Clarise-Benoite had arisen the Order had been gradually decaying into disorder and faithlessness. The worse thing about it all was that the Sister had been their guiding hand over the last few years. Her understanding of others’ pain and ability to heal those in fear of their souls had been a gift from God that had helped to save the financial woes of the convent in recent times. Now what would people make of this if it was allowed to become knowledge to those who could never understand? The fact that the baby was no longer a potential figment of the Sister’s overworked imagination but, according to the doctor’s report, a reality was a testament that the Sister was no longer true to her faith or the Order. How dare she continue to maintain the baby she carried is a gift from God! The only reasonable explanation was that at sometime Sister Marie had formed an alliance with a man and been seduced - it was the only rational explanation. Though, no one would say when this possibly could have occurred or with whom.

“There is no other choice Mother. I’m sure when you explain your reasons to Sister Marie she will understand perfectly.”

The older and more superior nun sighed heavily and agreed it was the only way. Under her breath, as her second left the room, she asked God for his forgiveness for what she was about to do. Closing her eyes briefly, she picked up a pen and wrote an address on a crisp white envelope before placing a letter of recommendation inside and sealing it. Placing the letter on her desk for the postal service in the morning, she retired to her chamber deep in thought knowing that a part of her wanted to believe that Sister Marie was indeed the chosen one.

+ + +

Amelia turned to the detective after another lengthy silence and spoke quietly, “I don’t know what to do now, any ideas?”

Olivia wondered when that would happen and a part of her wanted to mercilessly tease the woman beside her. She was so uptight and had brought it upon herself. All she had to do to appease her conscience would have been to go inside with the nun, simple as that. However she hadn’t, which had puzzled her. Okay so the nun had insisted she enter the convent alone but that didn’t mean that the doctor had to take any notice of that request. In fact, if it had been her call she’d have ignored what the nun wanted and gone inside anyway. What the hell, there must be a screw loose in the woman if she thought her pregnancy was the second coming. “You’re asking my advice?”

There was a frustrated silence for a few moments. “Sure, isn’t it why you’re here?”

“In part I guess. Okay, first I think you made a bad call initially by not going inside with the nun. Second, I think it’s too late to ask for an audience with anyone inside.” Olivia was about to say more when Amelia interrupted her.

“For the record, the nun, as you call her, has a name, she’s Sister Marie Clarise-Benoite and it was a professional call. I take it you think we need to go, so that you can have dinner?” There was disappointment in Amelia’s voice as she responded instinctively.

Olivia flicked her finger at Amelia’s nose and was pleased with the response as the woman hissed again that it hurt. “Do you always interrupt a person after asking for advice? I hadn’t finished my summing up of the situation, but we’ll do whatever we have to although I am hungry.”

Amelia felt like she was being treated like a four year old especially when the detective flicked at the end of her nose to make a point. That is really a sooo not adult way of handling things. “I’m sorry. Please continue I do want your stance on this.”

“Okay, Doctor this is what I think we should do. I might have said it wasn’t the time to go inside the convent however I didn’t say we’d leave. Quite the contrary. I’m interested in knowing what’s going on inside those walls that an outsider needs to sneak around in the middle of the night to arrange. Also, it looks to me that there could be a bad apple inside that convent, which might have some bearing on this case. Of course that’s part of my job and it interests me. If you want to leave by all means do so. When you get back tomorrow I’ll be waiting.” Olivia had a gut feeling that something wasn’t right and she rarely ignored that feeling, it was too dangerous to do so she’d found out to her cost in the past.

Directing her gaze at the detective, Amelia peered into what were intelligent dark blue eyes and in the dim light of a half-moon they looked more black than blue. “Why put yourself at risk? It could be dangerous that man didn’t sound very nice.”

Olivia laughed heartily at the question as her eyes caught the surprised ones of the doctor. The woman had warm brown eyes that complimented her profession she guessed. To drown in, came to mind but she quickly shrugged that thought away. “Any man that you don’t know very well is always suspect. And, I’ve met a few stinkers in my time Doc. Take it from me, most of them still live in the dark ages or wish they did with the woman at the bottom of the food chain.”

Startled by the detective’s aggression and her view of men, Amelia’s sharp mind wandered into her professional territory as she wondered why the woman had that kind of negative impression of men generally. “Don’t you think that’s a little harsh detective?”

Olivia lifted her hand and Amelia quickly moved away so that offending finger didn’t flick her nose again. With a feral smile the detective spoke again, “Don’t go working your shrink magic on me Doc. I’ve seen the best and believe me they never find what they think they are looking for. Look there’s still a couple of hours before our guy comes back. I need something to eat or my stomach might give me away later. Let’s go to that town and the general store and pick up a snack then you can drop me off here and I’ll let you know what I find out tomorrow.”

“No way! I’m in this too. I might not have your training but I want to know if anything that happens this evening has any bearing on my case with Sister Marie. Let’s go, I’m hungry too.” They headed for the car and Amelia hastily turned the key in the ignition as the car sprang to voracious life. As she concentrated on the road back to town, Olivia grinned. This was turning out to be not as boring as she had thought earlier.

Olivia removed her cell from her pocket and dialled Max. Several attempts at locating him at home, the office and his cell proved fruitless. Maybe for once the old man had finally taken her advice and gone bowling or something that you could call a life.

“Was your call important? Maybe you need a better signal - we can locate a phone in town,” Amelia asked as she headed towards the town.

“Nope, it can wait until tomorrow,” Olivia announced and closed her eyes as they drove closer to the town.

+ + +

Max Anderton donned the uniform of a security guard to help him in his quest to seek out as much information as possible on Axel Randal and his business dealings. He had arranged everything except the guard’s ID badge in the hope that Olivia would show up and take the first watch. He would take the early morning stretch to relieve Olivia for a few hours. He didn’t assume she slept, because he very much doubted she allowed that kind of practice in her life. Not the conventional sleeping that most conducted to function as a normal human being anyway. No, Olivia had a body that could cat nap and in a few minutes charge up her batteries to the top. It amazed him and although he’d worried about this when he had first taken her on, medicals over the years showed that she was one hundred percent fit and showed no signs of lack of sleep or strain of any kind. He, on the other hand, was getting older and his body was finally admi tting defeat in some areas. Notably, his stamina and the fact that he now had high blood pressure, which wasn’t good for this kind of work. He’d have to speak with Olivia again about taking on another body. That way he could stay in the office and wouldn’t feel guilty that she was doing all the hard work.

However, today he was on his own. Olivia hadn’t returned and her cell went straight to voice mail. If she was in the middle of something important she usually switched it off until she had finished whatever she felt was important. Glancing down at his cell, he saw the flashing of the battery power cell, it was running on empty. Darn it, he’d forgotten to charge it the night before. Dragging open the cupboard on the far wall, he delved into the stationery he kept there looking for the spare. Finding it, he placed it in the phone and found this was dead too. Damn. If Olivia finds out she’ll be livid. One thing or should he say one of things that annoyed Olivia was his scattered brained approach to minor details like topping off the battery on the phones. Oh well she’ll never know. He thought as he plugged both batteries into the two chargers on the wall.

Scribbling a quick message, he placed it on Olivia’s desk in case she returned to the office later. O, I’ve gone on a stakeout - check the file that is marked, Frobisher-?- you’ll understand when you read my notes. Come relive me at the guy’s office when you get back. M He’d call her service using their landline and leave the same message and his location.

Flicking the office phone to the answering machine he turned the lights off and left the office, heading for Randal Enterprises.

+ + +

“How well do you know Father Johansson detective?” Amelia asked as she bit into her bacon and lettuce sandwich. They had a tepid cup of coffee in the general store before buying several sandwiches and a couple of bottles of water prior to returning to the convent and their vigil.

Olivia swallowed her mouthful of tuna sandwich and wondered how to answer that one. “I’ve known him for about ten years. He was the local priest that we would call at the precinct I worked in at that time.”

Amelia turned intelligent enquiring eyes to the dark ones of the detective who looked totally absorbed in her food rather than the conversation. “Ah, you were a bona-fide cop before you went out on your own?”

“I’m not on my own I have a partner remember. And yes, I was in the force for a time,” Olivia stated quietly.

Amelia heard the slight rebuke in her words, it must be a touchy subject matter, I wonder if I should delve further, Amelia thought as she munched happily on her sandwich. “Why did you leave or is that too personal a question?” Amelia asked quietly glancing at her food in the cellophane wrappers rather than the detective. It was a natural thing for her to ask questions and she loved hearing about different people and why they did what they did and it didn’t all come down to trying to solve any hidden problems. Though, she admitted privately that this woman had issues and who knew, she might be able to help.

Olivia had long ago dispensed with politeness when it came to her sudden career change when asked. Although it was usually some snotty nosed junior reporter trying to make mountains out of molehills and a name for themselves at her expense if she allowed them. “I killed a man in cold blood, does that make it clear for you doctor?”

The matter of fact way the words spilled out of the detective’s mouth made Amelia’s skin crawl. There was no remorse or guilt when Olivia mentioned the death, quite the opposite. There was a certain relish and satisfaction in her action. At a loss for words for a few moments, Amelia had to gulp down some water to prevent part of her sandwich from choking her. “I see, was it in the course of duty or…” she was unable to finish the sentence because there was no way she wanted to be affiliated with a murderer. Surely Father Johansson would never have put her life in jeopardy surely.

A wicked sparkle flashed out of Olivia’s eyes as Amelia’s gaze was captured in the cross-fire. “Depends who you talk to as to how the deed is interpreted. As far as I’m concerned it was a necessary act and I’m not sorry for my actions. Okay, what about you, when did you meet the good Father?”

The reversal of conversation was both welcome and not, because in a perverse way Amelia wanted to know more about how Olivia Santos ticked. “He was the priest who christened me. I guess you could say I’ve known him all my life and he’s always there if I ever need him.”

“I can understand that, he has that ability to reach out to a part of you and stick there like glue no matter what happens. Did you always want to be a shrink?” Olivia was making small talk, an unusual occurrence for her. However, this situation was unusual - normally she undertook surveillance on her own which was exactly how she liked it.

With a smile Amelia considered the question. “Not initially. I wanted to be a vet, don’t we all.” When there was no answering agreement to her statement, Amelia continued. “I was gradually sucked into the field by a very talented woman who was one of my teachers in high school. I never quite went back on track to being a vet.” She shrugged. “I find my work stimulating and rewarding.”

“I guess we both have rewarding work then because I feel the same way about what I do.” A finger was gently placed on Amelia’s lips as Olivia cocked her head to one side listening intently. “Whoever was here before has returned, do as I say okay?” Olivia whispered as she silently opened the car door and slid out, “Stay here I’ll be back.”

Before Amelia could do anything but look surprised Olivia had disappeared into the night. What should she do now, wait? The lights from a car flashed up in her mirror as she ducked down to avoid being seen, though that was highly unlikely as the detective had directed her to a spot that couldn’t be seen from the road unless you were searching for one. Breathing in deeply, Amelia looked over to the cabin that was visible from her position and she saw a tall man in a dark overcoat and Panama hat, standing in the light of the moon. She could see that he was smoking and his stance was patient as he waited. Where is the detective?

+ + +

Olivia slid like the night itself along the wall partly disguised by the vegetation that overran the brickwork. Hopefully it wasn’t poison ivy or she might be in trouble. Her eyes had picked up the man standing by the hut that she and the doc had previously hidden in. The question was, should she scale the wall and enter the courtyard. Nope the nun who is working with the guy is due anytime and I don’t have a crystal ball that will tell me the direction the nun is coming from. Stealthily she made her way closer to the man, who thankfully didn’t appear to be interested in anything but the cigarette he was smoking. As she waited, her vision was slightly obscured as a small door that was partly concealed by the vegetation and darkness was opened and a shadowy figure appeared. Olivia quickly used the open door as a shield as the person furtively glanced around. It has to be a nun. Who else can it be? Her eye s were then fixed on the man who crunched out his cigarette in the gravel and stepped towards her.

“You have what I want?” His voice had a harshness that went with someone who had no respect for what the nun represented.

A shuffling of a load, which from Olivia’s vantage point looked large, was dragged through the open door and deposited in front of the man. It is an oversized sack. His satisfied clearing of his throat was all the communication he offered. Watching closely, Olivia saw the man pull open the drawstrings and poke a flashlight inside and inspect the contents.

“We’ll be in touch.” He tried to pick up the load and struggled. Then nun helped him drag it towards his vehicle.

“When will you be in touch? Tomorrow, there will be lots of question, I need to leave now with the money.” The mournful sound had a distinct lilt to it that Olivia was sure she could identify in the light of day. The fact that the night and the nun’s habit prevented her seeing the woman was a frustrating situation for her. However, things got worse when the man who was about to place the sack in the trunk of the car heard a noise and stopped. His eyes were drawn to the trees where the doctor’s car was parked.

Holding her breath, Olivia didn’t have much time to wait as the man, with a speed that surprised her, ran towards the bushes and pulled out the doctor.

“What the hell are you doing?” Amelia shouted at the man with the few ounces of bravado she had in her body and that wasn’t much.

The man didn’t release her from the vice-like grip he had on her forearm as he peered into her eyes. His were a watery blue that could be described as dull filled with tempered anger. “I could ask the same of you, what were you doing in the bushes?”

Amelia had to think on her feet. She had been worried about the detective and foolishly thought that following her might have been a good idea. It would have been, had the man not returned to his car the very same time she had tripped over a rock and let out a small shout at the slight pain that had shot through her ankle. “My car’s broken down if you want to know. What about you?”

The man looked her over carefully not convinced of her answer, “I’ll take a look at your car, let’s go.”

“I’m not going into those bushes with you! You’re a stranger to me!” Amelia announced in her most outraged tone. It was true this man was a stranger and she didn’t like the look of him, he could murder her and leave her body hidden and who would know because the detective was nowhere to be seen.

“Why is your car in the bushes anyway, surely it would have been easier to stay on the main road for any help?” Amelia looked away towards the convent wall hoping a miracle would happen because the malevolent look in the man’s eyes wasn’t a good sign.

“Hey babe, what you doing out of the car I thought I told you to stay with it until I came back with help?” Olivia slid from her position after watching the scene unfold. The nun who had been there earlier disappeared through the gate slamming and locking it when she saw another person arrive.

Amelia had never wanted to see someone as much as she did the detective who appeared like a dark avenger to rescue her. Although she was somewhat embarrassed at her way of dealing with the problem, “I know, I know but…”

Olivia was as tall as the man who narrowed his eyes as he pierced her with a glance that would have intimidated most people, but not Olivia. She’d been on the receiving end of such stares before and it had never done anything for her except to increase the hackles she was feeling right now. “The lady doesn’t like being touched by a stranger. So unless you’re her long lost brother or uncle I’d release her if I was you.”

Amelia winced at the words as, for a few seconds, the hand on her arm increased its pressure before she was released. “Did you get help? I might be able to help and repair your car for you. Or better still give you a lift to the nearest town?” His words would sound sincere to most people who weren’t as attuned as Olivia was with slim balls like this guy.

There was a definite trade off of angry glances between Olivia and the man and, from Amelia’s standpoint, she hoped the detective won out. “I have the gas, we simply ran out. Thanks for the offer though we appreciate it. Now we’ll be on our way its getting late.” Olivia moved to stand beside Amelia and the pressure the doctor felt on her arm this time was gentle but insistent as she perceptively moved slowly away from the man’s reach.

Eyes locked like a fighter about to spar with its opponent. “As you wish, I’ll wait around to see that everything is fine.”

“Okay, thanks.” Olivia steered Amelia towards the bushes and they quickly climbed into the car and shakily Amelia switched the ignition and the car roared into life as they headed out of the bushes and back on the road.

Amelia peered back and saw the man placing his load in the car as they quickly sped away from him. Removing her foot from the gas, she looked at the detective in fear. “I’m sorry…”

“Keep your foot down, he’ll be trying to catch up with us. We need to get out of his vision at the next turn off.” Olivia was looking back waiting to see the headlights appear in the back window. Seconds later they did as Olivia saw a turn off coming up. “Switch the lights off, now!”

About to protest, Olivia reached across her and switched the lights off. “I can’t see where I’m going,” Amelia appealed in shock.

“Makes two of you, he can’t see you either. Keep your foot on the gas and when I say turn do it - don’t argue.”

Amelia gripped the steering wheel as she nervously waited for the instruction it didn’t take long as Olivia shouted, “now turn left, don’t brake go for it.”

Without thinking, but hoping the sandwich she’d eaten earlier didn’t come back to haunt her, she did as instructed and miraculously they were heading down a steep track. “Stop Doctor this should be okay.”

With a heavy sigh she pulled the car to a stop and placed her head on the wheel. “You can drive from now on,” Amelia cried out.

“Great, I knew you’d see it my way soon enough.” Olivia picked up the remains of her tuna sandwich that had slid to the carpeted floor. She looked it over and picked off a few bits of fluff and dirt biting into it with relish.

Amelia had watched the detective from her slightly stooped position and nearly barfed inside the car as she watched the woman eat a grubby sandwich. “How can you eat that? It’s full of germs.”

Munching on the object in question, Olivia raised her eyes, “A few germs can’t hurt anyone. In fact, they are good for you. Want a bite?” The aforementioned sandwich was placed in front of Amelia. She paled then turned a decidedly green tinge before opening the door open and rapidly ran towards the nearest tree and vomited.

“Guess not.” Olivia mumbled through the last of the food. She was annoyed with the shrink for not staying in the car but was equally pleased with her adherence to her instructions when it mattered. Climbing out of the car, she walked around to stand a foot away from the doctor. “How are you feeling now?”

Groggily Amelia answered, “How do you think I feel detective?” She wanted it to be heavy on the sarcasm but knew she sounded pathetic.

She lightly touched Amelia’s shoulder. “That good huh?” Olivia had a small smile that, had Amelia been looking, would have lit up the area with the flashing of her white teeth in the darkness. “It will be safe now, let’s go. I think you’ve had enough for this evening.”

Amelia felt the gentle touch of the detective and wondered how such a forceful woman could transmit that kind of feeling in a single touch. “I think you’re right.”

The drive back to the city had been in silence as Amelia had closed her eyes for a second and found that they were on the outskirts of the city when she opened them again. “Hey, I’m sorry I fell asleep on you.”

Olivia’s concentration was on the man and the goings on at the convent. Perhaps it has something to do with the nun who the doctor is treating. That sack had certainly been large enough to have a body of a small woman inside. The sound of the doctor waking rather than her words had Olivia glancing to her side to take in the woman’s appearance. She looked dishevelled and tired. After a goodnights rest she’d look better.

“Where do you live?”

Blinking rapidly, Amelia wondered why she should ask that. ”Oh take me to my office I’ll sleep on the pull out there. I don’t want to disturb anyone at home.”

“Are you sure? I would think that your own bed rather than a substitute would be better after your day today.” Olivia was surprised at the announcement, though it wasn’t much better than what she was going to do tonight.

“Thanks for the concern Detective but I’ll be fine.” Amelia was slightly annoyed at the woman’s interference. I’m the best judge of where I spend the night.

“Okay the office it is.”

The silence extended for the next three blocks and then, as they neared her office, Amelia asked a pertinent question which she should have earlier. “Did you see who the nun was?”

Olivia smiled slightly. “Not exactly but I’d know her if she spoke again. I have a good ear for voices. Tomorrow when you go back to the convent I want to come with you and speak to a few of t