~ When Hell Meets Heaven ~

JM Dragon

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.

Amelia gave the nun a comforting glance. “Yes, every step of the way. For as long as you need me.”

+ + +

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 them.”

Amelia’s heart fluttered slightly and she didn’t know why. “I thought you only offered twenty-four hours of your precious free time detective?”

“True I did but I want to know what’s going on in that convent probably more than you do. And, I never let a case go cold if I can solve it.”

The car was pulled to a halt outside the townhouse where Amelia worked.

Climbing out of the vehicle and realising it was her car, she peered at Olivia who wasn’t making any move to get out of the driver’s side. “Call it insurance that you’ll take me with you if I still have your car. What time shall we leave?”

Surprised at how quickly this woman read her mind, it made Amelia wonder who the psychiatrist was at this moment. “As early as possible I think…don’t you?”

“I’ll be here at dawn. Just remember that when you open the door and wonder what I’m doing there to wake you up so early. Goodnight Doctor.” Olivia switched the car into life moved off. As she did, Amelia stared whispering goodnight to the back of the retreating vehicle.

What a day this had been! And I still don’t know what is going on. All she knew for sure was that something wasn’t right at the convent and it may or may not have anything to do with Sister Marie. All she could hope was that the detective, who wasn’t saying much, but her body language spoke volumes, was worried, really worried and that made her jittery but safe at the same time. With those precarious thoughts running through her head maybe she’d have to analyse herself.

+ + +

The insistent ringing of the doorbell woke Amelia from her slumber. It had been a heavy sleep and one she felt hadn’t rejuvenated her as much as she had hoped. When she finally dragged on a robe, wearily padded to the door and, after blinking at the person who had arrived at such an unforgiving hour, opened it slowly.

“What time is it?”

A slow smile crossed Olivia’s lips as she casually lounged against the door-jam. Exactly as she’d predicted - the doctor wasn’t ready. In fact she looked like she hadn’t slept at all, hmm going to be an interesting day, she thought as she finally spoke, “I guess it’s around seven A.M. I don’t like wearing a watch therefore that would be my guesstimate.”

“Okay, you’d better come inside or the neighbours will wonder what’s going on.” Olivia passed Amelia and glanced at the woman’s attire. A fleecy dressing gown in a dull purple colour did nothing to enhance her look. The slippers she wore had seen better days as the toes popped out on both feet. Clearly fashion sense when it came to choosing her bedtime attire wasn’t her strong point.

Self-consciously Amelia glanced down at her clothes, when she saw the derisive glance she was being given, and wrapped the collar of her favourite robe closer to her neck. What does it matter what this woman thinks of me? It doesn’t! Though she had to admit she noticed that the detective was dressed in another tight fitting leather outfit in deep crimson. Amelia had the feeling that leather was part of this woman in everything she wore. “You didn’t happen to notice if Starbucks on the corner was open yet did you?”

“It isn’t, although I guess by the time you’re ready it might be and we can take a couple on the road with us.” Olivia knew that some folks had to have a morning fix of caffeine before they were human - Max her partner for one.

“Sounds good. I’ll take a quick shower and change and we’ll be on our way. You can wait here or in my office its up to you.” Amelia walked into her office. She had the luxury of a fully fitted bathroom, though tiny, in what used to be a storage area off the room. The detective was left in the outer sanctum.

Olivia ignored the invitation to follow Amelia instead choose to walk around the lobby comparing it with the office she shared with Max; they were poles apart. The office was freshly painted in natural hues, which she guessed was to help the patients who came to her for consultations, nothing glaring to distract them. The walls either had simple landscape watercolours or certificates and awards attributed to both the women who resided here. When compared to the run down place she and Max had - the only thing on their walls was peeling paint - the mental image of the type of sleazy work that they might carry out and often did came to mind.

As she thought about her work she wondered about the message Max had left her. He had taken a job which required surveillance work, which was usually her domain. He rarely left the office these days and she was happy about that. He might not have told her personally but she had read the letter from the doctors about his poor health. His cell hadn’t worked when she’d gone back to the office the night before nor had he answered at home. She noticed the batteries charging and she grimaced. He’s forgotten to charge them again. She’d have to have serious words with him about that-again! This meant that he was still on the case, but exactly where had her puzzled. There had been no message left of a change of venue and when she’d arrived at the location he’d written down it was all in darkness except for the security guard who had eyed her suspiciously when she’d asked for the time. Midnight is way too late for Max to be on a case. She’d have to have words with him later when she arrived back from the convent.

“Are you interested in art detective?” Amelia’s voice punctured her thoughts of her partner and brought her back to the here and now.

Switching her gaze to the doctor, she saw she was much more presentable though way too conservative in her book. Her eyes raked over the doctor’s sober, black knee length skirt with the classic white blouse and black jacket. You really can’t get much more conservative than that Olivia’s thought. This woman needs to have a session with a fashion stylist. “Not particularly. Why do you ask?”

With a shrug Amelia pointed to the landscape. It was a picture that her parents had bought her of the view of a place they went on vacation to for several summers when she had been young. “You were staring intently at the picture. Do you know where it is?”

Olivia shook her head as Amelia smiled relating the location and why it was hanging on her wall. “That’s great, now shall we get on.”

The simple dismissal of her explanation brought a lump to Amelia’s throat. The detective was only interested in the case and not personalities. How different that made them fundamentally. “I need to leave a note for Teal otherwise she’ll wonder where I am.”

“Okay, I’ll meet you at the car.” Olivia left the room rapidly leaving Amelia to wonder, not for the first time, how this person ticked. She was most definitely totally different to anyone she had ever met before. Even her patients and some of them had been weird.

Fifteen minutes later, after securing a coffee and a bagel to take on their journey, they were on the road. “Thanks for the coffee and breakfast. I’m not much of an early morning person.”

“No problem.” Olivia barely acknowledged the attempt at conversation and after several tries Amelia closed her eyes and remarkably slept all the way back to the convent. The slowing down of the car had Amelia jolting herself from her snooze and stare wide-eyed at the imposing walls of the convent. She’d slept through another reasonable drive with the detective, which was usual for her. In fact, the extra nap had done her a world of good. She was feeling much better than when they left. Although, looking at the clock on the dashboard and the time, it wasn’t surprising - it was nine-thirty.

“Hey, I’m sorry I’ve done it again. What must you think of me?” Amelia tried to offer an apology. It was dismissed much like the earlier conversation about the painting.

“You obviously needed the rest. Okay, do we drive inside or ring that monster of a bell?” Olivia hadn’t minded the peace that the doctor had afforded her by sleeping through the journey. She wasn’t one for small talk and had a single minded attitude to her work - you get the job done as fast as possible with as few casualties along the way as possible.

Amelia gave the detective a wry glance, as she replied, “Sorry we have to ring the bell and then walk to the main building. It’s quite a pretty walk …but of course that wouldn’t interest you.”

“Architecture is a powerful medium doctor. It can transmit a lot about the people inside if you know how to read it properly.” Olivia offered up her reply to the doctor as they left the car and she hauled on the rope that ran the bell inside the courtyard.

With a second look at the detective, she wondered if she should pursue the subject, when the gigantic oak door, with iron stays across to strengthen it, opened with the creaking of aged and worn hinges. The nun that looked at them with an enquiring gaze sucked in a breath unable to look away from Olivia, who had to admit from a conservative background, looked intimidating and you couldn’t get any more conservative than this place.

“Hello, I’m Doctor West. I’d like to see Mother Superior please.”

The nun, unable to stop her eyes from straying to Olivia who winked at her shamelessly, allowed them inside the courtyard. Amelia shook her head when she saw that the young nun’s cheeks were flaming red when she rushed off in the direction of the main entrance. The detective appeared to have a tick in the eye.

“Do we follow or was it something you said?” Olivia remarked. She was busily directing her gaze around the courtyard with its array of columns she had come into contact with the night before but now, seeing them in broad daylight, she finally got her bearings. Her eyes looked over at the windows that overlooked the courtyard and saw how easily they could be breached. Once inside the yard there were plenty of places to hide if your business was less than savoury. It would be interesting to find out what was behind the windows them and how accessible the nun’s quarters were in conjunction to anyone forcing a window open and gaining entry to the main building.

“More like something you did. But no we wait for a nun to take us inside,” Amelia muttered as she absently watched the nun talking to another of her order. It was hard to judge from this distance if it was anyone she had met from her previous visits.

Sedately the other nun walked over to them and Amelia recognised her as the nun who had taken her to the Mother previously. This nun was much older and her eyes were a pale green flecked with brown. Her expression was unfriendly which surprised Amelia. “Hello again Sister. I need to speak with Mother if she’s free.”

The surly features didn’t change and Amelia wondered if this was her usual facial expression. She hoped not for the sake of the people who asked for help. Then the eyes of the nun fixed on Olivia and her expression was in marked contrast to that of the younger nun earlier. There was no fascination there. Nope it was sheer distaste as she took in the detective’s clothing clearly outlining her sinewy muscled body. “Who is this person Doctor?”

Amelia felt the significant bristle the remark gained from the detective who turned to observe the older nun in a frank and malevolent stare that sent shivers down her back. Goodness only knew what it did to the nun, who looked taken aback at the silent appraisal. “This is my… associate Ms. Santos. I need her assistance on a few matters. Of course I’ll explain everything to the Mother when I see her.”

At the word associate, Olivia turned her brilliant dark gaze on the doctor and, to Amelia’s pleasant surprise, gave her a wink that was accompanied by an approving grin. For some reason it felt good that she had done something at last to please the detective.

“This way please. I’ll enquire if you can be seen. I know you are not on her schedule today.”

Unexpectedly, the nun speedily moved towards the main building and they had to run to catch up with her. They were allowed inside the vestibule and told to wait while she found out if Mother Superior was available to accommodate another meeting today.

Olivia had her arms crossed over her ample chest as she glanced around at the tapestries on the wall. “Do you do this kind of thing often?”

Shocked, not by the question but, by the fact that the detective was speaking to her, she wondered what she meant. “Sorry I don’t understand. Do what often?”

“Help out the church. I hate this kind of stuffy discipline. It reminds of school and I hated being there.” Olivia didn’t know why she explained herself or why she actually asked the question.

Amelia didn’t press home any advantage she was feeling at the detective’s opening up a little as she explained. “Quite a lot really. You could say they are my best clients. I was brought up in church run educational establishments…this isn’t a lot different really. You do get used to it in time I can vouch for that.”

Olivia watched the doctor and saw a smile play on her average features which gave her a glow that made her prettier. It was clear to her that the doctor had happy memories of the church and happy to dispel any notion that it was an outdated medium to express one’s self. “I don’t think it would suit me. I’m a bit of rebel. Never could get used to authority figures.”

Drawn to investigate further, Amelia asked quietly, “Yet you joined the police force. Surely they have lots of discipline and rules to follow.”

The dark gaze caught hers and there was a message behind the half closed eyelids that dared her to evaluate her words at her own peril. “I made a mistake, I’m not there anymore. It’s much easier to work for myself. No one else to worry about and if you screw up you can only blame yourself.”

The heavy internal door that Amelia knew led down the main corridor to the Mother Superior’s office opened. Another nun beckoned them forward silently and they followed in silence. The only sound they heard was the tip tapping of their feet on the old paved floors. The nun opened a side door that led to a small ante room where the older nun was waiting. This looked like a small office and Amelia suspected that the older nun, who had disapproved of their visit, was probably the second to the Mother.

“Mother Superior will see you now. I’ll show you inside.” With a strong knock on the door, the older nun opened it under the instruction of enter.

Entering the room, Amelia felt that there was a significant change in the atmosphere today from the previous occasion she was here. The room bristled with pent up anger or that’s how Amelia judge it to be and sucked in a breath waiting for the bomb to drop. She guessed that she had only herself to blame as she hadn’t returned with the sister the previous evening and explained everything.

“I wasn’t expecting you today Doctor West and who is your… friend?” The Mother asked. Her voice held a cold penetrating tone that chilled Amelia as she moved closer to the large desk.

“Sorry about not giving you notice Mother, but I thought you would understand that I might turn up out of the blue because of the circumstances involved. My associate is Ms. Santos. She helps with compiling background factors that might help us to find out the truth of the situation. I’m hoping that you will extend her the courtesy you have me in this delicate situation.”

Olivia was listening and watching the exchange. She could glean a great deal from the interchange between them and in particular how she would be viewed on the case. From the charge in the room she wasn’t going to go down well.

The Mother’s face was difficult to decipher even for Amelia who had experience in the field. The words spoken however left them in no doubt about her feelings on the matter. “I told you Doctor that under no circumstances were outsiders to be involved in this situation. You promised me that you would respect that part of the intrusion into our affairs here and what do you do? You bring a stranger inside the convent who apparently knows everything. Please tell me Doctor how am I to trust you now?”

It was true she had said she wasn’t going to speak with anyone on the outside about this. “I know how this looks Mother but please let me explain.”

Amelia’s plea appeared to turn on deaf ears and she was astounded when the detective’s deceptively quiet voice intervened in the conversation.

“I understand your need for privacy Mother and Doctor West did not betray your trust. I was requested to help in this case by Father Johansson so if you want to chastise anyone I guess you’d better call him. If you don’t want me here, I’ll leave and not breathe a word of any of this to another soul. As a professional courtesy to Doctor West, I’d be obliged if you would allow me to check over the frontage of the building and the general grounds for any signs of a break-in.”

Amelia’s grateful smile flashed at the detective. She couldn’t have said it better. The woman was quite eloquent when she wanted to be. “I think it would be beneficial for both of us Mother. Ms. Santos is very able in that particular department and you can count on her to be thorough.”

Tapping a finger on her desk in frustration, the Mother considered the plea from the two women in the room. Perhaps it won’t be such an inconvenience. There had been mention of unusual footsteps after dark in recent months, but nothing substantiated. “I will allow this on the proviso that Ms. Santos does not communicate with any of my Order except for Sister Augustine. She will take her around the grounds and buildings. Is that perfectly clear?”

“Absolutely clear Mother.” Amelia spoke quickly not allowing the detective the opportunity to say anything different. Turning to Olivia, she gave the detective a roll of her eyes to go with the flow. There was a minor facial twitch and Amelia wasn’t sure if the detective was laughing at her but she didn’t have time to ponder that point at that moment.

The Mother called for Sister Augustine to enter and the nun, who had been less than friendly to them, entered. After issuing relevant instructions, Olivia left with the nun and Amelia sighed thinking that the detective was far more intimidating than the nun and she knew, if pushed, which side she’d chose.

“Now doctor what can I do for you? I take it this isn’t a social call.”

Amelia almost laughed and stopped herself in time because that comment was definitely not said in jest. “Two things really. First, I wanted to find out how the news of Sister Marie’s pregnancy has been taken.”

There was a shuffle of papers and Amelia was sure it was a nervous reaction to her question. Perhaps the Sister hadn’t told them her news. That particular idea was soon dissolved as the Mother began to speak. “Sister Marie informed us of the initial findings of the doctor.” The words were spoken brusquely.

Something isn’t right. Mother Superior had a definite nervous appearance and her simple comment made matters worse in Amelia’s mind. “I feel that you are somewhat astonished at the findings Mother.”

The nun stood up and walked over to the window that had a view of the main courtyard. Her eyes followed her second and the outsider as they walked over to the vestry area. Her thoughts were in disarray. Am I astonished? It is hard to take in that one of my nuns is pregnant but I could forgive the broken vows if that is the truth of it. However, for Sister Marie to remain constant in her belief that she is chosen by God to bear his child is a slap in the face for our Order and all who had committed themselves to God’s work! And, from Sister Marie of all my nuns…that is the most astonishing thing in all this.

“I know it’s hard Mother but Sister Marie needs help and I’m sure over time we can solve this mystery.” Amelia softly entreated the nun who didn’t turn to face her but the rigid backbone told Amelia that she had made a decision.

“I agree with your diagnosis Doctor. That is why we sent Sister Marie to an institution this morning that can help her. Hopefully when the confinement is over she can begin a new life on the outside.”

The matter-of-fact words echoed in the room. What’s going on here? This wasn’t the plan. She was here to help the nun not have her sent to an asylum. That poor creature wouldn’t last a week in a place like that, it is criminal! Scrapping back the chair Amelia stood up and crossed the small divide between the two of them and placed a hand on the Mother Superior’s arm forcing the nun to face her.

“Why? Why have you done that? I can help her without her leaving here, I know I can.” Amelia pleaded in earnest. As she did so she saw the closed expression in the older woman’s face. She had seen that particular look far too many times in her life and church personnel had it down pat in spades.

The nun moved away back to her seat and closed her eyes briefly before sucking in a deep breath. “I had no choice Doctor. Obviously Sister Marie has broken her vows and has been with a man. She must now bear the consequences of her actions. I cannot have the rest of the convent upset in such a way. It was the wisest thing to send her away. I have it on good authority that the hospital will take good care of her until she is… better.”

Placing her hands on the desk and facing the nun, Amelia felt like screaming but she knew the ways of the church, in particular Mother Superiors. There was no forcing them to see sense but there had to be another way. “Can you give me the address of the hospital? I’d like to visit the Sister. She needs friendly faces right now not a sterile environment set on making her life a misery. What did you do bundle her away in the dead of night kicking and screaming?” Exasperation was evident in every syllable.

“Hardly Doctor, we told Sister Marie of our deliberations and she agreed with the decision. You make it sound like we are evil and that is far from the truth.”

Under her breath Amelia whispered, “Doesn’t look like it to me.” Then she saw that the nun had heard her and moved away from the desk and looked out onto the courtyard where the detective was busy looking at the window frames and doors. There was no need for that now. Basically, as far as this convent was concerned, the case was over and as they were an Order outside the normal church there was no peer pressure to bring to bear on them. “Will you tell me where you’ve sent Sister Marie?”

For a few moments there was silence, then the Mother pushed over a card and as Amelia took it she sucked in a heavy breath as she saw the name of the hospital. Shaking her head, Amelia walked over to the door and wished the Mother a good day. Getting out of the room was her first priority as she felt sick to her stomach. And these people call themselves the hands of God!

Now to catch up with the detective! We have a mission to complete.

+ + +

Olivia had been in the presence of the aura this nun transmitted many times in her life. It was no sweat and conversely she could handle it better than someone being nice to her. At least the nun was being honest about her feelings, though it did make her smile. After all, weren’t all nuns supposed to be charitable to poor folks like herself who didn’t have the same view on life? She had been given the details of the assignment by Teal, whom she’d found to be quite amusing and genuine, and also had read her mind by providing information about this particular order. The notes were concise but limited, which wasn’t a surprise when she read the details. Normally under the Catholic Church it would have been relatively easy to find out about a particular convent as they had records going back centuries. This order was different. Though there was a link centuries ago, its affiliations were with its work and not the Catho lic Church. Apparently, in the late eighteenth century there had been a split from the mainstream church in Europe. There were those that wanted to remain untainted in their ways and carry on as they had since the order was first ordained in the late fifteenth century. They used much of their funds to charter a ship to the new world where they set up this convent. From and outsider’s perspective, the original brick and stone masonry still exists in the old nunnery’s architecture. The whole expedition had been carefully planned and executed to such a degree one wouldn’t know that this place hadn’t been here since the 1400’s. From the sparse information known about this specific order, she could glean that they kept to themselves except for their work, which was apparently lucrative even back when it was first founded in the country. Consequently, they had been able to remain relatively unscathed with the passing of time and changes in the modern day life. It appeared on the surface that the order ! was bein g true to the original concept. Although the question had to be asked after what they had witnessed last night -was it?

“Sister Augustine, what time do you order lights out?” Olivia’s eyes scanned another window for any sign of breach. Once again there wasn’t any evidence at all and they were almost to the end of the corridor.

The nun gave the outsider a severe glance and with a sniff of the air, almost like saying, what’s it to do with you, she replied, “We don’t order our sisters Ms. Santos. It is a personal choice when sleep is required. However, the convent is officially classed as sleeping around eight-thirty. Why do you ask?”

“No reason really. Except…have you heard any strange footsteps after curfew or has anyone?” Olivia glanced towards the nun and was glad she had as the older woman stiffened at the question. This should be interesting.

“I have no personal knowledge of such a thing.” The stilted words were forced just as Olivia expected they would be. She would bet her pay check for the year that the nun, if not lying, was definitely withholding the truth.

Straightening her body, Olivia looked like a predator ready to pounce as she folded her arms across her chest and waited for more. Her eyes bored into the old nun’s. The silence dragged out between them. Olivia knew she had the patience to wait and suspected that the nun did too. Maybe we aren’t so different after all. “Look Sister, I’m here to help. You can accept it with good grace or you can simply clam up and tell me nothing and I’ll be gone. Then this will be a problem that might never be solved and you’ll go to your grave not knowing the truth. How would you feel about that? Knowing you had opportunity to find out but never did.”

The nun took a moment to consider the words and then shrugged so forcibly that the beads around her neck rattled. “Mother told me to show you all the windows and doors here in the courtyard. Are you almost finished?”

Olivia knew when she was beaten… for now, there is always another way to skin a cat.

“Are you almost finished with your survey Det… Ms. Santos?” Amelia West broke into the conversation with a despondent tone.

Both women turned to the doctor and her grim expression told its own story. At least to Olivia who paused a few seconds before replying. “I have a couple more to go, why don’t you two sit there on that bench until I’m done. Won’t be long.”

It was true it wouldn’t take long however, if she was lucky, maybe the doctor might find out what they needed to know. If she was a good judge of character behaviour, which she was, she was certain the doctor would ask what they had discussed with her usual forthrightness.

“Okay, don’t take too long we need to get back to the city.” Olivia inclined her head and walked away towards the last of the windows and the final door she hadn’t checked.

Amelia walked towards the bench and sat down. She was exhausted or felt that way after her talk with the Mother Superior. How could she do what she did? It isn’t right!

“You look troubled doctor, can I help?” It was a civil and almost sympathetic question. But, that was hard to believe since the nun was surely part of the team that had expelled Sister Marie out of her home. And, though it was hard to believe for the masses, a nun did consider the convent her home and was happy there.

Anguished eyes stared into the pale brown of the nun’s. “Hardly.” Her harsh tone was not lost on the nun who sat down next to Amelia and spoke again.

“You know of the decision to send Sister Marie away?”

“Of course I do! How could you do that to her? She needs help not exile.”

A hand that had seen hard labour in its life was placed gently on Amelia’s hands that clenched together in her lap. “Where she has gone they will provide her with that help Doctor. Sister Marie agreed to leave. We did not force her - that isn’t our way. You of all people should understand that.”

Dragging her hand away, Amelia glared at the woman. “My church wouldn’t do what you have done. And, you call yourself the Saviour of Souls. Who is saving Sister Marie’s soul right now Sister Augustine, who?”

A long silence ensued or it seemed that way and then the nun spoke again. “Mother was distressed as we all were at the outcome of our deliberations. How could we continue to have Sister Marie under our roof when she is clearly demented and in need of constant attention? We cannot offer her the expert help she will receive at the hospital. When the baby is born, Sister Marie will have choices. We have not totally abandoned her…it isn’t our way no matter what you think Doctor.”

Scathingly Amelia gazed at the nun. “Choices? What are those I wonder? To be locked away for good if she doesn’t change her story? Be ostracised into the outside world without possessions and friends? Or lose her child perhaps? I can’t believe that she became such an embarrassment that you would discard her without a care. It isn’t right! Do you hear me, it isn’t right!!” Amelia’s voice had risen to such a level that Olivia had heard her and decided it was time to go and save the doctor from the grouchy nun. But, other nuns who were passing in the courtyard had also heard and turned to stare at what was disrupting their contemplations.

Sister Augustine gave the nuns that had stopped close to them a disapproving look and they moved on quickly, “Doctor, Sister Marie is a gifted individual and she will be sorely missed here. If, at this moment, we had any other choice we would have taken them believe me. Now I must go. Your associate has completed her task. Good day to you Doctor.”

Olivia arrived as the nun left them and she raised her eyebrows in question, “I hope she didn’t leave on my account.”

Standing abruptly, Amelia gave the detective a direct look. Her eyes were blank in reaction to her emotion venting itself on the old nun. Now she needed to think. “Let’s go I need to get out of here.”

“Okay, then will you tell me what the problem is Doc?” Olivia didn’t want to push the woman but she looked like she needed a stiff drink. Who wouldn’t after being inside this mausoleum? Kind of made one wonder how the women, who choose this kind of life, ticked. Weird, definitely weird.

“Please detective, let’s go I need to make some enquiries. By the way, how much do you charge for your services?”

Puzzled but intrigued, Olivia answered and then asked sarcastically, “Does this mean you want to keep me around? And there I was thinking you didn’t care.”

Amelia gave her a cynical look. “You don’t know what I care about detective and it’s highly doubtful you ever will.”

Olivia smiled slowly as she watched the retreating back. Now there is a challenge if ever there was one. And I love challenges especially when it involves the workings of another woman’s emotions. Adjusting her walking speed, she caught up to the doctor.

+ + +

Axel Randal had expected his contact to provide the package as requested. What he hadn’t been prepared for was interference from his wife. Why he’d married her he could hardly remember and then it came to him, oh yeah her family inheritance. He wasn’t one to balk at the chance of having his hands on a two million dollar fortune. He had wisely persuaded his besotted wife to loan him half and within a year he’d doubled it and his fortunes had progressed steadily along that track for the next ten years. Whereas his wife’s money had been old money founded in cattle in Wyoming, his was, shall we say, of a more nefarious nature. He’d invested in prostitution, pornography, seedy clubs and finally the most lucrative of all, drugs. Having been born on the wrong side of the tracks living with the scum of the earth, he’d won a scholarship to college. Actually he persuaded the head teacher of the hig h school to bump up his grades, which had been easy since the teacher had a liking for young women, the younger the better. Then, he insinuated himself into a group of high flyers with wealthy parents and more money than brains. That was how he’d met Danielle. Her brother was a friend of his - at least as much of a friend as someone with his limited resources could muster. Steven Frobisher had been weak and, had it not been for his sister, he would probably have been the one to put the bullet in the guy’s head a year later. Frobisher hadn’t paid his bills to the right people and when that happened the end result was always a fore gone conclusion - death. He had the opportunity to save him by putting in a good word, however if he’d done that Danielle’s fortune would have been a pittance. A dead brother was an excellent solution to his financial needs. She’d fallen for his solicitous attention after the event and six months later they’d married and he’d graduated with remarkably a! n honour ’s degree. That had been bought too but no one but him and the lecturer who had given him the exam papers prior to the event would ever know. Besides, the old man was long dead now…another loose-end sewn up.

Standing at his desk, he pulled at his strong chin which had a half day’s stubble. His attractive features had been his blessing especially when he was in the company of powerful women. Right now, Deputy District Attorney Sheila Crawford was high on his list to corrupt. His one motto was that everyone had a price and he just had to find hers. His wife, on the other hand, had gone too far and it was time she found out the man she truly had married was not the respectable businessman who professed to love her. He didn’t, in fact he’d never loved anyone but himself and he was more than happy with that situation. Not even the birth of the one child he reluctantly agreed they could have, had any call on his emotions. The boy reminded him of Steven. If he ended up as weak as his deceased uncle then he’d be dead before he was twenty-one too. His mother spoiled him too much. Maybe it was time to send him to that military a cademy that he hated the thought of. Might make him into a man.

The meeting the night had been successful until some bumbling security guard had decided it was time to check out the conference room. The precise instruction to all security was that any meeting on the top floor was strictly closed to everyone including them. The gentlemen in the room had made it clear that the guard was dispensable and would be removed without delay. Delay wasn’t in his vocabulary as he had his personal security take care of the problem. Complete with a painless interrogation with his very own truth serum developed in his lab. They shot the guard full of a drug that within twenty-four hours would disappear without a trace and then threw him off the bridge into the water. His body would wash up in a day or two. That was enough time for there to be no evidence drugs or what happened to him other than the obvious… drowning. Even his clothes had been changed to prevent them from heading in his company’s d irection. The old man hadn’t lasted long under the drug. His description of who had sent him and the name had been conclusive. What had made the murder even more important to carry out immediately was that the man had recognised a couple of his associates, one in particular. That had been his death warrant not that he was going to obtain a get out of jail free card. The question now was how to handle Danielle. Killing her wouldn’t be as easy. Too many of his respectable friends would be inquisitive. Maybe her death wouldn’t be of any benefit, although divorce might be as devastating for her social position. After all, her money was a pittance to what he had made over the years and, as he’d found out in his early years in their social click, you had to have vast amounts of money and not a trickle as Danielle had. There wasn’t a divorce lawyer in the country who would want to go up against him because he’d have the best.

A card lay on his desk and he spun it around gazing at the spinning letters upon the plain business card he’d plucked from the wallet of… Max Anderton, Private Detective. Hmm, a visit by his people to the Anderton-Santos Detective Agency was the next step. Although, right now analysing the package when it arrived was the most important aspect of his agenda of the day. In two hours he’d know if they had been successful in producing what could only be described as the second coming.

+ + +

Olivia had tried to find out exactly what was wrong with the doctor, but she had been stone-walled in her attempts. All that had been said was that Sister Marie had been moved from the convent and she’d let the detective know more when she did. No amount of cajoling had instigated any further information and Olivia had reluctantly driven back to the city. The journey had been almost suffocating in its silence reminding Olivia that in the past she had always enjoyed silence but this…this is intolerable. As they pulled up at the doctor’s office, Olivia passed her the car keys.

“I guess you’ll call me when you’re ready. Take it easy Doc. Hey, you can’t help everybody.” Olivia slipped out of the car and was halfway down the block before Amelia tried to answer. Listlessly she climbed out of the passenger side door and locked the vehicle before wearily walking up the stairs into her office.

Teal had seen her boss in this kind of morose mood before but usually she had a handle of what the problem was - at this moment in time she didn’t have a clue. And, knowing Amelia she wasn’t going to be that forthcoming initially.

“Hey, I wasn’t expecting you, are you alone?”

Amelia stared at her friend. Her eyes clouded as she tried to stop herself from snapping at the woman. She failed. “Alone as I usually am Teal. What did you expect, a brass band?”

Teal remained seated and watched as Amelia headed for her own office, “I’ll fetch you lunch. Anything in particular you want today?”

“I’m not hungry. Can you make an appointment for me with Mother Sara?” She hesitated then said, “Now, if that’s possible.” Amelia shut the door behind her without waiting to hear the repy.

Teal placed a hand to her forehead. Not eating is bad, really bad, but asking for an audience with Mother Sara, that is the pits. What had happened since I last saw her? Can it have anything to do with that tall sexy detective? Hmm, I’d love some of her action…pity she isn’t so inclined.

Dialling the number quickly, Teal arranged the appointment. Fortunately the Mother was free in an hour. Ending the conversation, Teal opened up her own sandwich. She placed a couple of the spares she always made for emergencies like this and took them inside. Her friend looked so lost and Teal felt for her knowing that it had to be a big problem to have her so upset.

“You have an appointment in one hour. I brought you these.” She held out the sandwiches. “If you haven’t eaten you’ll never be able to face her.” She wiggled her eyebrows. “You know I’m right,” Teal joked hoping to see a semblance of a smile appear. It didn’t happen.

“Thanks Teal. I know you mean well but right now I can’t stomach any food. Do you know they never allowed me to try and help her? Right now I feel like I’ve failed her by taking her to see the obstetrician. If I hadn’t they would never have known for sure…at least not yet. Maybe in that time I could have worked that miracle.”

Sitting down across from her friend, Teal swung her legs like a child as she spoke. “Amelia, sometimes it’s meant to be. You can’t be responsible for everyone who can’t take reality for its face value.”

“You sound like the detective, Teal. She said very much the same thing. It isn’t the Sister that has broken me Teal, it’s the Mother Superior and how the Order is dealing with the situation. It’s so very wrong!” The pain in the words rang a warning bell in Teal’s ears. When Amelia was this distraught it usually didn’t bode well. Perhaps it isn’t a good idea to see Mother Sara.

“I don’t want to speak out of turn but, is seeing Mother Sara right now a good idea? Wouldn’t it be better to sleep on it?” The flash of eyes bore into hers. Yep I’ve spoken out of turn.

Amelia stood up and reached for her jacket and purse. “If I can’t speak with Mother Sara when I feel like this, then when is it a good time Teal…when?” Amelia left with the wake of her words echoing in the room.

Teal deftly jumped from the chair and walked back to her own desk. Lunch wasn’t going to sit well with her either until she knew what was actually going on. Maybe the detective can shed some light on this matter. Perhaps she’d call Olivia Santos in an hour or so and find out how the land lies. If nothing else, the detective had a sexy voice to go with that body and that would soothe any worry she had for a few minutes.

+ + +

Olivia attempted to open the door to the office but was surprised that it was locked. There could be only one explanation - Max was still on the case that he started the previous day. Using her key, she unlocked the door and strode purposely over to his desk and noticed everything was as she’d left it earlier that morning. Glancing at the cell phones, she saw they were still being charged. She gave the instruments a puzzled frown as she switched them off. In all the time she and Max had known each other there had never been a time when he hadn’t called in to give her an update. Interestingly enough, it was the one thing he had taught her and that lesson had stayed with her through the years. Sometimes rash with her choices, communicating with Max was far smarter than taking dangerous risks without another’s knowledge. He had saved her from the odd beating when he suddenly appeared when she needed it. In Max, she had found the perfect foil for her inability to take orders because he’d worked out early that she really could fend for herself. His gentle instruction had worked wonders in their professional working relationship.

Pressing the button on the answering machine, she listened to the half dozen messages but none were from Max. Then she dialled their service and listened to the others, but out of the twenty there was only one that was odd and it wasn’t from Max. The hysterical voice of a woman was pleading for Max to call her back immediately. The clear fear of something or someone in the voice shot through Olivia like an electronic pulse. The name given was Danielle Frobisher. Now where have I heard that name before? Her eyes flicked to the newly opened folder of the case that Max had taken and there in bold print was the woman’s name. Hmm this is interesting, Max hasn’t been back to the office and this woman who hired him for a simple domestic surveillance case is hysterical. Flipping several pages through the opened folder, she glanced at the few notes that Max had made and one name popped out to gain her immediate at tention. Axel Randal!

The outer door to the office opened and a burly, unshaven man with deep set eyes gave her the once over as he glanced around. The shifty look in the man’s eyes had her senses honed to any unusual movement. Olivia watched with her hand placed strategically on the hilt of her gun that she had strapped around her middle. She hadn’t removed her leather jacket so the weapon was hidden from view.

“I have a proposal for your detective. Is anyone here?” the man said in a voice that sounded like scratchy sandpaper. Olivia decided for the moment to play along with the fact that he didn’t think she was a detective. Playing the dutiful office girl was all part of the daily grind and it served its purpose on occasion and today might be another of those days.

“He’s out at the moment sir. Do you want to leave a message? I’ll have him contact you when he returns. It shouldn’t be long now.” Olivia batted her eyelids in an exaggerated way as she produced a voice that was a cross between having a cold and Marilyn Monroe.

The man stepped further into the office and stood close to Max’s desk where she was still positioned. With a smile that didn’t reach his eyes, which were already clouded in a lustful gaze, he took in her body statistics. Men could always be relied upon to be taken in by a pretty woman and she could play that part well enough when required to. “Yeah, give him this card girlie, I’ll be expecting his call.” The man turned away and headed for the door and then spun around slowly. He’d obviously forgotten to say something. His next words had Olivia reaching for the edge of her desk. “Tell him I have some news about his partner.” The tone of his voice said the news wasn’t good.

She was unable to do more than stand there because she wanted to seize the stranger and make him tell her what he knew about Max. Breathing in deep, but slow breaths, she watched the man get into a Ford Mustang on the passenger side. So there’s someone else with him. Reaching for the card, she looked at the numbers and the name then sat down heavily - Randal Enterprises.

Taking the folder that contained the woman’s number, she dialled it quickly, and waited for a pick up…

+ + +

The convent of Mary Magdalene was a progressive institution and one that had grown in recognition for their good works in the community over the past fifty years. The reduction of the codes of discipline had been a great factor in this. Now many people saw this as a charitable institute rather than a religious order. In many senses it was both. However, religion was today, as in the past, the greatest calling for those affiliated with the convent. Amelia sat pensively in the vestibule waiting for her audience with the Mother Superior’s. A few minutes drifted past before the clerk who worked for the Mother smiled at the doctor and beckoned for her to enter the office.

Once inside one could be forgiven for thinking it was more like the study of an academic than the head of a convent. Books on all subject matter adorned the numerous shelves that lined the walls and a well worn leather sofa, with a coffee table strewn with popular magazines, was in the middle of the large room. A medium sized classic replica writing desk with a boson’s chair was to the right. The door to a private room to the left opened and a woman in her mid-sixties smiling warmly welcomed Amelia with a warm a hug. “My child it’s been way too long since you last came to see me for a chat.”

Amelia felt the comforting hug and a part of her anger and disagreeable disposition disappeared. For the moment she felt she was safe from the ravages of the outside world. “I’m sorry I left it too long Mother Sara.”

“Let’s have coffee. Chloe has gone to fetch us a new brew. I abhor the dregs of hours old coffee. Sit my child, sit and tell me what’s wrong.” The kindly words disguised a strong penetrating gaze.

Amelia complied with the request gratefully and seated herself opposite the Mother Superior. “Thanks I need the coffee.”

The silver-flecked eyes bored into Amelia as they faced each other, “How is our young friend Teal? I haven’t seen her for a while, not even at the services Sunday.”

A slight smile creased Amelia’s lips as she considered her friend. “Oh you know Teal she never was much for the practise of praying in church.”

“Ah yes. She isn’t the most reliable parishioner I know. Now my child how can I help you? Because right now, you look like the world has shifted on its axel and is about to stop.” The Mother had known this young woman for over twenty years. She had been the head of the school Amelia had attended and had the pleasure, and sometimes the pain, to watch her grow into the woman she had now become. Her intelligence coupled with too much compassion at times threatened the fabric of her own sanity. Her deep need to be of use to the community had been a blessing in many ways but also a trial for Amelia. Thankfully, the profession she had chosen was at least in part a help to understanding herself as well as her patients. If only the young woman didn’t think she could fix everyone’s problems then she might find the peace she needed inside to live a more healthy life.

“Father Johansson will have informed you of my new case?” Her eyes flew to the Mother’s and at the movement of acknowledgment she continued, “Mother I failed the Sister, I failed her big time and I don’t know what to do?”

The pain etched in every word had Mother Sara’s heart go out to the young woman. Amelia was brilliant in her own way but she suffered so for her talent. “I do not know all the details but I’m sure you did everything you could. Wasn’t it only a few days ago that you were given this case?”

“Yes, and that’s the point Mother. I wasn’t able to do the right thing by the Sister. The convent clammed up and sent her away to an institution. I can’t allow them to do that. She needs my help…never more so than now!”

Calmly, taking in the wretched words as Amelia spoke, Mother Sara digested the information before she answered. “Amelia you cannot interfere with the decisions of another convent. By the grace of God they allowed you to become involved and so by the grace of God they can refuse your help. Do you know of the place the Sister has been sent to?”

“Yes Mother, but that isn’t the point…”

Holding up a hand to stop the flow of words, the Mother began again, “and this place, is it a good place for the problems the Sister is suffering from?”

Wildly Amelia looked around the room, wanting not to answer but knowing she had to she replied, “Yes, the doctors there are specialists in that kind of medical condition. However…”

Once more the Mother stopped Amelia with the wave of her hand. “However you believe you are better than they are and you want to help the woman, am I right?”

Was she right? Had her own vaulted aspirations of grandeur set herself up for this all powerful role and no one else could give the problem the insight she could? Was she finally losing it? There had been times when she had considered that she was the only one who a patient could possibly turn to. In most cases, since she had worked a long time with the patient, she’d been right. But this, this situation wasn’t even a week of contact, though it felt like a year to her. There had been something that called to Amelia, her soul perhaps, which had been linked to that of Sister Marie’s fate. She couldn’t stand by and do nothing if she had the means to help.

Her head which was downcast shot up dramatically when she replied, “I don’t think Mother Sara, I know!”

There was a knock on the door and the clerk stepped inside with deliciously smelling fresh coffee. A reviver if ever there was one.

Five minutes later, in a silence that was fraught with unspoken and unanswered questions, Mother Sara finally spoke again. “I have known you for a long time child and there is a part of you that needs, no indeed craves, to do the right thing by every unfortunate that is placed in your path. Don’t you see Amelia that each time an obstacle is placed in your way you use up far too much of yourself in removing it? And, in some cases, the energy required robs you of the very essence that enables you to do what is right for your patient. This is one of those times Amelia. Let it go. Allow others to help the Sister. How can whatever she’s going through be more important than stepping on others to achieve your goal?”

“Pragmatic as always Mother Sara. It’s the very reason I came to you for guidance. You don’t tell me to let it go, you ask me. Would it be too much of an imposition for me to check on the Sister and see how she’s coping from time to time?” Amelia had been running on angry adrenaline and was now sliding into what could be observed as normality. Maybe she needed to check in to see a psychiatrist herself.

Mother Sara smiled warmly, feeling that the troubled wave that had crashed over Amelia now lapped sedately at the shore. “I am here to help Amelia just as you are. There is a time to stand and a time to let go and at other times you need to wait. Let us have the understanding that in this case you need patience and faith my child. The answer will eventually present itself. Now, tell me how things have been, other than this episode, in your life of late.”

Accepting the words for the wisdom they offered, Amelia began to tell Mother Sara about the strange detective she had been working with. Now there was someone who could probably use her help as well.

+ + +

Sister Marie Clarice-Benoite had never doubted her conviction that the child she carried was a gift from God for it was the only explanation. Yet, here she was in a vehicle being delivered into the hands of medical people who would think her claims lunacy. Why didn’t anyone believe her? She had thought that Mother Superior would, in time, understand how this came to be. She had even allowed the outsider to question her and confirm her condition. Doctor West had been kind to her and hadn’t been quick to terminate her beliefs as to the conception of the child she carried. As she thought of the baby in her womb she protectively placed her hands over the swelling.

The gesture alerted the nun who was driving her to the hospital’s location. She was new to the convent and therefore had had little contact with many of the nuns. It was the way of the convent to keep the new intake segregated from the older ones until they had been assessed of their talents. Her fellow Sister, she hazarded, was about her age and was apparently very troubled. The woman then turned her attention back to the endless miles that stretched out before them.

A tear was about to fall and Sister Marie quickly rubbed her eyes to prevent the other nun from seeing her distress. I have never lied to anyone in my life. Up to this point my honesty has been beyond reproach. Why then doesn’t anyone believe that I can possibly be telling the truth, why? The simple question had been floundering around in her head from the moment the Mother had announced that it was for the best that she agree to treatment in a place that could help her since they couldn’t. But, why can’t they? I belong with them. I’ve committed her life to the Order and to what it represents. Apparently the only solution to my situation is to be flung out of the only home I’ve known and the family that I regard as my own. Will there be no end to the pain I’ve had to bear in order to bring this child into the world? Why is what I’m saying so wrong? Part of our faith believes there will be a second coming of our Lord. Am I such a bad person that this accolade shouldn’t be bestowed upon me? None of this makes sense.

“I need a bathroom break at the next stop Sister Agnes.”

The nun muttered something under her breath as she pulled up several minutes later at a small town service station. “Do you want to eat here too? It could be a while before we pass through another town.”

Considering the proposal, Sister Marie gave the nun a small smile of thanks. “There’s a diner attached to the gas station. Why don’t you check to see if it suits you. I’ll be only a few minutes and I’ll meet you inside.” Without waiting for a reply, Sister Marie quickly made for the restroom of the gas station.

Locking herself in the bathroom, she pulled out a card and smiled as she read the doctor’s details, perfect! She had seen a phone booth at the side door and quietly made her way there. Discreetly checking that Sister Agnes had gone across to investigate the diner, she selected a few coins from the money she had been given for her hospital stay and dialled the number. A silent prayer on her lips that the doctor was in her office.

+ + +

Olivia had called the number of the hysterical woman and couldn’t understand a damn word of the blabbered gibberish. Taking matters into her own hands, she finally managed to decipher the address given to her and retorted she would be there shortly. Picking up her and Max’s cells, Olivia locked the office then walked to the back of the building where the storage area that they rented was. A few moments later, she’d opened up the secure doors and with a grim expression stared at the array of items inside. There was a range of clothing covered in plastic hanging from several racks which could be used for surveillance. On another rack her own personal wardrobe hung. In the centre of the room was a sophisticated array of computer and technical hardware ranging from cameras to listening devices. There was also an array of other items one would think belonged to the government rather than a small privately operated detective age ncy.

On one side of the space there was the garage area, where a discreetly armoured jeep stood in the back and in descending order of size, a silver Chrysler sedan, an old-type steel grey Jaguar XJS, and finally Olivia’s pride and joy, a gleaming silver and purple Harley Davidson. Walking over to the bike, she stroked a slim finger down its streamlined leather seat and smiled as she recalled Max’s expression when she’d first arrived at work on the devil machine as he’d nicknamed it. Devil machine it might be to some but to her, it had removed her from some tricky situations when speed was of the essence.

As she thought of Max, the question of where he was kept running through her mind. Clearly the guy who came into their office spoke as if her partner was in dire need, but that could be misleading. And, if it was true and the worse case scenario had to be faced she had to keep a clear head and not take justice into her own hands and run rampant. That was, until she knew there were no more avenues open to her. Right now, the hysterical woman who had engaged Max was her only hope of finding her partner and extricating him from whatever mess he’d fallen into. If anything had happened to him then whoever had perpetrated the event would have her to contend with - she wasn’t in as bad a shape as Max.

Passing by the bike, she realized it wouldn’t to be of any use if the woman had to be taken from her present position. Anyway, she hated having someone else on the bike. It was like a part of her own private world that she didn’t care to share. The Jaguar was sleek and in her mind sexy, if she wanted to impress then she used the vehicle. Lately it hadn’t had much play time and today was no exception, work was the priority. It was a toss up between the sedan and the jeep. No contest really - the jeep won hands down since she might need a little of its fire power - who knew what was going to be in store for her.

At the end of the day she had only one priority, Max. Everything and everyone else can go screw themselves. I really don’t care and that goes for the doctor if she calls back.

Selecting a couple of items from the desk and a few extra rounds for her gun she took the Jeep’s keys and climbed into the vehicle. Within a minute she was heading out onto the main street and her destination, Danielle Frobisher.

+ + +

“I’m sorry Sister but the doctor isn’t available at the moment, can I have her call you back I’m sure…” Teal was surprised that the nun was calling.

“No! There isn’t anyway she can call me back. Does she have another number I can call? It’s urgent!” Sister Marie’s voice sounded panicked.

“I’m sorry Sister but she’d left her cell behind in the office. I know she won’t be much longer are you sure… wait a minute, I think I hear coming in.” Teal heard a sigh of relief at the other end of the line as she craned her neck to see if Amelia really was walking up the stone steps to the door. Thankfully she was. As she opened the door she looked a lot more relaxed than the last time she’d seen her friend. This call could change all that and she pondered for a split second if she should say anything.

“Hi Teal, any sandwiches left?” Amelia smiled warmly at her friend.

With a wink, Teal held up the phone. “Sister Marie is on the line, she wanted to talk to you. It sounds urgent…”

Amelia’s eyes flew open in astonishment as she quickly took the receiver from Teal’s hand. “Hi Sister Marie this is a surprise…”

“Doctor West, I haven’t got much time. I’m taking a great risk calling you but I need your help.”

A serious expression settled on Amelia’s features as she listened to the nun and finally replied. “I can be there in a little over two hours. You’ll have to stall the next part of the journey. Can you do that Sister?”

Moments later Amelia stood with the phone in her hand lost in her thoughts as Teal gently removed the handset. She waited for her friend to come out of her daydreaming and when she didn’t, Teal nudged her. “Penny for those thoughts Amelia?”

Amelia shook her head and brought herself back to reality. “You are never going to believe this Teal. The nun doesn’t want to be placed in the institution and wants my help to stop her from being incarcerated there. I said I’d help, but to be honest I haven’t a clue what to do, or, if I should even consider helping her. What will the church say?”

Teal grinned. It was just like her friend to involve herself without thinking. It was one of the traits she loved about Amelia and why they had managed to work together and remain close friends over the years. “Well the Church can mutter and moan all it likes, but if she doesn’t want to go she shouldn’t have to. She’s not a danger to anyone I take it?”

Amelia considered the question carefully before she replied. “Not to anyone except herself maybe. If I do this I’m not going to be flavour of the month with Father Johansson or Mother Sara, never mind the Cascadian Order.”

Teal laughed heartily as she considered the obstacles. “Well you can always do ten hail Mary’s next Sunday to make up for any wrong doing. I know that’s what I do when I eventually decide it’s time to make up with God.”

Amelia gave her friend a mock severe glance and then laughed. “You’re right of course, I can do penance later. Right now, I need to have a plan. This really isn’t my field of expertise.”

“Might not be yours but we both know someone who probably wouldn’t blink an eyelid out of place with this situation.”

Frowning, Amelia looked at her friend and then, with at the slight leer on Teal’s face, she realised who her friend was talking about. “Why of course, the detective. Can you call her Teal and ask her to be at my office within the next fifteen minutes otherwise I’ll leave without her.”

Grinning, Teal wondered if the demand was something the detective would appreciate; she doubted it very much. Amelia was preoccupied and thought everyone else was on the same page as she was. “I’ll call her and let you know. I’ve left those sandwiches on your desk. Eat them before you leave, you might not get a chance to eat again for a while.” Amelia waved a hand and closed her office door.

Teal dialled the detective’s office number but it went to her service. The she tried her cell and waited as the ringing made her wonder if this was going to end up at voice mail. Teal was pleased when that delightful voice filtered into her eardrum. Wow sexy isn’t a word for it.

“Hi there Detective Santos, any chance you can be at Doctor West’s office in the time it takes to get across town?”

Olivia smiled as she heard Doctor West’s associate’s voice. The woman’s voice sounded warm and friendly. “Hey, sorry Teal, I’m afraid I have an appointment I can probably see the doctor tomorrow morning.”

Without thinking Teal muttered, “Oh damn.”

“Is there a problem Teal?” Olivia heard the short burst and the tone behind it wasn’t good. What has the doctor gotten herself into now? I only left her a couple of hours ago.

“I guess… actually I don’t know for sure. Amelia had a desperate call from Sister Marie and Amelia has promised to help her. She needs your help to solve the problem…its way out of her normal field.” Teal knew she might be speaking out of turn but if the detective knew there was a problem maybe she’d break her appointment.

Thinking quickly, Olivia knew she was a couple of minutes away from her destination and she could drag along the woman if necessary to gain some time. That way they could talk with the woman as she drove to the doc’s place. “Teal I’m going to be about half an hour and tell the doctor I have the transport.” The call ended.

Teal grinned as she dropped down from her chair and walked over to Amelia’s office. She’d delay her friend with tactical problems whilst the detective arrived then neither would be aware that the timing wasn’t what was asked for. All in the day of a good associate!

+ + +

Danielle Frobisher-Randal paced about her home. The woman she had talked to had sounded efficient though detached. What if she didn’t believe any of what she was going to tell her? Was she as hysterical as she had heard herself sound on the phone? If she was then thank goodness her son was in a boarding school in the next state for another two months.

A vehicle drew up on the drive outside the house. It must be the detective. She’d asked security at the gate to allow the woman in if she could prove who she was. Either that or her husband’s threats of earlier that morning had been factual and he was sending someone out to kill her. Where in the hell could she hide if he did, or worse yet, decided to do it himself? And what about that detective she had hired yesterday? What had happened to him? Axel hadn’t been specific but his manner had been calculating and devoid of feeling. In all the years they had been together he had hidden this facet of his character well; or was it that she had been the one in hiding by not seeing what he was really like?

Danielle threw caution to the wind and peered out at the person alighting from the vehicle. It was a woman dressed in black leather and looked exactly how one would imagine the comic book character Cat Woman would look in the flesh. All she needed to round off the costume was the mask. The stranger strode purposefully towards the door and rang the bell. Normally the housekeeper would have answered but it was her afternoon off. Danielle opened the door hesitantly. “Hello?”

Olivia directed her eyes to give the woman who answered the door a stark glance taking in every atom of her body and appearance within a swift few seconds. This isn’t the housekeeper. “Hi, my name is Santos, Ms. Frobisher is expecting me.”

Danielle opened the door wider and allowed Olivia inside. Standing in the gleaming polished wooden panelled hallway, Danielle wrung her hands as she introduced herself quickly. “I’m Danielle Frobisher.”

“Look, this might sound crazy to you but, I’m needed across town. Any chance you and I can have our meaningful chat in my car as we head that way? I promise to drop you off afterwards…or pay for a taxi when we get there.”

Taken aback at the request, Danielle didn’t know what to do initially but decided it was a good idea. What if Axel has placed a bug in the house? Knowing the little she did about him now, it wasn’t a hard conclusion to jump to. “Sure, I could do with the air. Let me fetch my coat and purse.”

Olivia watched the woman disappear up the curved stairway and pursed her lips gently as she considered how much the place must be worth. Certainly she might dream of living in a place like this, but wasn’t likely to have such a tasteless place, unless she robbed the Federal Reserve of course. There were paintings of landscapes in the main entrance hall, a couple of family photos, and an old, and probably antique, sideboard that adorned one of the walls. Walking over to the wall hangings she engaged her photographic memory and stored the pictures in her head. One never knew when they might need this type of material.

“I’m ready detective, shall we go.” Danielle had watched the detective glance at her photos and felt uncomfortable. Several were the only things she had left of her deceased family and another of her son taken last summer.

“Great.” Olivia opened the door and allowed the woman to leave the house first as the smell of her perfume invaded Olivia’s nostrils. It was a perfect mixture of allure and sophistication that was totally in keeping with her first impressions of the woman. At least she didn’t look as hysterical as her voice had sounded on the phone.

As they left the grounds and the house behind, Olivia turned to her passenger and in a strained voice asked, “Where is Max?”

+ + +

Glancing at her watch, Amelia clenched her teeth together in annoyance. The detective was late, even later than she had been. The chances of meeting up with Sister Marie at the diner were rapidly sinking as she waited. Then, a vehicle screeched to a stop outside her office. Moments later Teal buzzed to tell her the detective had arrived.

“About time too!” Amelia announced as f her office door opened.

Olivia Santos flicked a derisive glance in Amelia’s direction. “I hope that wasn’t for my benefit doctor, or, I might just go out again and leave you to sort out your own problems.” Olivia switched her glance to Teal who was watching from her vantage point in the outer office and gave a good-humoured chuckle.

With a heavy hiss between her teeth, Amelia gave the detective a scathing glance. “Look we need to leave immediately, and you said you had transport?”

“I do, but first I need the details of what this is all about so I can decide if it’s worth me leaving my current case to help you in yours.” The conversation she’d had with Danielle Frobisher had been interesting although it shed no light on what had happened to Max. With the current emotional crisis the woman was experiencing - shit scared of her husband - she was unlikely to find out from her him. According to Danielle, her husband wasn’t going to be back in town until midnight. That left her enough time to help the doctor out and then make another visit to the Randal home; assuming this wasn’t going to be a long situation.

Amelia quickly detailed her conversation with the Sister and Olivia pulled at her lip in concentration. “Let’s go, we can’t waste any more time. Teal, I need a favour. Will you contact this number for me and give this message to Captain David Tourney. When you explain it’s from me he’ll understand.” Olivia handed the woman a slip of paper. Then, turning towards the door, she noticed Amelia standing there with her mouth open about to say something.

“I thought we were in a hurry?”

Both women left the building in a hurry. As Amelia was about to take a seat in the front passenger seat, she was astonished to see a beautiful woman sitting there. Who is this?

Olivia saw the look and grinned devilishly. If only it had been in less hurried times she’d have had some fun. “Danielle is coming with us. You don’t need to know any more than that.”

Climbing into the back of the jeep, Amelia was seething. What gives this woman the right to be here?And why can’t I to know anything about her? It isn’t fair! I’ll just have to find out on my own then. There was no way the detective could prevent her from speaking with the woman over the next hour or so.

“Hi, I’m Amelia West.” Hearing the grinding of the detective’s teeth, Amelia was pleased with herself.

The stranger simply replied, “Danielle.”

+ + +

Olivia had long since decided that the human psyche, particularly female, was all about contradictions along with a reasonable helping of common sense. However, not in all cases especially when capped off with the extremities of emotion. Today proved it to her again. The two women she was travelling with had all that baggage and more! From the moment the doctor was in speaking distance with Danielle she had begun her questioning. At times it amused Olivia, but mostly it irritated her. For once can’t the doctor just do as she’s asked? That wouldn’t have been difficult, but no sir, she decided that she wanted to know as much as possible about the stranger on the journey with them, which she supposed if you had that disposition might be logical.

However, as nature wills it, the tables turned on the doctor and Danielle wasn’t shy about asking questions either. Soon the women were in a full blown conversation. Eventually the tide changed in Olivia’s favour as the doctor was finally asked what she did for a living. When that special word shrink popped up, all the niceties were over and Danielle became very, very frugal with her conversation. It didn’t take a master’s degree to know what Danielle was probably thinking, no sir.She probably thinks I’m here to discreetly check her out. Not that West could ever be termed discreet, which was a surprise for that profession. It was almost as if the woman needed to be friends with everybody she met. Still, it made for the odd icy blast in her direction from Danielle and finally a silence from the doctor. Thank god for small mercies.

Finally, Amelia relented in her silent approach and tapped Olivia on the shoulder, which wasn’t the most sensible thing to do as she was the driver. However, it didn’t appear to bother the detective as she moved her head a fraction acknowledging the pressure on her shoulder.

“Yes Doctor?”

Teal had told her that she had explained in part what the problem was, but with this stranger here in the vehicle, how much dare she say without breaking confidences. It was a dilemma that she had come across several times in her career thus far, but today was different. “I was wondering what the e.t.a. is going to be?”

“I’ve made up the time you thought we’d lost. We should be there in a little over half an hour.” The words were clipped without any emotion at all. Is that for my benefit or Danielle’s?

Danielle, for her part, was astounded at the turn of events. Of course she wanted the woman’s help, or at least she thought she did but right now she wasn’t at all sure what was happening. They were travelling to a dust bowl of a town, a couple of hundred miles away, and her predicament wasn’t even being considered. When we arrive back in the city I’ll call another private detective. It was the only thing she could think of in the interim. Listening to the silted conversation between the doctor and the detective she doubted they were friends. She wasn’t exactly sure of the association they did have now that she had time to ponder their reactions to one other. It was fascinating to relax knowing that there was no way Axel could get to her. She knew it was a luxury she was going to have to savour as she continued to listen to the conversation.

“What speed have you been doing? I don’t want us being stopped by the police -that would be the final straw.” Amelia was appalled at the speed they were doing to reach their current location. Not that she had noticed the speed because the vehicle certainly didn’t indicate to anyone inside that it was well exceeding the speed limits.

Olivia chuckled softly, but loud enough for Amelia to hear which she knew would irritate her more. “Don’t worry Doctor there isn’t a cop within a fifty mile radius.”

“And how can you guarantee that may I ask?” Amelia didn’t believe the detective.

For a fraction of second Olivia turned her head to stare at the doctor. Then, with a wicked glint in her eye and a slight tap of her nose, she whispered, “That’s for me to know and you… never to find out.” With a final wink she swung her gaze back to the road ahead.

Hissing between her teeth, Amelia sank back into the luxury of the soft leather backseat and began fidgeting with the door handle. “Do you have a plan when we meet up at the diner?” Silence was the answer, therefore Amelia asked again, this time her voice held irritation.

“A plan, no, do you?”

Exasperated at the reply, Amelia slid further into her seat seething inside. Isn’t that the only reason she’s here? “I do not, that’s the reason I engaged you!”

This time Olivia laughed out loud. Danielle, who had been listening absently to them, smirked. She faced the window rather than the woman in the backseat thereby preventing the doctor from seeing her amusement. “I see. You engaged me did you? Perhaps I didn’t understand my place in all this. How about when we reach our destination Doctor you can duly chastise me for not taking the whole situation seriously. Sound like a plan to you?”

“Oh you’re impossible!” Amelia gritted her teeth and closed her eyes. I’ve had enough of this futile conversation.

Olivia was smiling as she turned to Danielle Frobisher. “Are you ok?”

Danielle grinned in response. Perhaps she would keep the detective around; she certainly wasn’t one to be bullied into submission. “I’m fine. Wondering what’s going on, but I’ll wait for you to tell me when the time is right.”

“Good. You catch on quickly…pity I can’t say the same about some others.” Winking, she nodded towards the backseat.

“I’m sure she’s just worried about… whatever it is you’re doing out here.” Danielle was intrigue and didn’t want to leave these two women until she knew what the problem was. It helped take her mind off her own troubles. Obviously it isn’t a dangerous situation or I’m certain I wouldn’t be sitting here.

Olivia remarked dryly, “’could be or she just enjoys riling me.”

What can I say to that? Danielle returned to peering out of the window and saw in the far distance shadows something that might be a town. She certainly hoped so because a bathroom break was sorely required.

+ + +

“I’m sorry Sister, but we need to continue or we’ll not reach our destination before dinner.” Sister Agnes was becoming slightly annoyed at the wavering tactics of her fellow nun. She hadn’t had any dealings with this particular Sister before, which wasn’t a surprise. When she’d been asked to accompany her to the institution, which to her was a polite way of saying an asylum, she had been cautiously pleased with being honoured by a request from the Mother Superior. Not one to pass up the opportunity to prove her worth to her new order, she gladly embarked on the trip. Even the odd comment that had been passed her way about the other nun hadn’t deterred her. Well, for goodness sake, she must need professional help if she is thinking the preposterous thoughts she does. Frankly she would have been one of those that would have either ostracised the nun and left her to her own devices or t he man who had led to her current predicament. It was all, all so very shameful.

Sister Marie fiddled with the beads that hung from the chain around her waist and adjusted her posture in the vinyl seat to see the time. Over two hours had elapsed since she had spoken with the doctor and currently there was no sign of her at all, where is she? Stalling wasn’t one of her better points and the fact that she was about to forsake the wishes of her order hung heavily in her thoughts. As she diverted her gaze to the children that were laughing at the soda-pop area, her thoughts naturally drifted to, oh to be young again with little to care about but what flavour of soda pop to ask for.

“What was your childhood like Sister Agnes?” The serene expression that accompanied the question took the Sister off balance for a moment.

Why can’t we have this conversation in the car? Sighing heavily but making no effort to disguise her impatience, Sister Agnes replied in a short tone. “Happy, average, but happy. Now Sister it’s time to go!” Standing to emphasise her point, she motioned towards the door.

Sister Marie peered at the debris of the small plain meal they had consumed. It must have been a marathon sitting, for such a simple meal. She blinked rapidly, her heart sank at the notion that there was nothing more she could do but continue to go along with the convent’s plans for her. No matter how wrong they might be. “Of course Sister, of course. I apologise for holding us up.” She slowly followed the nun outside towards their car parked in the virtually empty parking lot.

Opening the door to the car, Sister Agnes quickly took her seat in the driver’s side and waited for the slowly ambling figure of her charge to eventually reach her. She knew she should be more charitable, especially with the nun’s current state of health but she really found it difficult. What should have only been a three quarter hour stop lasted over an hour and a half. Sister Marie had been something of a trial and the Sister vowed that the next time she was offered such an opportunity she would have second thoughts before accepting. As she watched from the side window, her attention was drawn to a silver jeep that appeared from out of nowhere at a high speed and screeched to a stop behind her vehicle. What is this person thinking! There are plenty of spaces free for parking! Are they blind? The door of the vehicle opened and a woman, dressed in black leather, exited on the ground directly in the nun’s path hid ing Sister Marie from view. What is going on here? Finally galvanised into action, Sister Agnes jumped out of the car and ran towards the leather clad woman.

“What’s the problem please? Sister Marie, are you alright?” There was an edge of panic in the nun’s voice as she tried to remain calm.

Olivia Santos turned and, with a blank expression and piercing eyes that bored into the nun’s, glared. The effect made Sister Agnes even more nervous as she faced a woman who gave that ambiance of being affiliated with Satan rather than God. It was in her cold eyes and features, not to mention the clothes she wore.

“Sister Marie requested a lift. I’m here to ensure that she arrives at her chosen destination without any problems. Do you have a problem with that?” Olivia was playing with the woman but, since she was a dour nun she was hardly likely to appreciate, or know, she was being teased. Still, it was always fun with the women in the penguin suits and, strictly speaking, it was an accurate comment.

Sister Agnes opened her mouth, but the words refused to flow. She gulped them back and tried again. “You can’t take the Sister anywhere! She’s with me.”

Amelia had been politely asked to remain in the car while Olivia extracted Sister Marie. Initially she had complied until she saw the other nun appear and decided it was time she involved herself. After all it is my case!

“Sister, I’m Doctor West and I’ve received some news from the hospital where Sister Marie had tests. They need her back to confirm some of the findings.” Crossing her fingers, Amelia did the unthinkable. “Mother Superior has given full backing to my involvement.”

A puzzled frown crossed the nun’s brow as she tried to decide if what this new stranger was saying was correct. Then she turned to Sister Marie who looked serenely happy. In context, perhaps it was true. They had no means of knowing otherwise, except… “I’ll make a call to Mother Superior and check. It is only prudent.”

Olivia gave the nun a small nod as she replied, “Why of course take your time, we’ll be waiting.” Leaning her lithe body against the driver’s door, she heard the nun grunt something before turning away and quickly walking towards the gas station and the phone booth.

When the nun was out of hearing range, Olivia calmly turned to Sister Marie. “Sister I think now would be a good time to step inside the vehicle…oh, and strap yourself in.”

“Thank you Ms. Santos, I can’t tell you how…” Olivia held up a hand.

“Please Sister you can leave the gratitude or whatever you’re going to say until we are away from here.”

Sister Marie gave the detective a look that glowed and seemed to send happy signals all the way down Olivia’s spine. Then she did as requested and strapped herself inside the passenger side.

Then Olivia turned her attention to the doctor who was looking around her as if she had all day. They hadn’t! Doesn’t this woman understand any request of her at all? “Doctor, do you ever do anything that another asks of you?”

“Of course I do. What a thing to ask!” she answered annoyed at the question. It was clear to her that her intervention was needed or it would look like they were kidnapping the Sister. In a perverse kind of way they were she supposed, but that wasn’t an aspect to be dwelled upon.

Climbing into the driver’s side, Olivia remarked pointedly, “It must be just when I ask you. Now if you don’t get in this instant I’ll leave you behind to explain yourself.”

Blustering at the comment, Amelia climbed in quickly as the engine revved to life. The detective would have left me there too!

Seconds later, they were screeching out of the parking lot putting distance between them, the town and the figure they could vaguely make out standing watching them leave. Amelia gasped as she felt the g-forces she was similar to that of taking off in a jet. “What are we going to do now?”

At the moment Olivia didn’t have any idea. However, as the miles ticked quickly by she did formulate a plan. For the time being, it would be an ideal solution and would cover everyone.

“Leave it to me. You’re all in my hands now.”

The strange statement was both frustrating and somewhat comforting to Amelia, as she smiled at Sister Marie, and gave her hand a comforting clasp with her own. “Sister, everything is going to be okay, you can trust us.” As she said the words, she didn’t exactly know if her words would be vindicated, only time will tell.

+ + +

Olivia pulled up outside the dark alley leading to the storage area behind her office building. As she did, her eyes immediately went to the dark windows of the office she shared with Max. A kernel of hoped dashed, as no light emitted from inside. For a second she’d banked on her partner being inside waiting to update her on his adventures.

“What are we doing here detective?” Amelia hadn’t really known what to expect when she had left them in the detective’s hands. However, arriving in this area of town had not been top of her list. A nice hotel or motel someplace would have been more to her criteria. Not this place, what is she thinking! Olivia dragged her attention back to the here and now and the irritating doctor.

“You asked me for help Doctor and this is it.” Switching her attention to Danielle Frobisher she gave her a slight smile. “I think that tonight it might be wise to keep you safe. Assuming you have no objections, I’ll visit your husband and find out how the land lies.”

In the all time since they had picked up the nun, Danielle hadn’t spoken. Her mind had gone over all kinds of interesting scenarios as to why they had kidnapped the woman - to her untrained eye that’s how it looked. Although, the nun hadn’t protested, in fact, she had been grateful. Even though she was a churchgoer, but not of the Catholic faith, the workings of the church had been a mystery to her. Her mind had progressed to the meeting this evening she had to look forward to although that was far from the way she felt about seeing her husband again. Her hands, if they had been malleable iron, would have been in some very interesting woven patterns, as she’d wrung them for most of the journey back to the city. Now she had the opportunity to take sanctuary with these women and wondered if she dare consider it. What other choices do I have? What about my son? Will Axel take his revenge on our only child? Her disturbed thoughts were evident as the detective gave her a sympathetic look. She then realised that she had to trust someone and, at least so far, this woman hadn’t done anything to make her suspect it would be the wrong choice. Surely, the fact that the doctor and the nun are here too must signify something.

“None at all, thank you Ms. Santos.” Olivia gave her a warm, for her, smile.

“Excellent.” Steering the car into the back of the alley and punching a security code into a black transmitter on the dash of the jeep she waited for the steel door to open. She drove inside as the door slide shut instantly once the car had passed the threshold. Dim lights were activated and the three strangers to the building blinked at the change in the light.

Olivia, with a swift wave of her hand, spoke hurriedly. “Welcome to my world. You’ll be safe here for the moment.” She left the Jeep and walked over to the computer and depressed keys rapidly as various lights and equipment whirled into action.

Amelia jumped out of the car and circled the Jeep to help Sister Marie exit from the vehicle. The nun looked exhausted - who wouldn’t be after her ordeal of the last few days. Not only, with the physical stress, but the mental as well. “Please Sister, let me help you.” Amelia offered her hand, which the nun gratefully accepted. Then they followed Danielle towards the detective.

The Danielle character puzzled a part of Amelia. Where does she fit into all this? It must be another case the detective was working on. Considering the nice way the detective was treating the woman, Amelia assumed she must be an important client. That then begged the question, where do the Sister and I stand in the pecking order?

“Detective, Sister Marie is tired where can she rest?”

Olivia looked at the nun. She did look a little worse for wear, more so than she’d expected. Having a sick person around was a liability that she hated. If she was as under the same threat as Max apparently was, then this place might not be the best solution after all. Sending her back with the doctor to her home wouldn’t be a good idea either. By now the church would be involved in a big way. Flicking several switches, an area of ambient orange light glowed from a heavily curtained area in the far side of the building.

“Take her behind those.” Olivia pointed to the direction of the light. “There are a couple of beds there and a shower.”

Amelia was astonished. What is this place? Once she’d settled Sister Marie she’d be back to find out exactly what this place was. “Thanks.”

Danielle watched the two women disappear behind the curtains. “I know it’s not my place, but was it wise to bring a nun to a …warehouse?”

Olivia barely acknowledged the woman’s question as she concentrated on ensuring that the building was secure and all her bugs and surveillance equipment were functioning. She had to guarantee that when she left the three women alone they would be as safe as if she was with them, or as close as she could get.

“This isn’t just a warehouse Danielle. Some would say it’s better protected than a prison or a fortress. It’s home to me, and trust me, you’ll be safer here than any place I know.”

Danielle watched the detective check console after console and the monitors that surveyed various areas around the outside perimeter. If anyone approached from any angle, even the roof, she’d know about it. Or, that’s what she suspected anyway. “If my husband has hurt your partner Ms. Santos, I’m really sorry because it will be my fault for asking him to help me. And… and I want you to know that I wasn’t exactly honest with him…”

“He knew who you were Danielle. Max was, is, an excellent judge of character. He wouldn’t have taken the work if he didn’t think that he could help you. If anything has happened to him…well it was a risk he and I willingly take every day. All part of the service Ma’am.”

At that moment Amelia returned and heard the last few words. What service is that she wondered? “Hi. Sister Marie is sleeping. She couldn’t manage a shower…she was too exhausted. Can we order take out from here? I’m starving.”

Danielle watched the benign expression on the private detective’s features turn to annoyance. If she were asked to hazard a guess about the relationship between the two of them, she’d be hard pressed to say that it wasn’t acrimonious. However, the doctor had tried to be friendly to her earlier in the journey and hadn’t been too disturbed when she’d rebuffed the pleasantries. “Yes, sounds like a good idea. I must admit I’m rather hungry too.”

Raising her eyes to the ceiling, Olivia rubbed a hand over her mouth. This was why she didn’t have any close friends or lovers on a permanent basis. They were never satisfied and always wanted something more. After they had gotten to know each other better even Max had known when to back off. “No take-out. There’s a kitchen and well stocked larder up the mezzanine stairs, help yourselves.”

Amelia hadn’t cooked much in her lifetime. It had been one of those talents that God had seen fit not to bestow on her. The mere thought of cooking anything had her in the jitters. Toast, even sophisticated toasters, hadn’t even been successful, burning it every time.

“Great idea, are you hungry Ms. Santos?” Danielle asked. Her face lit up at the thought of preparing her own meal. Axel had insisted that the domestic help was to be used at all times. She was the lady of the house and it would be beneath her to do menial tasks such as cooking for him. The only time she had been able to cook anything was on the rare camping trips she and her son took alone. Fortunately Axel had been abroad or he would have insisted that they had an entourage accompany them. Keeping up with the neighbours had been his biggest flaw… until now that was.

“Not particularly, though I guess a sandwich will be fine.”

“Let’s go Doctor. Do you mind if I cook?”

Amelia couldn’t believe her luck as she smiled warmly at the woman she had first disliked for no real reason. “Not all, I’d be grateful. Oh and call me Amelia.”

Olivia watched the two leave her personal space as she continued to download all the messages on the service and pick up any emails. The one she was most interested in had come and with it the affirmation that her partner was dead. As the information sunk in, she slipped lower in her chair and closed her eyes as emotions were overwhelming her as they had in her past. Finally she stood up and glanced towards the kitchen where she could see the doctor and her client talking amiably enough. Then, her steady gaze slid to the curtains and the nun who was sleeping there. She walked over to the area, silently peered inside and then went over to the bed where the nun was sleeping soundly. In repose, Sister Marie looked serenely happy. At least someone appears to have peaceful dreams.

Olivia then whispered to the sleeping nun. “I guess right now would be a good time to repent my sins Sister. However, it’s way too late for me. And the thoughts that are going through my head right now wouldn’t ensure deliverance of any penance on my part. I only want one thing and if you were awake you’d tell me that it isn’t the way. For me Sister it is the only way… revenge.” Opening the drawer of the cabinet at the side of the bed, she pulled out a notepad and pencil, scribbled a few words on the tablet and then ripped off the sheet. “Sleep well Sister. May God be with you at all times.”

Striding out of the area she slipped her jacket on and left the note on the desk where she had been working. Picking up a set of keys, she strode over to the Harley and jumped on the back of its sleek lines. In seconds the engine roared into powerful life as the garage doors opened. She was gone before Amelia and Danielle had time to descend the stairs and ask what was going on.

+ + +

Amelia rushed over to the sleeping area to check on Sister Marie, hoping that the nun wasn’t the cause of any upset. Danielle ran over to the consoles where the detective had been working before they had left her to make dinner. Neither of them had any idea why the detective had suddenly rushed off without a word. But a gut feeling in Danielle’s stomach had her wondering if it had anything to do with her husband. She saw the message, read its contents and knew her gut had been right on the money.

“Hey Danielle, did she leave any clue as to why she departed so suddenly?” Amelia asked, as she walked closer to Danielle. Sister Marie thankfully was sleeping like a baby.

“Yes, read this.” Danielle handed Amelia the note and watched several expressions cross over her face before the doctor gave her a perplexed expression.

“Why was it so imperative to see your husband right now instead of having something to eat and then go? What difference would another hour have made?”

Danielle wondered that too but she didn’t have the answer. “Truthfully I don’t know. She must have had some reason. It says we have to remain inside and not contact anyone until she returns. And, if she doesn’t come back by the morning the security system will allow us to leave and reset once we’ve gone. Exactly how does that sound to you?”

A shudder ran down Amelia’s spine as she thought about the question. “Sounds like there is a possibility that she might not be back. Exactly who is your husband? Do you think he poses a threat to her?”

Danielle swallowed hard and then nodded. “Axel isn’t a nice man Amelia. He’s threatened to kill me because I’ve employed this detective agency to look into some of his business practices. In fact, Ms. Santos’ partner Max hasn’t been heard from since he undertook the original surveillance yesterday. I think something terrible has happened to him.”

The words from Danielle Frobisher were packed with terror leading Amelia to know it wasn’t a fantasy. Her eyes, which to Amelia really did more often than not reveal the truth, echoed those feelings exactly. You couldn’t fake that kind of fear especially not to someone like her who had seen through many people’s different disguises to hide the truth. As much as she and the detective hadn’t really hit on a rapport, she had no wish to see anything happen to her. If by some quirk the detective had found out that her partner had been killed, then that would be reason enough to go off on a perilous crusade at high speed. “Do you think that your husband is capable of murder Danielle or was he just angry at your actions and vented with words rather than take any physical action?”

The next words seemed to reverberate around the building. “He’s capable of murder. I think I’ve always known that but never wanted to admit it.”

Amelia reached for her cell and pressed the short code in her address book.

“She told us not to contact anyone remember?” Danielle sat wearily down on the seat next to the desk, finally comprehending that her life would never be the same again.

“Yes she did, but when did I ever take her orders to the letter. She’ll probably expect that and have made the appropriate exceptions to her rules... I hope. Hey Teal it’s me…”

+ + +

Teal had settled down to what she would describe as an ordinary meal although most would think it gourmet. Her cookery expertise was only out-matched by her administration skills. Today she deserved the beef bourgeon that had been slow cooking all day. Within three hours of Amelia and the detective leaving the office, calls had swamped her inquiring as to where they were and when were they expected back. She really didn’t, thankfully, have any answers but it was the information the callers gave her that worried her most.

Apparently her associate had done something, if not terrible in some eyes, was worthy of a reprimand at least. First, there had been a frantic call from a Sister Augustine, with a rather brusque demand that Amelia attend a meeting with Mother Sara within the hour. When the hour came and went and Amelia hadn’t arrived she heard about that too. Not that she had tried Amelia’s cell, she hadn’t - her boss was tied up in drastic actions and she wasn’t going to pass on any message, even if it was from Mother Sara. Another call came from Father Johansson. He sound initially his usual cheery self, but that changed as soon as Teal refused to tell him where Amelia and the detective had gone. He’d, of course, assumed that the detective was with Amelia and had even whispered that he’d been a fool to put them in each others paths. What that meant exactly only the father was privy too. His angry retort that Amelia was t o call him immediately as she was contacted had Teal wondering if her friend had bitten off more than she could chew. And, it didn’t end there.

By the time she was closing for the evening a further call hit the switchboard and this time it was Mother Sara herself; a totally out of character scenario. There had been no pleasantries either and Teal had to admit that after a ten minute dressing down by the Reverend Mother even she might attend church on Sunday. Totally confused by all the calls, she could only assume that her friend had created some kind of problem between the time she left the office and now. And, it all had to do with a certain Sister Marie.

Relishing the first mouthfuls of her succulent meal, Teal groaned as her cell phone vibrated on her hip. For a few seconds she was tempted to ignore the caller knowing that the ID would be saved and she could call back. However, with how the had gone she at least should see who was calling. Replacing her knife and fork on a napkin, she took the phone from her belt and immediately answered when she saw who was calling.

“Hi yourself Amelia, where are you?”

“If I told you I’d probably have to shoot you. However, I’m not so sure that isn’t the truth. Teal I need to contact the detective I asked you to send a message to earlier. Do you have Detective Santos’ number handy?”

Teal heard the slight desperation in her friend’s voice and knew for sure that things weren’t exactly rosy in her friend’s particular garden. “I left it at the office. I can go back if it’s important and call you when I get there?” It would be a chore to cross town again, but she would if necessary.

There was silence for a few moments and she heard Amelia speaking softly in background, which made the situation even more interesting for Teal. If she needed to ask for that particular number logically that meant Olivia Santos wasn’t with her or was indisposed. “Teal I know how you hate going back to the office after hours but…”

“Save it Amelia. With the calls I’ve been receiving all afternoon, I’m not surprised that you need some help from me.”

“Who has been trying to call Teal?” a surprised Amelia asked.

“Let’s put it this way Amelia, if I didn’t know better I’d say you went to the top of the most wanted list. Anyway I’ll explain later. If I leave now, I can call you back in say half an hour tops.”

There was a heavy sigh of relief. “I owe you one Teal, thanks.”

Teal laughed. Thinking, isn’t that the truth, as she said a swift goodbye. Collecting her now cooling congealing dinner, she placed it back in the oven and reset the timer to warm up her food for her return.

+ + +

Danielle watched a few expressions flicker across Amelia West’s face as she talked to the person at the other end of the line. They were obviously good friends as the warmth in the doctor’s voice would be hard to conceal. It was the tone that was only used, in her opinion, on someone you cared about a great deal.

“Is everything okay?”

“It will be. Teal will find the number and call me back.”

Amelia sounded preoccupied so Danielle asked again, “you sure you’re okay?

“Yes, really Danielle, I’m fine. It was something Teal said but didn’t elaborate further on.”

Danielle liked the doctor. She was very open and largely, she suspected, very intelligent except when it came to obeying simple instructions from a certain private detective. In that particular vein, she was, in her personal opinion, somewhat foolish. “What did she say?”

Amelia gave Danielle a grin, her mind obviously on another planet, with the far off look in her eyes, “Oh just that people were looking for me. Apparently, according to Teal, I could win the prize for the most wanted of the day today.”

“I see. Who is Teal?”

“Teal is my associate and good friend. I guess it could be just her way of teasing me. She does that from time to time, especially if I go off on excursions without letting her know what I’m doing.” Yep Teal never did like being kept out of the loop, Amelia thought.

Danielle smiled. She wished she’d had a friend like that. At least then she might not be in this bind and need strangers to help her out. To take her mind off her own problems, Danielle pointed to the curtained sleeping area. “How is the Sister?”

Amelia’s eyes travelled to the same spot as Danielle’s and then mused over the question for a few moments. How the heck do I know how the Sister is? Who can know in her current predicament? “Truthfully I don’t know. She hasn’t spoken since we picked her up from the diner.”

“Do you think that the Sister being taken from the parking lot might have something to do with you being… hmm, popular today?” Danielle was champing at the bit to know what was happening in that quarter. As no one conversed much on the journey back, she was loath to ask. She had enough problems of her own.

“Hmm, probably, but bringing the Sister here wasn’t exactly what her convent had in store for her today.” There was a sombre note to the doctor’s voice as she pensively continued to gaze at the curtains, which billowed slightly with the air conditioning in the room.

“Look, how about we continue to make something to eat? For nothing more than to take our minds off what might be happening…what do you say?” Danielle didn’t wait for a reply as she headed for the flight of stairs on her way to the kitchen.

Amelia nodded but didn’t immediately follow. Instead, she walked over to the curtains and pulled them back slowly to check that the nun was still sleeping. She appeared to be, which, was a blessing at the moment. The Sister could do without any more added stress. No matter who the father was it was clear, to her at least, that the baby and the nun would both need to be made of strong stuff to even have a chance of being born, never mind make it in the world. Retreating from the area, she wandered over to the racks of clothes that hung on one wall and was amazed at the variety of outfits. Some she had to admit required a rethink. No one in their right mind would want to be seen dead in flowery sixty’s style gear. Then she unzipped the protection on a rack of clothes that were different again in style. They exuded taste, money and a sensuality that even with her prim and conservative observance to fashion, had her droolin g. Others she was familiar with and knew now that this was the private wardrobe of the detective. It begged the question as to why she chose to keep her clothes stashed away here instead of her own apartment. Then it suddenly dawned on her… this was the detective’s apartment, or at least abode. How on earth did anyone live like this? It was akin to the frugality in furnishings and personal belongings as being a nun?

Surreptitiously she re-zipped up the garment protection and moved on to the garage part of the area where the cars and mechanical equipment to maintain them resided. Clearly everything had an order and all the tools along with the vehicles as far as she could see were maintained to a high standard. She was lucky if she remembered to take her car for the required service each year. Scanning the rest of the room, she observed an area hidden behind flimsy screen partitions reminiscent of the Japanese style. Looking around her guiltily, though she knew that the only person whom would disapprove wasn’t even close to being in the vicinity, she peeled back one of the doors and peered inside.

Again it was minimalist in furniture, but what was there looked totally right for the décor. A low coffee table, with sleek lines matching the entertainment equipment on one wall, with seating also low slung and ergonomically designed, some might even say were futuristic in design. On the opposite side of the entertainment area was a large bookcase and next to that a fish tank all in keeping perfectly with the harmony of the small area. It was a place that Amelia would say belonged to someone who had found a safe haven for their thoughts and the stress’ of the day. In fact, as she stepped inside, she was astonished when the light strains of a famous classical piano concerto seemed to insidiously pour from every object in a soothing manner. If she didn’t know better, she’d wonder if whoever designed the area wasn’t a member of her fraternity. The small area was like an island and, if you chose it, a deserted on e.

A voice from the floor above was shouting her name and she reluctantly exited the area and closed the door. The music stopped immediately.

Danielle was standing at the threshold between the staircase and the kitchen. “Shall I make something for the Sister too?”

“I’ll be right there,” Amelia replied as she longingly looked at the partitions that screened off the area. What I wouldn’t give to have a place like that to spend at least an hour or so relaxing in everyday after work. Quickly she mounted the steps to see what Danielle was making - it certainly smelled great.

+ + +

Teal hated travelling the streets at night. It wasn’t unheard of for people to be carjacked when stopped at red lights in some of the quieter areas. Tonight was even worse as rain began first in small droplets and then a sudden change to larger globules that dashed against the windscreen obscuring her view. Switching on the wipers that travelled across the drenched glass, she smiled slightly when the obstruction cleared. Her heart beat rapidly at each set of lights and when she finally drew up at the tree lined street outside the office, she admitted to herself she was thankful. Inserting the key in the door, she opened it quickly, pressed in the numbers for the alarm system, and then flooded the small hallway with light before quickly crossing to her desk. She found her notebook and flickered over pages until she found the information that Amelia needed - Captain David Tourney’s cell phone number and the slip of paper that had the message Olivia had asked her to deliver. Teal speed dialled her friend and waited for the call to be taken. She didn’t have to wait very long.

“Hi, here’s the info you required. Have you a pen and paper ready?”

Amelia grinned. She glanced around for something to write with and reached out for a piece of chalk and wrote on the board next to the larder door. In a way it made the detective a little more human as she noticed the odd word indicating, she suspected, items of grocery shopping she needed. “Go ahead Teal I’m ready.” Amelia scribbled down the name of the police officer and his cell number.

Teal asked, “You want the original message Olivia gave me?” It was really cryptic to me but at least the cop seemed to know what I meant.

“Yes please.”

“It doesn’t make much sense but here goes anyway…Max in trouble. John Doe syndrome, email me with details, owe you one. That’s it, doesn’t make a great deal of sense to me but maybe you can find out. Amelia, are you in any trouble… other than with our church bigwigs?”

“Thanks Teal. Yes, it makes a little sense of this odd situation we’re in. Not any trouble that I know of, but I can be prone to end up in the mire in someway or another that seems to follow me around. Teal go home. I promise not to disturb you again… unless it’s a matter of life or death.” Amelia spoke in a calm voice but a small tremor gave her away.

Teal, for her part, cringed at the final words. “Never say that Amelia. Will you be in the office tomorrow?”

For a moment Amelia wasn’t sure if she knew and then decided optimism was the best laid plan. “Sure I will. If the Reverend Mother is after me I’ll need some strong coffee to help me get through the day.”

With a gentle peal of laughter, Teal felt happier. “You got it. Take care Amelia and give that gorgeous detective a wink for me. See you later babe.” She ended the call.

Closing the notebook that she held in her hands, Teal decided to lock it in the filing cabinet. Something in her gut told her that it was important to do so. A few minutes later she’d reset the alarm and was locking the door when a hand was placed on her shoulder. She gave a diminutive squeal of fear as she turned to look into the eyes of the person who had snuck up on her.

+ + +

Captain David Tourney sat at his desk and twirled a pencil between his thumb and forefinger as he contemplated the day. Most of it had been routine except for the message from Olivia Santos. Her words had surprised him and in the end, caused him deep sadness. Finding Max Anderton’s body in the morgue under a John Doe had been hard, but not as difficult as arguing with the medical examiner though. Her initial assumptions that it was another suicide and Max had jumped off the bridge into the river were flawed. He had no choice but to inform her of the fact that Max Anderton had never been a quitter in his life. A month earlier he had spoken with his old mentor and he was actually more upbeat than normal. The medical examiner had called him back later and apologised. After careful examination, she had found several puncture wounds and his bloodstream contained traces of a drug that had virtually disappeared. If she had waited another hou r and it would have. Anderton’s body had been caught up in the propeller of a small pleasure boat and though it was badly cut up, it had been brought to the surface much quicker than the killer or killers had bargained for.

Max’s murder meant only one thing, Olivia would go off and avenge his death and in the process, put her life and liberty at risk. When fuelled by personal tragedy she wasn’t the most cautious of people and, taking risks was all part of who she was. However, if she stepped over the line and took matters and the murderer into her own hands the chances were she’d end up behind bars for any injury or death she caused them. Not that she would care, Max was her family. At least the only family she allowed inside the ironclad shell she surrounded herself with. Her heart was in the right place, but her emotions ran deep and dark.

Over the years he wondered if she didn’t cross that fine line between good and bad, like many of the criminals he brought down. Max, he suspected, was her saviour and kept her inches from going over to the wrong side of the law. Now, who will stop her? He knew he wasn’t capable of it, and a part of him wanted the revenge on Max’s murder as much as she probably did. Max had been his mentor in the early days of the force and they had remained friends. He’d also been a great marvellous source of information and help over the years. He knew that sending the email would set Olivia off on her crusade - he’d seen it all before. Right now, he wanted nothing more than to see the perpetrators of Max’s death avenged. Bu, by justice, not by an avenging angel even if the angel was closer to evil than good.

His cell phone ringing dragged him out of his woeful thoughts as he answered it quietly. “Tourney here.”

“Hello Captain Tourney. You don’t know me, but we have a mutual friend, private detective Santos.”

Tourney cocked his head to one side. What is that old saying? Speak of the devil. “How can I help you Ms…?”

“Oh sorry Captain, my name is Doctor Amelia West. The detective and I were working on a small case I have, and well you see…” Amelia stopped, what do I say now?

David Tourney gave a grimace. And so it begin just as I thought it would. “Don’t tell me she disappeared on you and you’re worried about her?” Classic Olivia. Although from the sound of this woman’s voice, it appeared she actually cared what was happening to Olivia.

Surprised, Amelia answered quickly, “Why yes, how did you know that?”

“Typical Olivia Santos behaviour when she has a mission. She’ll be back for you don’t worry. One thing I know is that Olivia can handle herself in most situations that are dealt her.”

Just how well did this man know the detective? Perhaps he was more than a friend. Amelia hadn’t considered that and when she did it made a nervous sensation in her stomach. Not that she knew why at this moment. “I’m sure you’re right Captain. However, I don’t think this is a normal circumstance.”

“And how have you deduced that Doctor West?” Interested, David leaned back in his chair as a small smile creased his face. He’d like to meet the woman behind the voice; she sounded interesting. In fact, he’d say she had one of the most dulcet tones of voice he’d heard in a long time. Wonder if she has the female assets to go with it.

“Did you send her an email that had information pertinent to her partner Max?”

“Yes.”

“Immediately after reading it she left us here like a bat out of hell,” Amelia announced as she turned to focus on Danielle who was heading in her direction with a quizzical expression on her face.

“Us? I take it there are more than you on this… small case you have? Regardless of that, I sent Olivia some information - what was in that communication was private. If you want to know what was in it you’ll have to ask her.”

Exasperated, Amelia dragged in a deep breath of air and spoke again, “Look, I don’t want to go into any of Detective Santos’s private affairs. I simply want you to help her. If what you told her is relevant she’ll need help, I can feel it.” There was a small sound at the other end of the phone and Amelia couldn’t decide if the Captain was laughing at her.

Then, his voice halted her thoughts as he answered her seriously. “Do you have any idea where she went?”

“Well, we think Axel Randal’s home.”

David flinched at the name. It was a powerful one in the bureaucratic circles that were attached to the force in the city. The mayor in particular was a close friend of Randal’s. “Are you quite sure that’s where she’s gone? Who else agrees with you?”

Amelia sighed heavily. “Randal’s wife. The detective is helping her with a private matter. Apparently it is the case her partner Max was working on before he went missing yesterday. Look Captain, I think she’s in trouble and needs help. If I could help her I would, but she’s security alarmed the place we are staying at. In the detective’s style of operating, as much as I know of it, she refrained from allowing us the cancel commands. Therefore, we don’t know how to prevent the alarm from going off until it finishes its cycle in the morning. Can you help her… no will you help her?”

Now that is a different situation altogether if Randal’s wife is involved. “Is Mrs. Randal with you now? May I speak with her?”

Handing over the phone to a nervous Danielle, she responded to the Captain’s questions and then replaced the phone in its cradle.

David Tourney stood up, opened up the drawer of his desk and removed his revolver. Tonight he was going to be home later than normal. If he was lucky, he might just get a commendation out of this instead of a reprimand. Also, he might save the neck of someone who didn’t realise they needed saving. Fortunately, it appeared that there were people in the world who wanted to diminish the hold Satan had on a certain female detective. It sounded like Doctor Amelia West was one of them.

+ + +

Olivia had ridden her bike at a high speed through the relatively quiet deserted industrial side of town. Right now there was no way that she wanted to be stopped by the cops. David’s email announcing, what she had known in her heart, that Max was dead, had been a body blow the likes of which she had never felt before. Having a partner, friend and father-figure extinguished without the ability to say goodbye, had fired up her whole being for revenge. She didn’t care who got in the way as long as she avenged Max’s death.

From all she had gleaned from Danielle, the surveillance had been routine – nothing more dangerous than the usual spousal disagreements that they had been involved in before. For some reason Max had been at Randal’s office and there was the possibility that something was going down that was illegal. It was plausible; guys like Randal sometimes had business power that extended beyond the legal jurisdiction that bound everyone else. If that was the case, then Max might have seen something that he shouldn’t. Damn, it was all assumptions. She didn’t know anything for certain. Except that Max was dead and the last person to see him in all probability had been Axel Randal. Her mind drifted back to the goons who had been to the office earlier that day. Their message, although cryptic, had to have come from someone who didn’t want her interfering. The fact that they had staked out the office had to be important to some one and shortly she would find out if that someone was Randal.

When they’d arrived back at her office she’d had second thoughts about stashing the three women in her domain especially with the two heavies watching from the side street. She hadn’t mentioned it to anyone, but fear could do strange things and those women, with perhaps the exception of the doc, were frightened enough. The doctor was a strange mix and she felt that something didn’t hang right with her. If all went well tonight, they would then settle Sister Marie someplace safe where she could have her baby and decide on her future. Then, it wouldn’t matter if she ever found out what was irritating her about the doctor - their paths were never likely to cross again.

Slowing the bike, she came to a halt at the fork between the Randal house and the adjoining street. She assessed her target: the wall around the place would probably have some kind of security feature and the main entrance would more than likely be guarded by a security guard. That left only the second exit for the domestic staff which was a common enough practice for people who built house complex’s such as these. They had to have the help, but they didn’t want them coming and going by the main gate. Parking her bike out of sight and electronically locking the wheels and the ignition, she walked quickly down the side street to find the secondary entrance.

Not finding the entrance she proceeded to go around the back of the compound which was on a quiet tree-lined street facing a small church. People never learn, she thought as she assessed what she considered a flimsy padlock on the gate and on the small wooden side door. Upon closer inspection she saw that her initial assumption had been correct and proceeded to pick the locks that any rookie wannabe could handle. Selecting the appropriate tool from within her jacket, she inserted the lock pick and within a short time had the door open and, with a quick look around, she stepped inside the walled gardens.

With a grim expression on her face, her mind calmly travelled over certain scenarios. She’d prefer to slice the guy who killed her partner open with a razor knife or, simply put a bullet into his brain. Either scenario I can carry out with ease. And, in these circumstances who would suspect me? Perhaps the widow might have suspicions, but somehow she suspected that wouldn’t be an issue. As she slowly made her way to the house, there appeared to be no guards patrolling the grounds. There was a single light that shone from one of the downstairs’ windows. This couldn’t be any easier if I’d wished it.

Approaching the window, she peered inside and saw a man working at a desk in a room, which from the layout, looked like a study. This will be like taking candy from a baby. Assessing the easiest option for gaining entry, Olivia, with her keen vision, saw a trip wire that would set off an alarm. At this time, it was a situation she’d rather prevent. Reaching inside her jacket, she selected a multi-purpose tool that was a glorified Swiss Army knife with a couple of additions customised just for her. A small switch on the handle indicated that the wire was live. Summing up the situation in a second and without flinching, she cut the wire. She waited a few seconds to see if there would be any reaction to the wires being cut. When none was forthcoming she flicked a lever to retract the wire cutter then released an innocuous looking flat piece of metal. Within seconds she had prized opened the window and, with a furtive glance behi nd her, noiselessly slid open the window. She smiled with a wink to the heavens that there wasn’t any major wind that evening. Climbing inside with more grace than would appear possible, Olivia slid onto the polished floor with barely a whisper - the man at the desk was oblivious to her entry into his sanctuary. First things first. Before she confronted Randal, she needed to find out if there were others in the vicinity of this room or in the house. Reaching inside her jacket once more, she smiled cynically and extracted a small rectangular object that looked like a Palm Pilot. What would I do without it?Probably be killed on most occasions. In actuality, it was a heat sensor that could detect, within a radius of three hundred metres, any heat sources that might prove dangerous to her. The instrument indicated three heat sources in the tracking area. The only one that moved and it was at least a hundred metres away. Just as I had hoped…a piece of ca ke.

Axel Randal won’t know what hit him , figuratively speaking of course. At the moment, the opportunity to rough up the man was preying heavily on her conscious. Moving stealthily out of the disguise of the thick partially-opened curtains, Olivia stepped silently up behind Randal. Then, as her breath fanned his cheek, he squealed like a pig that had been frightened by a ghost. Anticipating that he would have some alarm close to him that could be triggered, she dragged his chair away from the desk and gave him a cool penetrating stare. Most people would have been scared by the blank, direct gaze burning into their eyes but not Axel Randal. He had recovered swiftly from his initial fright and gave Olivia a malevolent stare right back.

It took a lot to have Olivia on the back foot but at that moment she was unsettled. Most people would be afraid and wonder why but not the man that stared back at her. “Aren’t you going to ask why I broke in or who I am?”

With a sneer, Axel Randal answered in a tone that showed none of the fear that she would have expected. Why is that? She wondered. Did I miss something? “Pointless questions that I’ve found in the past to be highly irrelevant. Besides, I knew you would come eventually. We do have a mutual acquaintance. What was his name now…ah yes, Max.”

Olivia felt a surge of pure rage as she thought of Max. If there had been any doubt in her mind that Danielle lied about her husband, it was gone. Now she knew for sure this man was responsible for her partner’s death, even if he hadn’t done the dirty work himself. She forcefully drug Randal out of his chair and away from any possibility of pulling the switch that would have brought his troops immediately.

“Well that makes my job easier then.” She twisted his shirt tightly around his neck. “I want to know two things from you Randal then we’re done. Why did you have Max Anderton murdered?” Olivia hissed out the words her emotions wanting to kill the sorry bastard without any compassion or regret just as he had done to Max. She would do it too. It wouldn’t be the first time, or probably the last. All she needed was to find the evidence to back up her actions. Self-defence, when you were dealing with the under belly of the criminal world, had its day in court at times.

Randal chuckled with a mixture of sarcasm and enjoyment. With her free hand, Olivia punched him in the stomach to gain his attention. He hadn’t expected that move from her.

“You have the wrong man lady,” he spat out. “Why do you think I would anyway?” he said contemptuously. “Besides, it isn’t my scene…I’m a respectable…” Another punch, this time in the groin, had Randal moaning in agony.

Olivia, through gritted teeth, finished his sentence. “Don’t give me the crap that you’re a respectable member of the community, I’ve heard it all before. Try again!”

Randal had met people like this woman before, usually a male counterpart, but nevertheless the same type. Ruthless, obsessed and blind to what was best for them. Fortunately for him, he had a few on the payroll, and one who happened to be inside the house. If only I could make it back to my desk and hit the alarm. She’ll make a mistake I’d stake my life on it. Olivia seized his neck and put him in a chock-hold. I guess I’ve already made the bet or I’m going to die here and now. “You want me to say I killed your partner?” he said gasping for air. “Go ahead and kill me now because frankly I’m not going to say that to you or anyone.”

Olivia’s dark eyes glowed like black embers. She had no real proof that he was responsible for Max’s death. What she did have was Danielle and Randal had threatened her too, perhaps that was the direction to take this conversation.

Without giving away that she was unable to produce conclusive evidence that he was involved, she spoke again in an icy voice. “Danielle says you threatened to kill her. That will get you a court hearing and by the time you get on the docket I’ll have you on Max’s death too.” As she heard herself speak, Olivia knew that the edge she usually had in any case she worked on was failing fast. This time she didn’t have an edge, merely emotional speculation and that didn’t work. Max had always tried to make her see that.

A derisive laugh was her initial answer. Then, as she increased the pressure around his neck, he spoke haltingly. “My wife…is neurotic. There isn’t a judge…in the world that will…prosecute me on what that bitch says. I’ll have eminent…doctors in the field of psychiatry that will…say my wife should have been locked up years ago. Except that I’ve been…very patient with her, after all, I take my vows seriously,…in sickness and in health blah, blah, blah. But perhaps you’ve never experienced that kind of emotion… whoever you are?”

“Don’t play the long-suffering spouse Randal. You wouldn’t suffer for a moment longer than you had to in anything. Judges aren’t that easy to fool, I’d know about that first hand.”

There was a slight dropping her guard for what was only a second as she recalled the judge who had dismissed the case of murder against her. Will it be as easy a second time around? I doubted it.

Randal was squarely facing her, his grey eyes full of hatred and disgust when he spoke again. “You messed up big time lady. There isn’t anyone but you who will be on the docket with a judge about to take your liberty. You broke into my house remember? Trust me they will. In fact, to sweeten the deal I’ll say you kidnapped my wife… even murdered her perhaps, particularly as she hasn’t come home this evening.”

As the words slipped into her mental calculations of what she had expected from this meeting that wasn’t one of the scenarios. For a moment she wondered if she had made the fatal mistake of allowing personal emotions to cloud her judgement and put her life in jeopardy. When that happened in the past she had Max defending her back, but he wasn’t there now, no one was, she was alone. Damn, I walked into this like a fool! The bleeping of the phone interrupted her thoughts as she stared blankly at the offending instrument on the desk.

“If I don’t answer it my bodyguard will want to know why. I guess you have about sixty seconds to decide if fleeing the scene is worth saving your skin or if you will use the time to kill me… you have about forty-five seconds now.”

Olivia decided that today wouldn’t be the day to take his life. Leaving there without killing him meant she would be a marked woman and that made life even more difficult for her. However, she couldn’t kill him unless she had proof that it was him because if she did, she’d be no better than him. Even though she might cross the lines on occasion, she never twisted them to meet her expectations. No, she’d leave and find the missing pieces and when she did, no security or bodyguard would stop her killing Axel Randal. That she would deem true justice and was all she cared about.

“You’ll see me again Randal…bank on it.” Olivia pushed him off-balance as she fled the room the way she entered. Before she had gone ten yards she heard the sound of at least two pairs of feet running in her direction.

A short time later, Axel Randal faced his embarrassed lead bodyguard and punched up the monitor that had recorded Olivia’s presence in his study. “I want to know who this woman is. When you’ve done that, I want to know how the hell she managed to get inside my house without your knowledge, got it?”

A hard, weather-beaten face accompanied by a nose that had been broken several times peered at the small screen. The hulking man, who was seething with the knowledge that the woman had broken his defences, shifted uncomfortably as he hung his head and mumbled something to Randal.

“What did you say? Speak up Finn.” Axel stood close to the man and waited for his explanation; it had better be good. For the first time in his life he had actually felt threatened and he had no intention of feeling that again. Wait until I find that bitch and my wife, they’ll both pay big time for that feeling alone!

“I’ve seen her before from the pictures the guys took of that detective agency. She was the secretary.”

Axel paused at the picture of Olivia on the screen. Grinning evilly, he thought this was way too easy. “I guess she’s not the secretary. Find out all you can about her. Do you have those clowns you call professionals waiting at that office?”

“Yes sir. They reported that a black-out vehicle was seen driving into a storage area at the back of the building a few hours ago. What shall I tell them?”

Accompanied by a malevolent laugh, Axel spoke softly, “Tell them to check out the storage area and if they find my wife… kill her and please make it clean. Don’t leave any witnesses.”

The phone rang as Finn nodded and left the room. Picking up the instrument, Axel answered abruptly, “Yes?”

“Sir, we have a police officer at the gate, he needs to speak with you urgently. Shall I send him to the house?”

Axel couldn’t believe his luck. People always say there’s never a police officer around when you needed one. Oh this is working out wonderfully. “Send him up. I have need of his services.”

+ + +

Hi Sister. How about something to eat?” Amelia sat on the edge of the bed after placing the delicious broth Danielle had made on the bedside table next to the bed. Sister Marie had been awake when she had entered the curtained off area looking remarkably refreshed, which was a wonderful sign.

Sister Marie glanced around her. The surroundings must have been to her satisfaction as she smiled at the question nodding her head before speaking. “She’s gone hasn’t she?”

Blinking rapidly at the strange question Amelia reached for the bowl and spoon and handed them to her. ”I don’t follow Sister. Who has gone?”

With a strange expression, wistful yet out of this world, Sister Marie quietly mentioned, “Olivia Santos.”

Now how does she know that? Amelia wondered, as she automatically whispered, “Yes,” in true bravado style. A serious expression captured in the nun’s eyes worried Amelia as she quickly tried to reassure the nun. “The detective left a note that she wouldn’t be long on an errand. She hasn’t been in her office for a couple of days you know how that is… well you know what I mean.” Heck how pathetic is that!

“Doctor West, because I’m a nun and in this unusual situation you do not have to humour me. I’m aware that Detective Santos is a troubled soul and driven by demons. At any time in my life other than now, I would have given any sacrifice to help her and release her soul into the light. At this time however, I have another soul to reach out to and help, one that doesn’t even know yet that they need help. When that happens all will fall into place, including the detective’s exodus back to a faith in what is good.” Sister Marie had that same happy, yet sad expression that Amelia had witnessed the first time they had met. It was ethereal and she felt her whole body relaxing under its spell.

Frowning at the words, Amelia was at a lost as to what to make of them. Who is in crisis that needs help so badly that it outweighs someone that is clearly in need of help? She herself had thought in her own professional way that Detective Santos might need help from her profession. How can anyone know who needs help more than another especially when the event hadn’t occurred to cause the catalyst? “I wouldn’t presume to humour you Sister. Believe me I understand the nun thing all too well. It’s strange but I wondered if Detective Santos needed a little help from someone like me. Therefore, I guess we are on the same wave length although I wouldn’t like to second guess who needs your help more.” Maybe it is Danielle? That would certainly make perfect sense.

A compelling stare was the only answer she received as the nun appeared to enjoy the broth.

“Danielle’s a great cook isn’t she? She created this from basically nothing in the larder. She has also prepared another concoction for us. Have you the strength to sit with us at the table or would you prefer to rest here?”

“I will eat with you, thank you.”

Amelia smiled warmly and as she stood up from the side of the bed. She heard Danielle shriek out her name and ran fast as she could until she saw the other woman at the console in the middle of the room.

“What’s the problem Danielle?” Amelia’s stomach churned as she saw the pale features of Danielle staring at the monitor and pointing. “They’re coming to get us Amelia. What shall we do?”

Who the heck are they?

Gazing at the position the finger pointed to, Amelia saw what was making Danielle afraid. Two men were checking the building for an opening and if that wasn’t bad enough they both had weapons. Sucking in a deep breath, Amelia wondered what to do next. She had already sent the only police person she knew personally after Detective Santos. Who else did she know that could help them if the defences that the detective had placed on the building were breached? Looking at the thugs outside she wouldn’t put it past them not to try and use brute force with perhaps explosives or something along those lines to break down the walls.

Placing a calming hand on Danielle’s shoulder, she smiled encouragingly at her even though inside she was as frightened as the woman along side her was. “Danielle I don’t think they can get in. The message from Detective Santos mentioned we were stuck inside here until morning. I suspect it means they can’t get in from the outside either. She’ll be back to help us for sure by then.” As she spoke her mind went to the obvious - should I call 911? No, that will place us in even more jeopardy since Danielle’s husband knows some powerful people.

Eyes filled with alarm gazed into hers and Amelia had to use all her powers of control to prevent giving way and admitting she too was scared witless. “Do you really believe that? I don’t want to die Amelia.”

Spontaneously Amelia threw her arms around Danielle’s and hugged her warmly. Then releasing her she said, “We haven’t gone this far to have a couple of goons stop us now have we? Besides, we have God on our side. You think he’s going to allow anyone to injure Sister Marie and the baby? How about we eat and who knows, Detective Santos might be back by then.”

Danielle knew the faces of these men, they work for my husband. She had seen them on the grounds guarding their property. How did they find out I’m here?It doesn’t take a mathematical genius to know who they are here for. Amelia and the nun were just unfortunate victims to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. With a watery smile Danielle decided it was best to keep the identity of the men to her self. What will it help to speak out? “You want to eat now?”

“Oh yes, the smell is fabulous. And here comes Sister Marie…she’s going to join us too. Hey, if we are going to have to work out a strategy we need the strength, and food I’ve found is the best source there is.” Amelia wasn’t sure if she could make good on what she said - her stomach might protest, as it whirled around beneath her clasped hands.

Reluctantly Danielle headed back up the staircase to the kitchen. At least it will keep me busy. As she picked up the tray holding the food her thoughts travelled to her son, will I ever see him again? As the thought pierced her heart she wept silently inside.

Amelia picked up the cell that she had left on the desk and punched in a short code. “Teal, my friend, you’re going to hate me today and will be asking for a raise in salary.”

+ + +

Teal was surprised by the person who had turned up at the doorstep of the office as they nearly gave her a heart attack. However, as her terrified eyes turned to see who it was she heaved a sigh of relief as Father Johansson stood there with a friendly expression in his eyes.

“Ah, my friend Teal. Did I scare you?” His words were little solace at that moment for her rapid heart beat but at least it was a friendly face.

With a shrug of her diminutive shoulders, she gave the priest a roll of the eyes and a shake of her head. “Not me Father, I’m made of sterner stuff. Was there something you needed? Amelia isn’t here.”

A flicker of the eyelids of the man had Teal reconsidering her first impression that the Father was no threat. The coldness that shone out of his normally warm cornflower eyes had her wondering just why is he here at this time of night?

“Aye to be sure I didn’t think she would be here right now Teal. I need to see her though… now!” His voice had increased an octave and it was clear he wasn’t going to leave without knowing where Amelia was.

Teal decided that things hadn’t been going to plan since the moment that Amelia had taken the assignment for the priest. Her intelligent mind began setting off those bells that said all wasn’t what it should be. She didn’t exactly know what Amelia and the detective had gotten themselves into since they left the office earlier that afternoon but something wasn’t right. “Sorry Father, she didn’t say where she would be. Just that she was involved in a case that needed her full attention. Maybe she’ll be back in the office sometime tomorrow. Want me to have her call you?”

The priest rubbed at the stubble forming on his chin. The action fascinated Teal. It was one of those actions that you would expect from a man, except whenever you thought of a priest you never quite put them into the realms of the normal day to day personal care that other males had to suffer. One of those weird things about the clergy and people’s perception she supposed.

The coldness in his eyes dissipated and the old warmth she was use to shone through. “Teal we haven’t had the time in recent months to catch up. How about we have a coffee and we can catch up…if you have the time?”

She was about to say no, but the handclasp on her tiny arm had her sucking in a breath at the pain. If the pressure increased much more she was sure her arm would be broken. She wasn’t exactly built for any man-handling and right now if she had been in anyone else’s presence she would have thought her arm in jeopardy. Maybe it is. “Okay, can’t stay too long catching up though Father, I have dinner in the oven.”

“Ever resourceful Teal, now tell me what concoction you’ve made for yourself today.” The Father’s words were warm but there was an underlining tone that had her hackles rising. The fact that the vice-like grip hadn’t eased until they were seated opposite each other at the café across the street from the office worried her too.

For an hour she was pumped for every single piece of information regarding Amelia’s current whereabouts. The answers were given in Teals’ own version which meant very little was revealed. She could see that the Father was becoming more and more frustrated as the conversation progressed. In the past, when Amelia had worked on a case for him, there hadn’t been this urgency to track her down. What is different about this case? She wondered. What she wouldn’t give for her friend to call her with an update. As if on cue, her cell vibrated on her hip and she moved slightly in her chair to see the screen and the caller ID. Well darn it all Amelia, do you have a bug in here? “Excuse me Father I need to take this call.”

Standing up, she headed towards the restroom and, with a backward glance, saw the priest heading in her direction. There was only one thing for her to do - she opened the ladies restroom door and entered. Now he can’t follow me in here. “Hey Amelia what’s happening?”

“Teal, you’re going to want a raise I know but I need you to do something for me again.”

Walking over to the basin, Teal checked that the room was empty and began to speak in urgent whispered tones. “Amelia you’re never going to believe this but …” A few minutes later after having revealed her news she waited for her friend to say something. The silence on the other end unnerved her somewhat. “Amelia what do you want me to do?”

It was true that Amelia thought that the Father’s interest and persistence unusual but with all the strangeness about this case, it wasn’t surprising. She was getting more and more worried about the situation as the seconds ticked by. Maybe he’s heard about the detective’s partner’s disappearance. He has friends everywhere. “Teal I was going to ask you to come over and help us out but maybe the Father will be just the tonic we need. Tell him where I am Teal and ask him to come over.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea Amelia. Look there’s something not right about him tonight. If I didn’t know better, and I’m not sure I do, he looks more like a criminal than a priest. Something evil is going on his mind.” Teal knew she didn’t sound convincing. How on earth could she be? They had both known the priest for years and for Amelia, he was more like a father-figure than a priest.

Amelia heard her friend’s caution. She’s probably ill at ease at being out in that part of town at night. Who wouldn’t be? Teal was more uptight about it than most people, primarily because of her size - she felt she was a great target. “Don’t worry Teal there’s no danger from Father. I’d bet my faith on it.”

“Okay, so be it. It’s on your head if anything bad happens and I won’t say I told you so either. Do you want to speak with him first or shall I just tell him your location?”

“Tell him where we are. I’ll expect to see him on the monitors in about half an hour. Teal go home and enjoy that gourmet meal you’ve cooked and a good movie.” Amelia smiled knowing her friend very well.

Teal grinned at the comment. “Hey what monitors?”

“If I had time to tell you now I would but, I can’t. Let’s just say Detective Santos is diverse in lots of ways. I’ll see you tomorrow Teal…and yes I’ll take care of myself.”

Amelia hung up and Teal smiled she felt a little better that Amelia’s enthusiasm for the Father was high. Although that wouldn’t stop her worrying and she would until she saw Amelia in the flesh, safe and sound. Placing the phone back on her belt, she exited the restroom to tell the Father the good news.

+ + +

Olivia had long ago given up pondering why she put her life in danger recklessly. It wasn’t as if she was stupid or dumb. She was neither of those and had a keen understanding of how the world clicked, principally the criminal world. Yet she’d done it again and left behind people who needed her help and all because she was on a path of revenge for Max. Her partner would be turning in his grave, except he hasn’t been placed there yet, admonishing her for leaving the clients behind to go on a pointless crusade without all the information. As the road sped by her at a tremendous pace the pent up energy of the bike mirrored her own as she refused to allow it to go at a dangerous speed for she’d surely be picked up by the cops.

She was ten minutes from base and all she’d done was put the people inside her home in danger. She’d seen the men positioned outside her office when they had arrived there earlier, but it had been irrelevant to her because she thought she could out manoeuvre anyone who tried to gain access to her building when she wasn’t there. True it was difficult to gain entry when she wasn’t there, but not impossible. Unfortunately because of her haste, she had forgotten one thing… the doctor didn’t seem to understand any request she gave. More than likely she had compromised the building already, and if that was the case… what carnage could she expect to find? Because frankly, there is no way Randal doesn’t know who I am by now.

Increasing the pressure on the throttle she decided that right now getting a ticket wasn’t the worst thing in the world. Nope she had to get back and ensure the women who were under her care received exactly that. Even the troublesome doctor!

+ + +

Sister Marie ate the meal with an enthusiasm that amazed Danielle. Her son relished her cooking but she put that down to him being her son. The nun appeared to pay homage in the same way by eating everything in front of her. The beaming smile and the tiniest smacking of the lips brought a faint smile to her face. A miracle in the circumstances that she now felt they were in. The doctor, on the other hand, was eating her food but her mind was obviously elsewhere.

“Are you okay Amelia?” The quiet words drew Amelia’s attention immediately and that of the nun who watched the two women closely.

“Sure, I’ve called in the reinforcements. We’ll be out of here in a flash, no harm done.” Although her words were meant to boost confidence they hardly held any great vibes to do so.

Unexpectedly Sister Marie, who was as far as Danielle was concerned, rather reticent since they’d met, spoke. “She will return Doctor to help us. I can feel it.”

Flushing slightly at the comment, Amelia tried to shake off the inference that she was worried about the detective. She was, however it puzzled her as to why since the woman was well able to take care of herself if this place and all its modern gadgets are anything to go by.

“Oh I know Detective Santos is a very capable woman Sister, that’s why she was chosen by Father Johansson to help us. Besides, the Father will be here soon and he’ll work out what to do next.” Amelia hoped she was right. He’d have to not only navigate the goons outside, but the security system too.

Danielle decided that it might be best to take their minds off the present dangers by changing the subject. “So Sister, when is the baby due? I’m sure you’re looking forward to the birth.” As soon as the last word left her mouth she realized she spoke without thinking. With a brief shake of her head in negativity and with eyes cast downward, she thought in disgust at her own insensitivity.

Sister Marie glanced down at her bulging belly and her head moved slowly characteristic of the nodding dog in the rear window of a car. Amelia, for her part, closed her eyes at the crass comment. Surely Danielle would know that for a nun pregnancy was a no-no. Before she could say anything to help the situation Sister Marie quietly replied.

“I believe I’m seven months along. Though many of my fraternity would not be happy about such an occurrence, I look forward to receiving the child of God into my care.”

Danielle’s eyes opened wide at the answer. Child of God? Her mouth opened like a fish and Amelia saw the puzzlement flood her features. Surely she wasn’t going to make another gaff! “Sister it’s a wonderful gift too. I’ll never forget the birth of my son.”

Amelia silently thanked God for small mercies as Sister Marie gave Danielle a relieved, serene smile. “We must trade stories Danielle. I know that you love your son very much. As will I regardless of the personal cost his birth will cause me.”

Hadn’t it already! Amelia thought as she collected the used dishes and left the two women to discuss the merits of childbirth. It was one subject she definitely had no interest in. Paradoxically it would be good for the nun to speak to someone not associated with anyone remotely connected with the church. She and the detective were tainted by knowing Father Johansson and, in the nun’s eyes she surmised the Sister needed a stranger to talk to at this time. She had been the initial tentative communication branch, but it hadn’t worked out and things had gone belly up in that quarter. As far as Amelia was concerned, she knew little more about the Sister and what had happened to her than at the first moment she had met her. As she placed the dishes in the dishwasher, she pondered the detective again. Is it written on my face that I’ve been thinking about the woman? She was sure that she wasn’t that facially expressive. The nun was supposed to be incredibly intuitive and often reached out to the hurting souls. Can it be she feels that my soul is in pain? Staring blankly at the photo on the unit by the door, her mind wandered on a path she hadn’t allowed it to for several years. What she saw there had her doubting her vocation and not for the first time.

Dragging herself from the encroaching painful observations of her own psyche, she focused on the photo on the wall. It was a happy shot of a woman receiving an award of some description. As she peered closely at the print she was amazed to see that it was the detective. She looked so young and Amelia was staggered by the innocence that shone out of those startling incredibly communicative eyes. The smile that flooded the detective’s face made her look… beautiful. If she used that smile more often people wouldn’t be as intimidated by her, although that was probably not a good thing in her profession. As she digested every detail, she saw a man in the background, his expression appeared proud. He wasn’t old enough to be her father but from the similarities he could be a relation. The award was a small shield but the writing was too tiny to make out. Maybe one day when we got out of this mess I’ll ask her abo ut it.

Stepping out of the kitchen and walking slowly down the steps, she could see that the two women in the building with her were into a deep conversation. Remarkable! Here she was trying to prize an oyster from its shell and Danielle was achieving it without any trouble at all. I wonder who the real psychiatrist is here. Walking over to the desk and the consoles, she saw the two men impatiently pushing and kicking in frustration at the metal doors that were the only visible signs of entrance to the building. At the rate the men were going they’d need new shoe leather before they scratched the surface. Keeping a close eye on their movements, she saw something flicker on the side of one of the monitors. It was slightly out of focus and she didn’t know how to zoom in with the equipment and if she did move something she might lose the only sight they had. Dare I take a chance on that? As she pondered that tho ught, the two men were apparently hailed by the new visitor as they left their current positions and headed in that direction. Yes! Reinforcements are here!

She had to try and zoom into that position. Now what to press is the hundred dollar question. Glancing at the different options on the console she saw something that looked vaguely like a control that might be used for zoom. Well, nothing ventured nothing gained. She pressed the button and after several strange noises from the equipment one of the monitors went blank and an array of numbers filled the screen for several seconds. Then the screen came up with an official looking screen prompting for a password. “Heck that isn’t what I wanted.” Amelia muttered at the console. Okay what next? She pressed several other buttons and nothing that she could see happened. Finally, she turned to the computer console and her eyes flooded open in dismay. This is when Teal is in her element. What she doesn’t know about office computers hasn’t been written yet. If only she was here now. Computers an d associated machinery was definitely not her strong point. The nearest she came to using technology was the Palm Pilot that Teal had painstakingly taught her to use to keep her updated. Well, as much as one can be with a person who preferred the pen and paper option.

“Amelia is something going on?” Danielle asked her quietly as she and Sister Marie stood beside the desk with curious expressions on their faces.

“Do you know anything about computers…particularly zooming in on subjects?” The desperate tone had Danielle peering closely at the equipment.

“I’m not familiar with this sophisticated technology, but let’s see if the computer holds any keys. Have you touched anything yet?” Amelia wanted to say no, in fact she wanted to tell an all out lie. Right now she felt so helpless and admitting she was inept at using a computer was a blow to her pride. Darn I’m going to have to ask forgiveness for that sin.

“Well, I did kinda pushed the odd button but nothing much happened, except that,” pointing a finger at the password prompt on one of the monitors.

Danielle swapped positions with Amelia as she tried to find out if they could do anything with the monitors. It might not be possible, although she had to admit that with the stuff here it was likely that zooming in was part of the package.

Amelia stared at the monitor that thankfully still held the men in view. They were talking avidly and that worried her so much so that Sister Marie placed a comforting hand on her arm. “She’ll be back, they won’t hurt us.”

With a faint smile Amelia nodded. “Sure, I know Sister. May I ask you a question?”

The Sister smiled that sweet serene smile of hers. It was much like the Madonna pictures she had been brought up with in the convent school. It had been the first impression she’d had of the nun and, in a way, it was the perfect expression. “Yes Doctor West.”

Tracing the tip of her tongue over her dry lips she spoke softly. “How did you know I was thinking about Detective Santos over dinner?”

A far away look breached the serenity in her eyes that, although appeared to be looking directly at her, were in contrast a million miles away. Then the nun spoke in a whisper, “Some people’s souls are more easily understood than others.”

Cryptic, and why not, I should have expected that .

“You think that my soul and that of the detective’s are on a similar wavelength? Is that it Sister?” If only they were in another situation, like back in her office on the comfy couch and the chair she had there. Not here being hunted like criminals in a storage building…albeit a rather elaborately furnished one.

Sister Marie merely smiled peacefully again. “One day you will understand and everything will make sense to you.”

“Hey ladies, I think I’ve got it, let’s try this?” Danielle spoke excitedly as she did something with the computer and the monitor began to move closer to the objects in question. “Can you see who it is yet?”

“A little more Danielle, that’s it!” Silence filled the room as Amelia couldn’t believe who it was they were talking to. Croaking out a question she asked, “Danielle does that thing pick up any sounds?”

Puzzled, but pleased for managing to solve the zoom problem she looked at the console. Thank goodness I took up the offer by my son to learn some simple things about the computer. “Let me try something else.”

The sound of shuffling feet and the agitated voice of one of the goons flooded the room. “The boss told us to take care of this not you.”

The voice speaking now only verified Amelia’s recognition of the stranger. “Let me take care of it. There is no need for you here.”

Amelia turned to Sister Marie who had a far away look on her face that was different from the other times - she didn’t appear to be mentally with them. I’ll cover that later. “Danielle I think we have more trouble here than we expected.”

Danielle stood up and peered hard at the monitor. “Do you know him?”

“Unfortunately I do. The detective and I crossed his path a couple of days ago. How he found us and why he knows these men, is something I can’t answer right now. All I know is that it isn’t good.”

Danielle chose that moment to confess her recognition of the other two men. They all looked at each other wondering about the connection but unable to piece it together. “Some puzzle huh?”

A roaring sound attracted their attention from the Mexican stand-off of the men in the yard drawing their attention immediately from other disquieting thoughts. They were even more astonished when the metal doors of the building began to open. Within seconds the roaring sound was a crescendo of noise and fumes as a motorcycle powered its way into the building. The metal doors clanged shut barely millimetres from the back of the bike, as the sound of fans filtering out the fumes kicked in for a few minutes in the background.

The three opened-mouthed women stared at the figure that alighted from the bike and removed the darkened helmet from their head. Dark hair flowed easily back into its well shaped style, as intelligent eyes quickly flashed over each of the women.

“Hi, looks like I arrived just in time.”

In all of Amelia’s life she had never been so glad to see anyone. The relief it afforded her inside was unexplainable. Calmly she moved forward, though her innards shook like a milkshake, and stood next to Olivia Santos. “About time you showed up, we were going to send out a search party!”

Olivia’s eyes widened a little as a smirk crossed her lips briefly before she whispered, “Really? I didn’t realise that you would miss me that much Doc?”

Amelia blushed slightly, feeling that now familiar gentle flick of the nose, as Olivia passed her heading towards her desk and the consoles. Turning to following in her footsteps, Amelia muttered under her breath, “I didn’t. You have an ego bigger than the Empire State Building!”

+ + +

Captain David Tourney sat in his car thinking. He’d endured a trying time listening to the crap from Axel Randal. Intimating Olivia was a common burglar, and he wanted her off the streets. Well one thing he knew for sure, Olivia was no burglar, and she wasn’t common, period! Having her off the streets until she calmed down was something he agreed with. Although at her own liberty, and not under arrest or incarcerated. Interesting that Axel looked smug and self-confident, untouchable was a better expression.

The activity of the men guarding this property appeared to be somewhat over the top in his estimation and although he didn’t agree with private vigilantes he had to concede that some people with power were better able to defend themselves and their property than the local police. He’d have a man stationed near each gate entrance, both front and back and if Randal made a move to leave his properly, he’d have him discreetly followed. Yes that was a plan, and right now the only one he knew he could rely on.

The biggest question was where would Olivia go? The answer, simple really, back to where she was needed the most. Right now he suspected that was where Randal’s wife was, with major trouble brewing, he’d stake his badge on it!

+ + +

Olivia was grateful for one thing in all this mess, deciding to return here to help these women. The zoom in shot of the three men, who were parting company, as she briefly checked the screen, was interesting. The guy in the background was the one she and the doc had seen at the convent. Now this is really taking a curious turn, how is he involved? Her glance briefly speculated on Sister Marie, maybe she had been the mystery nun at the convent that night? It had some logic attached to it in a perverse kind of way, but she didn’t think the nun had any idea who the man was. Her demeanour would have been different and anyway she’d know the voice and it certainly wasn’t Sister Marie. The other two were the goons who had been lurking around since the man had entered her office and asked for her earlier in the day, as she’d feigned to be the secretary.

Then she noticed the screen with the log in prompt, “Who’s been playing with my equipment?” as her voice held a hint of steel. Danielle coloured slightly and said she’d tried to use the zoom facility in the computer but nothing else… well except the volume control. “What about this, what were you trying to do?”

Danielle shook her head negatively, she hadn’t touched that console. “I didn’t realise that I’d done that sorry.” Her voice felt pitifully inadequate as she saw the serious expression in the detective’s eyes.

Amelia chose that moment to speak, “It wasn’t Danielle. It was me Detective. I was trying to find the zoom for the camera and touched a few buttons here and there. Did I do something critical to your system?”

Olivia smiled silently. She had a suspicion that the doctor was probably to blame. For some inexplicable reason the doc had that kind of disruptive effect on things around her, or at least in her presence anyway. “Now why didn’t I know that immediately Doc? You seem to have that kind of disruptive effect, or is it only around me that you like to disrupt everything you can, I wonder?”

“Now that’s not true and you know it!” Amelia blustered as she was silenced by a finger being put to her lips.

“For once Doc will you be quiet and do as I say? It might save your life.” Olivia had seen another figure in the alley from the monitor that had been disabled by the doctor. However this person was even more familiar to her. What the hell was he doing here and how did he know they would even be here?

Amelia was silenced by the tone and manner of the detective who had become almost should she’d say remote. Furiously tapping instructions into her computer and flicking various switches on a large board into new positions. The aggrieved look Amelia received from the detective with eyebrows raised annoyed her. It wasn’t her fault that she’d left them defenceless, what else could she expect? At least I’d been trying to help even if everything I did hadn’t quite gone according to plan.

“What do you want us to do?” Amelia finally asked as they looked around the room like triple spare wheels with no place to go.

Glancing up briefly, Olivia muttered something inaudible and then flashed a brief smile at Danielle. That made Amelia seethe inside even more, especially with what was said next. “Danielle, take my seat and watch all the monitors. If anyone and I mean anyone, gets close enough to try and breach the building, holler.”

With a grateful flashing smile, Danielle took the offered seat.

Sister Marie who had watched and listened intently to everything said, and not said in the room could feel the inner tension Amelia West emitted. It had nothing to do with the men outside the building. Detective Santos was working with adrenalin pumping so hard she would never notice that potentially she was hurting the doctor with her words and actions, or lack of them. Then she was drawn into the scene herself as Olivia Santos spoke directly to her.

“Sister, I know it’s a tough situation here right now and I apologise for putting you and your baby in jeopardy, but would you do something for me?”

The gentle words would have many speculating if the detective was as hard as she appeared. She was! There was no getting away from that fact. However, she apparently had a soft spot or two, and fortunately for her it appeared the detective respected and wanted to help her. “Of course anything?”

“I need you to take a protective stance inside the jeep. At this moment I’m not sure what these men have as far as an agenda. One thing I do know is that people who carry weapons usually are up to no good, unless they are the police. The jeep is well protected and if you take this,” Olivia handed the nun a small device, “You can activate the locking mechanism and initiate attack mode, which will ensure that anything that comes within a foot of your position will be neutralised. Let me show you.” Olivia quickly explained which buttons to push, accompanied by a warm relaxed smile. “Don’t be scared Sister. I’m banking on you not needing to use it; because if you do, we both know what that would mean.”

Sister Marie stared into Olivia’s eyes, she masked nothing and that was as it should be. Secrets were so easy to misinterpret and create mischief. It was perfectly clear to her the only time she would need it was if the detective was incapacitated, or worse dead. “I’ll be inside the vehicle waiting, thank you Olivia.”

Amelia listened to the conversation in astonishment, and was hard pressed not to stare at them with an open mouth. As the Sister walked towards the vehicle Olivia moved in the opposite direction. Insulted, and worse, annoyed at being left to her own devices, Amelia quickly caught up to the detective placing a restraining hand on her leather clad well-muscled arm.

Clear eyes gazed at first her hand, and then into her eyes, a question hovered in her eyes and it wasn’t friendly.

“What about me?”

Olivia shook the hand away and proceeded to carry on with whatever she was going to do, voicing shortly, “What about you?”

“Don’t you have a role for me in all this?” Her voice was tentative rather than demanding.

Olivia turned back to face the doctor, more because of the tone of her voice than the question itself. “Doctor no disrespect to you, but in the short time we’ve worked together, when have you ever done anything I’ve asked of you? Right now we don’t have the luxury of you disobeying me, or me second guessing if you will do what I ask. I can’t take the risk. If you want something to do, go talk with Sister Marie and keep your head down. Not that I’ll make that an instruction because it wouldn’t exactly work with you would it.”

Amelia’s eyes crinkled at the side as she frowned at the statement. Am I really that bad? Then she realised that the detective was right. There hadn’t been one instruction given that she hadn’t changed or disobeyed and in truth it wasn’t like her. “If I promised to do as you say to the letter will you let me help you?”

There is no time for this , Olivia thought as she shook her head at the question. “Look Doc, things are pretty bad at the moment. I don’t know what’s going to happen. If I were you, I’d take the protection the jeep has to offer.” A part of Olivia wanted to have the doctor close by because at least that way she’d know what the woman was up to. Another part wanted her out of harms way, as she’d provided for the Sister. Both vied for supremacy in her mind.

“I’d rather be with you.” Amelia finally spoke quietly but with determination, because right now to her way of thinking the detective to her was the safest place on earth. Except it wasn’t her logic working that one out. She didn’t know why she thought that or if the detective would even consider it, all she knew was that it was the right place to be for her.

The words struck an emotional cord inside Olivia, but right now was not a time to dwell on what that cord was exactly. “Okay. I’m going onto the roof. You can watch my back and inform me immediately if Danielle sees anything happening.”

With a beaming smile Amelia virtually galloped up to the detective and followed her as closely as possible to the ladder that lead to the roof. Olivia removed her leather jacket and deposited without a backward glance into Amelia’s lap for safe keeping, then climbed the ladder with ease as she opened the door leading to the roof. Walking quickly to the edge of the small wall she avoided a jagged object more by luck than anything else as she crouched down and peered over the edge. Fortunately the wall totally enclosed the building’s roof, one of the beauties of having an old building. At one time people probably came up here and used it as you would a patio in one of the newer townhouses. Now she doubted it was used at all, except in this case.

Olivia had her tumultuous thoughts about her partner encased in a safe haven inside her head at the moment. One thing she had learnt very well over the years was to shut out anything that might endanger those that needed her help. She’d already done that once today by leaving the three women alone. She wouldn’t do that again. Whatever happened now, the only way she would leave these women without protection was in a body bag. Darn it she’d forgotten her binoculars and she’d dearly love to lip read the conversation between the two goons standing directly in her line of sight. Scrambling backwards carefully to avoid the rusted object that was in her path to the exit, she popped her head inside the door and shouted as quietly as possible down to the doctor.

“Doc, I need you to reach inside the pocket of my jacket and throw me up the binoculars.”

Amelia without hesitation scrambled inside the left and then the right pocket to extract the object required. Throwing the eye glasses into the secure hands of the detective, who disappeared out of view with barely a discernible word of thanks.

As quickly as she’d left she settled back down in her last position and thankfully the goons were still there. Placing the optical instrument to her eyes she adjusted the lens and tracked first one of the guys and then the next.

“Always did hate waiting around.”

“He told us it wasn’t our concern and I’d rather be out of it. Besides I like the boss’s wife, she was always nice. Especially with those cookies she baked for us in the winter.”

“Ah, you and your stomach. We’ve waited here all day and no action. I think we should call Finn.”

“Call him then and see what he says. I bet we have to wait here until he knows who has given the orders. Weird though how he’s here. Don’t you think?”

“I don’t get paid to think Christie. I’ll call Finn.”

Olivia had to say she agreed with one thing that she’d managed to hear. How did he get here? Her eyes wandered to the person in question who was in a heavy conversation with the guy she and the doctor had seen at the convent. Now that did shed more light on the situation, perhaps there wasn’t anything nefarious with that event as they had first thought… it was possible. Yeah in your dreams Santos! Pondering that for a few seconds she was quickly dragged back to the moment as the two men split up and then she looked back to the goons who it would appear hadn’t changed their positions, which could mean only one thing they had been told not to interfere by their boss, even more intriguing, but that didn’t mean if things got ugly they wouldn’t participate.

Carefully watching where the first guy went she lost him as he disappeared under the awning covering the side door to the building. The other party merely watched from his vantage point and then he turned away, apparently leaving the area. Olivia decided it was best to take up a position inside the building for the moment. Forgetting for a moment any obstacles, she headed towards the roof door but her foot caught unexpectedly on the jagged piece of metal that she’d avoided previously. It sliced through her boot and lodged itself in the ball of her foot. The initial pain made her flinch as she sucked in a deep breath and then pulled hard to try and dislodge the object. The pain that caused was excruciating and involuntarily she let out a cry of pain, there was no way that someone below wouldn’t hear. Especially as seconds later the door flew open and the doctor stood there with a worried expression on her face. Does that woma n ever do what she is told!

“Are you okay? I heard you cry out.” Amelia saw the pain etched on the detective’s face, a sure sign she wasn’t.

Olivia grimaced as she shook her head slightly and motioned for Amelia to come closer. When she did, Olivia grasped her shoulder in a vice-like grip. With a mutter of, “Hold still.” She clenched her teeth tightly shut to prevent another cry from emitting as she pulled hard to release her foot from its prison and when she did she noticed a large rusty bolt that had somehow become broken leaving a sharp, jagged edge. “Thanks, I’m okay now. We need to go back inside.” Glancing down to the injured foot she attempted to put her weight onto it and then closed her eyes briefly at the pain. She realized she was going to have to shut out the pain if she wanted to get the job done here.”

“You’re bleeding let me look at it?” Amelia pleaded but knew it would fall on deaf ears.

“No time for that right now. Let’s go Doc or you might end up mincemeat.” She pushed the doctor towards the exit and followed her down the ladder.

Danielle’s eye flew to them as they headed in her direction. Before she knew it Olivia was pressing several buttons and the cameras were zooming into new positions. “Are we okay? I didn’t see anything.”

The anxious question was valid enough and as she scanned the area where the man had gone she saw that he had a gun raised and was using a decoder device on the door. It wouldn’t be long before they knew what the intentions were of these men and in her mind it was clearly no good. “It’s time for you and the doctor to keep Sister Marie company.”

Danielle saw that Amelia was about to protest and quietly placed a hand on her arm and gave her a look and a shake of her head. “Let’s go Amelia, she’s right you know.”

Amelia wanted to shout out she isn’t always right! And she is injured too! Hadn’t she noticed? Probably was bleeding profusely from the wound which wasn’t a good thing. Not to mention the fact that she would get an infection if it wasn’t treated sooner rather than later. “I can’t leave her on her own Danielle, she needs our help!”

Danielle turned to observe the detective. Olivia was oblivious of them at that moment and probably wouldn’t take kindly to her direction not being taken seriously. “She knows what to do Amelia. Please we can do more good with the Sister; she’s probably scared and needs us more. After all, isn’t she your responsibility?”

“Yes, yes she is. Thanks for reminding me Danielle. You go ahead I’ll be there in a second I promise.” Amelia smiled reassuringly at the woman who with a smile nodded and left her.

Olivia chose that moment to look up and with a slight snort rolled her eyes at the doctor. “I see true to your usual performances since we’ve met you’re still here no matter what I say.”

There are times in life when violence no matter how much you abhor it manages to raise its head even if for only a second. Amelia glared at the detective as she spoke, “I’m going. I was only about to say if you needed…”

Olivia locked gazes and nodded, “I appreciate the concern Amelia. However, right now you’re more trouble to me in the open than in the jeep.”

A warm feeling travelled through Amelia at the detective’s use of her name as she found it difficult to escape the direct eye contact, not that she was in a hurry to do so. “I promise not to play with the controls Detective.” Amelia felt that the voice wasn’t her own as she rasped the words out like the sound of scratching sandpaper.

“Good idea. One day I’ll teach you how to use all the equipment. Is that a good enough trade for your cooperation now?” Olivia’s body moved away from the console slightly to bring their bodies inches from each other and Amelia felt her heart racing at the nearness of the detective.

Breathlessly Amelia answered, “I’ll hold you to that detective.” A part of her was disappointed as the detective began to turn her towards the jeep and the relative safety it provided. Then she felt that familiar flick of her nose and for the first time she wasn’t annoyed. She felt like she floated towards the vehicle and the door that opened as she arrived there.

Climbing inside she broke out of her day-dreaming and smiled at the two women inside. “We’ll be out of here soon I’m sure of it.”

Sister Marie gave the doctor a long hard glance and then with a slight smile nodded her head. Danielle muttered something inaudible and began her vigilance of watching for any intruders.

Amelia sat back in the leather seat and wondered what was happening to her and why it didn’t make her feel guilty.

+ + +

Father Johansson stepped towards the door of the office and tried to open it. As he suspected the door was locked. Reaching inside his tunic, he pulled out a cell phone, a modern contraption that should never have been invented. The object annoyed him immensely when the ringing of some of his parishioner’s phones in the church diverted their attention from his sermons to another place. Today he had decided to borrow his verger’s phone and Teal had given him Amelia’s cell number which he now dialled. He impatiently waited for it to be picked up.

Amelia heard the cell ringing and she looked at the number. It was unfamiliar to her and right now she didn’t want to take a cold call. Though she had to admit she was intrigued as to who had her number - she only ever gave it out to people who were desperate patients or her friends.

“Are you going to answer that Amelia? I hate it when people leave a phone ringing.” Danielle asked, her tone sounded cross.

“Sure. Hi this is Amelia West.”

“My dear at last! I’m outside the office but its locked can you let me in please?”

“Father! My goodness I’d forgotten about you. Well, that is not exactly… look maybe we can talk tomorrow, because right now isn’t the best of times Father.” Amelia smote a hand to her head she really had partially forgotten about the priest.

Father Johansson leaned against the wall and a slow smile crossed his lips. “Amelia I can probably help. Why don’t you let me in and we can talk about it.”

As she pondered that possibility another came to mind. He wasn’t safe out there and no way would the detective want the priest harmed. “Give me a few minutes Father but you’ll need to make it around to the back. There’s a side entrance to the building behind Detective Santo’s office. If you come across anyone there please Father, walk on by. Whatever you do don’t get involved.”

With a chuckle that made Amelia feel a little better, the priest’s natural air of optimism always had that effect on her.

“I’ll do that my dear.” The call ended as the priest watched carefully for any other people around. He did see two men situated at the other end of the alley but no one close to the door mentioned as he walked slowly towards it.

Amelia opened the side door of the Jeep out of view of the detective as Danielle spoke to her urgently. “Do you think you should be doing this without Olivia’s knowledge?”

The mention of the detective by name had Amelia’s hackles rising as with a fiery expression in her eyes she shot back, “She’ll understand perfectly. No way will the detectivewant Father Johansson out there in the middle of this without protection.”

“Well if you’re sure…” Danielle trailed off as she was shot a glance from Amelia that would have made her a statue.

A quiet voice entered the conversation. “How will you let him in Amelia without Olivia’s knowledge?”

Oh, so Sister Marie is on familiar terms with the detective too. Then she realised what she was said and closed her eyes briefly in deep thought. Oh no, what am I thinking? “I’ll think of something!” She answered abruptly as she closed the door on the other two.

Danielle wasn’t sure what was happening as her puzzled expression turned to the calm sedate one of the nun’s. “Am I missing something here Sister?”

With a gentle smile, Sister Marie shook her head. “No. I’m afraid that some things are not easily explained. When two totally different worlds collide, as in the case of Olivia and Amelia, it is hard to judge the outcome or what may happen.”

Not totally understanding the meaning behind the words Danielle decided to smile politely and go back to her post of watching for anything new.

Amelia was seething inside. Who do they think they are to question me on what is right or wrong in this situation.I’m intelligent and adult enough to know what is right in this case. I don’t need permission from the detective! Although, as she headed towards the side door she knew in her heart that it was a mistake not to involve the detective. Olivia…the detective’s name rolled around in her head as she tried to open the door. The name is alien and familiar all at the same time. What the heck is happening to me?

Glancing around, she saw there were various wires attached to the door, which she surmised could be part of an alarm. They look a bit like the ones in my office.Oh well, if I break the odd circuit in a good cause I figure it will be okay with everyone. Now, to find something to cut it with. As luck would have it, on the shelf above her there was a paring knife. This might do the trick. The scenario reminded her of a cheesy movie when the tools required to save the victim always miraculously appeared. Well, I’ll certainly be thanking God in my prayers when we get out of this situation. Providence was definitely on her side as she saw a small crate that looked like it could take her weight. Placing it strategically in front of the door, she carefully, with a sawing action, began her task of cutting the wire. As she was almost through, she suddenly realised that this wire could be live. Closing her eyes and sen ding up a brief prayer, she cut the wire and with it she heard a faint alarm sound in the background and a snick as if a bolt had been opened. Kicking the box aside, she opened the deadlock and prised the door open. Thankfully it opened and she saw the familiar smiling face of the priest waiting for her.

“Father, get in here quick!” She pulled at the priest’s cassock dragging him inside hastily.

Father Johansson was surprised at the action but did as bid and engulfed her in a warm hug. “I’m mightily glad you’re looking good child.”

Amelia grinned forgetting everything else but that the priest was okay. “I am at the moment Father. Look we need to go someplace safe and I’ll explain… if I can.” Without another word, she pulled the priest towards the vehicle and the relative safety that it afforded. Opening the door to the Jeep, she helped the old man inside the vehicle.

The detective was heading in their direction and she realized that there would be time later to explain about the Father’s presence. She didn‘t need to inflict another person for the detective to worry about.

+ + +

Olivia had been monitoring the man at the main entrance to the storage area. So far whatever he was doing wasn’t working successfully. It was a good sign that her preventative measures were working. They should, especially the doors, which were state of the art technology.

So far so good, but that didn’t really help. She needed to have a plan to take these women to safety, which she had thought this place would be but apparently it hadn’t been. As she pondered her situation she decided there was only one thing for it she needed help and only the help of people who could solve this legally. She pressed a sequence of numbers and a login prompt appeared. The same as had been on her screen earlier, the doctor bless her, had a way of finding her vulnerable points without any effort. If she’d look at the screen carefully she would have seen that it was for a government department, not normally accessible to the common man. Thankfully none of the women had taken that much notice, if they had… well I may of had to shoot them. The thought made her smile when the alarm kicked in for the side door. It seemed as if the security measures that were in place had been overridden. Damn I thought I had that covered!

Gingerly she stood up and wished she hadn’t as the pain, from the minor injury as she termed it, kicked her like a mule. Grimacing at the pain - a weakness on her part - she headed, with gun in hand, towards the door carefully. If the door has been compromised there is no knowing who might be in the building now.

As she made the door, she heard a click and turned around suddenly as her eyes tracked to the Jeep. There was no movement around there. Thank goodness. She reached for the door knob and opened the door slightly. It opened without a problem, we’ve been breached! Furtively her eyes shot around the vicinity and saw nothing unusual. Slowly she closed the door and locked the deadbolt. It would keep someone out for a short time and maybe give them a chance if only one person had entered. Carefully she made her way back to the console and pressed several switches and checked the screens. Now the cameras inside were the focus and so far she didn’t see anyone or anything amiss. This is strange. No one knew there were internal cameras certainly not the others in the building with her. Therefore, by all the normal rules, if an intruder had entered they would be relatively easy to find. As she kept her concentrati on on the monitors, she logged her password onto the computer. Almost immediately a blank e-mail message came up and, without hesitation, she quickly wrote a cryptic note and sent the message then logged off immediately.

Taking one of the monitors off internal scanning, she checked the camera that was trained on the guy trying to breach the main doors. He was nowhere to be seen. Damn it where is he? She had choices - turn all the outside cameras back on, or concentrate on the internal cameras. The internal won her over as she waited for any flicker in any corner, be it mice or men, she’d eliminate the intruder at once.

Olivia waited assured of one thing - the email she’d sent would have help at hand in the next hour no matter what happened to her personally.

+ + +

Father Johansson gripped Sister Marie’s hands and smiled warmly at her. “Why Sister, what adventures have you been on today I wonder?”

Sister Marie gave the old man a few seconds of contact and then she carefully withdrew her hand from his hold. “Nothing that won’t be resolved soon Father.”

His greying eyebrows withdrew into his forehead as he gave her a quizzical look and turned to Danielle who was a stranger to him. “Why Amelia aren’t you going to introduce me to this lovely lady.”

Amelia grinned; as always the priest was charming. It must be his American-Irish ancestry. He told her stories of when he was a boy and how he had to beg borrow and steal to live when he was growing up. “This is Danielle Frobisher, Father. Danielle this is a great friend and mentor of mine, Father Johansson.”

Danielle had been surprised at Amelia’s resourcefulness in getting the priest inside the building, but wondered in silence if that was a foolish accomplishment. Well, he looks harmless although he looks a little familiar to me. Although that could be because she was hoping that with a nun and now a priest in tow, God wouldn’t abandon them. “Pleased to meet you Father. Are you as wayward as Amelia?” She’d said that without thinking and if it hadn’t been for the small chuckle from Sister Marie she thought she’d committed one of the deadly sins. The looks she received from both Amelia and the priest were different.

“Amelia, why did you take Sister Marie from her… transport today?”

Before Amelia could answer, she was shocked to hear Sister Marie answer for her. “I asked her to Father. Is there a problem with that?”

Father Johansson stared hard at the nun stunned that she would speak without being spoken to. “No problem at all, except your convent is worried about you.”

“My convent was happy to send me to a place I didn’t want to go. Why would they be unhappy if I chose to go elsewhere on my own? I would have thought they would be relieved.”

The priest took a few moments to answer as he looked at each of the women in the vehicle. They are no threat at all. “I’m sure that you are mistaken Sister. Perhaps if you go back…”

“No! That is impossible now. Amelia is my saviour along with Olivia and Danielle…I will never forget that.”

“God is the only saviour we understand Sister. Have you forgotten that along with the father of your child?” the Father spat out maliciously. He was oblivious to the startled expressions of Amelia or Danielle.

“I know my allegiances Father, do you?” Sister Marie calmly asked with an expression of fortitude.

Amelia was surprised. No, astounded at the undercurrents the conversation was taking. Something isn’t right here and it has nothing to do with Sister Marie’s condition. However, to suspect Father Johansson after all the years she had known him was a limiting factor too. What is wrong with me these days? She knew she was not the most studious person around and, it was true she did do what others didn’t want, but that was usually because she cared.

“Look this is getting us no place fast Father. It would appear we’re in trouble and we need help.”

Father Johansson looked closely at Amelia for any sign that she was steering the conversation for anything but to keep him from speaking to Sister Marie. “That’s easily solved give them what they want.”

All eyes turned to the Father whose expression was bland. “That’s impossible!” The words exploded from Amelia. For the first time wondered if it had been a good decision to allow the Father inside the building or the security of the Jeep. If this goes sour, the detective is going to kill me unless someone else does it first.

Danielle for her part remained silent fascinated by the conversation. When events took a turn that involved her she waited and was not for the first time glad she’d allowed these women into her life.

Reaching inside his cassock, Father Johansson pulled out a gun. “Not impossible Amelia, prudent. Remove Mrs. Randal from the equation and we can work something out.”

Oh no , she’d made the biggest mistake of her life and she knew it. Why didn’t I say something to the detective? If we all get out of this I’ll never make that mistake again… ever!

“How do you know she’s called Randal?”

An evil chuckle emitted from the priest. “Well let’s just say that sometimes it’s the right thing to know the inner secrets of all. Wouldn’t you agree Sister Marie?”

Sister Marie shook her head and gave the priest a pained expression. “Nothing surprises me you know that. Let them go and I will not tell what you are.”

“What are you talking about Sister?” Amelia interrupted abruptly. Tactics were okay at times but this was serious - he has a gun!

“Never fear Amelia, the Father and I know what I mean. Isn’t that right Father?”

Father Johansson decided that now was a splendid time to allow his associate entrance and finish the few problems that had occurred. “Ladies allow me to call for help I’ll be but a moment.” He opened the door and slid out of the vehicle and headed for the breached door with his cell phone in his hand.

Olivia saw the movement of the vehicle but couldn’t make out who it was that had left the vehicle. Going by the black garb it must be Sister Marie but why? Then her womanly instincts kicked in. It must be a bathroom thing. She is heavily pregnant after all. Damn, one piece of equipment I didn’t think of for the Jeep. It wasn’t safe for the nun to be walking around and she was about to go after the figure when her console beeped.

Incoming mail flashed in front of her and she decided to check it for the worse case scenario.

The outer breached door opened and in stepped the Father’s associate. He said nothing other than a brief acknowledgement of the direction the Father sent him.

Father Johansson glanced over to the direction of a figure bent over the computer equipment in total concentration. He would finish this for good. It had been a folly of his to allow her so much rope. Time had now dwindled to zero for Olivia Santos.

“Olivia you look preoccupied.”

Startled at the familiar voice, Olivia shot up from her reading and stared at the man she had, up until she saw him in the alley today, always trusted. “Perhaps I am Father. Isn’t that the same with you? I’m amazed at your ability to break into my building.”

“Yes, sadly that’s true. I am preoccupied with you it would appear. I had help with the door. The doctor is a lovely if somewhat innocent personage. If you walk away now and leave the others to me, I can allow you your life. I think that’s a fair trade.” Johansson traded hard stares for all he was worth but Olivia was better, far better than he and his eyes fell away. Even though long ago he’d fallen from grace in the eyes of God, he still felt a gnawing in the pit of his stomach. What he did was wrong but he did it anyway for what he termed the greater good.

Olivia had long ago lost her innocence of who could be trusted. In her life only Max had warranted that accolade totally - he isn’t here anymore. “Nope, I’m here for the greater good this time Father and I’m not letting your evil clutches touch any of them!”

A laugh, that touched the pits of hell, greeted her remarks. “Ah, as I thought, noble to the end. One day I really did think that you might have joined me. A pity I saddled you with that ass Max. He was so innocent to what the world can offer.”

The mention of Max had Olivia’s mind screaming for vengeance as she gripped the side of the desk while her other hand went to the gun at her hip. “What went wrong with you Father? Somehow I don’t equate this to God’s work?”

A bizarre laugh erupted from the priest as he edged forward. “God leads in mysterious ways haven’t you heard of that one Olivia? When I was young I was a zealot for justice like you. This evil world we live in doesn’t take into account the good people do, it only poisons the minds of so many innocents. Long ago I decided I could choose who would benefit but to do so had a price. One I gladly paid… until now. I hadn’t expected fate would intervene and bring Max, you and Amelia into my immoral life. I still have a part of me that regrets what is to happen next.”

Olivia’s sharp mind deduced quickly that Sister Marie wasn’t mentioned. Danielle she knew had the connection to the Father in a bizarre way, but the Sister? Perhaps that could explain the nun’s condition. Maybe that was why the nun refused to say who the father of the baby was. She had to know, it wouldn’t be right to go to the grave without the truth. “What about Sister Marie?”

A sneer crossed the priest’s face as he considered her question. “Ah the saintly Sister Marie who has been forced to fall from grace. She came across an operation that I had at the convent. Indeed providence itself was walking my path when they decided to ship her off to the hospital. I had a doctor waiting to take care of that small loose end. Dying in childbirth is such a tragic loss and easily covered up. Alas, Amelia decided to continue her work.” He scowled and muttered, “I should have known,” before continuing. “She was always like a dog with a bone, even as a child. I expected a different course for you Olivia, you surprised me.”

The distaste Olivia felt at the calmly spoken words of taking the nun’s life and that of her child had her mind working overtime as to how best to eradicate this scum off the face of the earth. “What about the baby’s father? He might show up and make a scene.”

“Impossible of course.” He gave her a puzzled expression.

What the hell does that mean , she wondered.

“Now I’m afraid that I must leave. My associate will take care of the others. I am sorry Olivia for what I’m about to do…say hello to Max for me and say I’m sorry for him too. We shall meet in hell I’m sure.” The old man raised his revolver and aimed but there was a moment of hesitation in his tired eyes.

Olivia had long ago wondered at the right of things and, without faltering, pulled her own gun from under the desk and shot the priest point blank in the heart. He slumped at her feet with an expression of shock on his face. Olivia stood up, the pain of her injury forgotten, as the adrenalin of what she had just done won over. Gazing at the body for a few seconds her lips pulled into a sneer as she whispered, “Forgive me Father for I have sinned, yeah right!” Her thoughts quickly travelled to the three women that had to be saved. She puzzled, which one is the real victim here? It appears that each is in her own right.

+ + +

The thin man, dressed as he was the night the women had seen him at the convent, walked confidently over to the vehicle the priest had indicated. This will be a piece of cake, especially since the old man had decided to take out the more troublesome female. A new move of his boss - he never sullied his hands when it came to the taking of a life, he left that, as it should be, to him or other associates. Approaching the vehicle his expression was blank. He never felt any emotion when taking a life, far from it. His boss, the priest, absolved him of all sins once the act was complete.

Tracing a finger over the Jeep, he decided that it needed cleaning. The next owner might keep it in better condition than the current one, who wouldn’t need it much longer. Knocking on the dark glass, he waited for any response inside.

“Ladies I know you can hear me, I’ve come to help…aa, Father Johansson sent me. Please let me in and I’ll take you to safety.” His voice was cold and emotionless.

Inside the security of the Jeep, all three women glanced at each other. Amelia decided that as she’d brought this problem squarely to them it was up to her to deal with it.

“Danielle, you take care of Sister Marie and whatever you do don’t let me back inside unless the detective is with me.” She spoke with a bravery that she certainly didn’t feel inside. Her eyes clouded slightly as she felt the tears start to sting. No way am I going to cry. I can’t...not now.

Danielle grabbed her arm. “You can’t go out there Amelia that would be suicide and you know it!”

“She’s right Amelia, you can’t go out there. Olivia told me what to do and she promised it would keep us safe.” Sister Marie had seen the resolve appear in Amelia’s expression and knew there was nothing they could do to bring her back from what must be instant disaster.

Beseeching both women to understand she pleaded with them, “I’m not doing this out of any act of bravery. Believe me, I’d like nothing better than to remain here but something tells me that I have to do this. I know you won’t understand…”

Danielle quickly interceded, “No I don’t understand Amelia you’re a psychiatrist not the police or a one woman army like Olivia out there. She can take care of herself in this situation…you can’t!”

“That’s just it Danielle. Can the detective take care of herself? She’s already hurt!” The words bled from her like the wound on the detective’s foot.

Sister Marie stared wondrously at the doctor. Her softly spoken words floated in the vehicle as she paused over the button that would activate the security on the vehicle. “Go Amelia. You and the detective’s fate are intertwined.” Danielle, shocked at the nun’s response, was held back by a death grip preventing her from stopping the doctor’s next course of action.

A grateful smile flashed over Amelia as she shouted to the man outside. “Get away from the door and I’ll come out and we can talk.”

The hit man’s eyes smouldered slightly, oh this is so easy. “Go ahead I’m against the wall.”

“Danielle, if he tries to push his way in use the security thingy.”

Swallowing hard, Danielle nodded. She didn’t like it though - Amelia might be hurt too if the security was activated.

Gingerly, Amelia unlocked the side door and slid out closing it behind her. She heard the lock engaged immediately. This is it, I’m on my own. “Okay, what do you have planned?”

The man moved from his position and as he did he heard the single gunshot. A faint smile hovered over his lips as he closed the gap between him and his prey. “The safest place you’ve ever been in your life. I believe they call it a coffin.” He raised his gun and aimed it at her temple.

Foolish! Foolish notion that she could have helped anyone, she was as vulnerable as a baby. Closing her eyes, her last thoughts strangely enough were not of her parents or those she considered she loved in this life. No it was of Detective Santos and that she’d let her down again! The pain of the emotion that washed over her dulled what she knew was going to happen next.

The single shot seemed to echo around the walls of the building as Amelia slid onto the floor unmoving.

+ + +

Captain Tourney received a cryptic message from an unknown source that bullets had been fired in a building that he was in his vicinity. The speed of his vehicle increased as he jammed on the brakes to prevent his car from hitting the building and killing him. That would have been no use to the people inside the structure.

Climbing out, he glanced up and down the alley to assess the scene. All he saw was the fleeting backs of two men running away. If he had more support he would have sent someone after them but his first priority was to secure the building and the people inside. As he neared the main doors of the storage area he heard a shot, followed closely by another and then silence. Rattling on the doors and yelling at the top of his voice, “Police open up,” he waited and hoped that what he’d heard wasn’t something he dreaded.

Running around to the side door, he found that it was open, not a good sign. And, with gun raised, he cautiously entered the building. Carefully scanning every inch as he moved forward, he edged towards a shadowy figure huddled over a prone body on the floor. Darn it this doesn’t look good.

“Hold it right there, raise your hands and move away from the body… NOW!”

The dark figure didn’t move at first and then slowly rose from their crouched position. Hands held high and the hair that washed around the features settled so he could make out the features. He saw clearly and it had him flashing a broad relieved smile, “Everything under control?”

Olivia Santos, her expression relieved but saddened as her eyes travelled over to her friend, the Captain, slowly nodded. “Yeah David, it’s all under control now.”

David Tourney heard the weariness in her voice as he glanced at the figure of a woman on the floor next to a darkly clothed crumbled figure with blood pouring out of a bullet wound to the head. “I’ll call the paramedics.”

“No need. The morgue is a better idea.” Olivia glanced down at the bleeding body and then she shifted her attention to the other prone body of Amelia West.

David glanced around. “I’ll do that Olivia, how many?” All he could see were the two bodies in front of him, which would stack with the shots he’d heard, though that didn’t equate to the call he’d received.

“Two, only two today thank god.”

“I’ll check the perimeter for anyone else.” David turned to leave and as he did he made a few calls.

With a tender smile on her face, Olivia knelt down beside the prone figure of the doctor and gently pushed the fair hair out of her eyes. “Hey there Amelia I didn’t know you had it in you?” Bending slightly, she kissed the woman’s forehead and pulled away abruptly as the eyes flickered open.

“Am I in heaven, it feels like it?” Amelia asked groggily. She felt the security of strong arms holding her and something else that right now seemed so right.

Olivia grinned, thankful that the doctor’s dead faint happened when it did or the bullet meant for the man might have hit her too. “Well I guess this is the closest place to heaven on this hell on earth. How you feeling now Doc?”

Although she was tempted not to leave the peaceful security of the detective’s arms, she had to find out about the others. The temptations that flooded through her concerning this woman were going to have to be paid for heavily when everything settled down. “Is everyone safe?”

Relinquishing her hold on the smaller woman, Olivia felt bereft for a moment and wanted nothing more than to hold the doctor close to her chest again. It brought her a peace she had never felt before in her life. With all that had happened to her in her life, she was loath to allow it to leave her however, she did reluctantly. As she stood she answered the question. “Let’s find out shall we?” She held out her hand for the doctor. As she took the hand, Amelia felt the blood rush to her head slightly and clung onto the hand tightly.

“You okay?”

The gentleness of the question had Amelia’s heart beating erratically. This really shouldn’t be happening to me. She had to be strong or all she knew in life would be lost and she didn’t know if she had the strength to carry on without her old life… people needed her. “I’m okay, thanks.”

Olivia tapped on the vehicle and seconds later she heard the door locks being released. Danielle popped her head out and beamed a happy smile at them. “Thank god, we didn’t know what to expect next.”

“All accounted for Danielle. Now I think it’s time we thought about getting you to safety. I’ve called in a marker. You and your son will be safe for the rest of your life I promise.” Olivia quickly saw the grateful smile flash on the woman’s face and there was an underlying expression in the eyes that told Olivia that if she wanted more it was there for the taking. Her eyes shifted to the nun sitting patiently in the back of the vehicle. As their eyes met, she knew that it would never be, had never been.

“How are you and the baby, Sister?” Olivia asked the nun softly. Danielle anxious to know what happened left the interior of the vehicle to speak with Amelia.

Sister Marie gave the detective a smile that shone so pure it felt to Olivia that she was being absolved of the necessity to kill, especially the priest, in defence of them. “We are good thank you Olivia. He’s dead isn’t he?”

There was no need to pussy foot around the question. They both knew what was being asked. “Yes. I killed him it was either him or me.”

“I knew that it would come to that. You and he were destined to be an important part in each others lives. I will pray for his soul. He became lost in the soulless of modern life,” the nun whispered more to herself than the detective.

“Are you going to pray for me Sister?” Olivia asked quietly. “I think I might need it.”

A strange look crossed the nun’s features before she spoke. “Of course I will pray for you Olivia. However someone else more important to your life will ease your soul, they just don’t know how yet.”

They both looked out of the partially open door to see a more animated Amelia talking with Danielle. “I’ll wait,” Olivia whispered to herself. “Let’s go Sister. I want you to meet the friend of mine who is going to help you.”

As they left the vehicle, the door opened again and in walked two official looking strangers. They glanced around the area before finally making eye contact with Olivia.

The detective said, “I’ll be back,” quickly and went to greet the new visitors.

+ + +

Amelia sat with Sister Marie who, after giving her statement to the police, was about to leave along with Danielle, with the people the detective had apparently contacted to help with a relocation programme. After her divorce was finalised, Danielle would testify that her husband had tried to kill her. However, the nice police captain had high hopes that if they could tie him to Max Anderton’s murder, he would be convicted without her evidence.

“I’m going to miss you Sister, we never did finish our sessions. Perhaps when you get settled you can take council elsewhere.” Amelia hoped that at some stage she might learn the nun’s fate but, knowing government agencies, she doubted it. What an eternal question to have to live with; it will gnaw at me for years.

Sister Marie smiled serenely reminding Amelia once more of the first time she had ever seen the nun. “Perhaps some questions are better left unanswered Amelia. I know the answer and that is all that matters. Once my child is born the future will reveal all our secrets in due course.”

She was right of course. After all they had been through in such a short period of time, the wonderful thought that perhaps a saviour might be born to rescue the human race wasn’t such a bad thing. One thing Amelia knew for sure was that Sister Marie was going to make a wonderful, if unusual, mother. “I think you’re right Sister. I just wish things could have been different, especially with Father Johansson.”

The wistful words caused both women to pause before Sister Marie spoke gently. “He had his own demons Amelia. Have you ever looked into a mirror Amelia and wondered who the person is standing there? For a fragment of time the person who looks back is unknown, identity unfamiliar, occupation alien and with a personality not what you thought it.”

Amelia’s features changed and it took on a grim expression, her eyes disturbed with thoughts that troubled her. “Sometimes, I think most people experience that at least once. They doubt the choices they’ve made and consider what their life would be if they had taken a different path. Haven’t you Sister?”

“No. I have always known who I am. My soul is at peace with all around it. Although we have known each other such a short time I know you are not so fortunate.”

The nun’s words pounded out in Amelia’s head, she’s right, she’s right! “Have you any advice for me Sister before we go our separate ways?”

Sister Marie smiled warmly and placed a comforting hand on Amelia’s lifeless hand lying in her lap. “I would be a poor soul redeemer if the basic problem that was causing you so much heart searching was unknown to me. You do know for sure that God is there to guide you. If you look around you will find your answer in what will be an unexpected place.”

At that moment, Olivia appeared from behind the curtain closing off the bedroom area where the Sister had been resting until she left. “Are you ready to go Sister?”

With a bright smile, Sister Marie stood up. Amelia automatically rose, her thoughts a jumbled mess. Then the thin arms of the Sister wrapped around her and she was held tightly. The nun whispered so that no one else heard. “I said look around you Amelia, some answers are so close to home you might miss them. Oh and it might be best to confess all to a certain someone.”

Releasing the stunned doctor, the nun, following the detective, appeared to float out of the area as Amelia stood there stunned. Confess all? How on earth can I? I don’t even know what there is to confess. Oh yes one thing… one very important thing.

Making a decision, Amelia left the bedroom area and walked over to Danielle who was kissing the detective’s cheek and thanking her. A little bit too warmly she thought, but that wasn’t her affair. “Hey Danielle good luck. If ever you need someone like me you know where to find me.”

Danielle grinned warmly at Amelia. She liked the woman, even if she didn’t particularly care for her profession. “I know Amelia, thank you for everything.” The woman hugged her close and tears threatened to fall from them both.

“You’re welcome anytime. I hope things work out for you and your son.”

The sincerity in the words broke Danielle’s composure as she thought of her son. “He’s already safe Amelia, how great is that? Will you do something for me and Sister Marie?”

Puzzled but intrigued Amelia nodded her head. “Sure, what can I do?”

Danielle nodded in the direction of the detective who had moved away to talk with the other people nearby. “Look after her for us. I have a feeling when everything settles down she’s going to need a friend.”

Amelia looked in the direction of the detective, a friend? Wow, somehow friend and the detective don’t seem to be a good pairing. “I’ll do my best but we both know the detective’s a little…”

“I’m a little what exactly Doctor?” The quiet, yet authoritative voice of the detective vibrated so close to her ear she almost jumped out of her skin.

“Do you have to do that?”

“What is that exactly?” Olivia winked at Danielle. “Everyone is ready to go Danielle.”

Danielle nodded her head then, with a brief emotional wave, left the two women in the building. She stepped inside the car that was taking her and Sister Marie to another life, shut the door as it roared into action. Then they were gone.

Inside the building, Amelia was left with the detective and the police captain, who was organising the removal of the bodies after the investigation team had finished. “How did you arrange that? Better yet when?”

Olivia felt the weight of the world shifting into another dimension as she considered the question. “I have contacts.”

“That’s it? You have contacts and I have to be satisfied with that answer?” Amelia switched around to face the woman who looked nonplussed by the sudden outrage in her voice.

“Yes.” Olivia began to limp away. Apparently that was all she was prepared to say on the subject.

Amelia followed her and hooked a hand around her forearm to stop the woman. “Please, that isn’t fair. After all we’ve been through you’re going to leave me to speculate?”

Olivia stopped, turned slightly so that they faced each other barely inches apart and saw the desperate need to know in the doctor’s eyes. “It’s like this Doctor…some secrets are better left unanswered. I’m sure you have a few of your own you’d rather not share. Now, I need to see the captain and after that I’ll take you home then we can go over anything you think I’ve left out. Okay with you?”

“No! No that’s okay, I’ll take a cab. I think we’re all tuckered out by now and you need to have that foot taken care of.” Amelia spoke so quickly Olivia’s eyes crinkled as she stared at the woman.

Then, with the flick of her finger on the doctor’s nose, she left with a quick, “see we all have secrets Doctor. I’ll check on you tomorrow, sleep well.”

Amelia stood with her mouth half opened. I wish the detective wouldn’t do that! It didn’t hurt exactly, but it reminded her of being treated like a kid. “Good night Detective Santos!”

As Amelia dialled the cab company, she recalled the Sister’s words… Ohand it might be best to confess all to a certain someone.

+ + +

David Tourney watched Olivia closely as she watched the body bag of the priest disappear into the county morgue vehicle. “If what you say is true there’ll be no charges against you. Although we still have to talk with the church diocese and confirm their support in all this. Do you think they will cause a problem?”

Olivia turned her attention to her friend. “I wasn’t blameless David. Even if he hadn’t pulled a gun on me, I’d have probably ended up killing him when I found out his involvement in Max’s death. Today I was lucky I guess, tomorrow might be a different situation if that bastard Axel thinks he can get away with his involvement.”

“You haven’t the proof yet Olivia, why don’t you leave it to me. I promise he’ll get justice if he had anything to do with Max’s death. No way will we let scum like him get away with killing one of our own. Max was one of the good guys Olivia - he has a lot of friends at the precinct.”

Olivia’s expression turned cold and hard as she stared blankly at him; her mind was in a different world. “Pity it didn’t save his life…all those so called friends he had.”

David heard the bitterness and he couldn’t blame her. At the end of the day, Max had been the only person she’d allowed close since her brother had died. Now, he had to admit a lose cannon on the streets like Olivia Santos wasn’t a good idea. Sooner or later she was going to end up before him on the wrong side of the law - the odds were stacked against her. That was unless she found someone or something else to help focus her deadly skills towards good and not the bad. “You know that there was nothing we could do. You couldn’t have saved him Olivia, what you did here to help those women would have made Max proud.” He saw the doubt in her eyes. “If you let yourself think about it you’ll know I’m right.”

“It doesn’t make me feel better David. Look, if everything is sewn up for now I need to get some rest. We can take this up tomorrow at your.” Olivia sighed heavily. She needed a shower and clean her foot, it ached like hell.

“Sure thing Olivia. Tell you what, I’ll do better than that, tomorrow night I’ll bring the paperwork and take you out to Sharkey’s.”

Olivia stared hard at the man, that was Max’s favourite watering hole. Taking a deep breath, she nodded. “Yeah Sharkey’s, Max wouldn’t expect anything else.”

A few minutes later, Olivia was standing in the building alone and as that thought resonated in her mind she wondered if this was it, all that is left. A life alone.

Then Sister Marie’s last words echoed in her body and reached a place that fired up when she thought about it, her heart. However someone else more important to your life will ease your soul, they just don’t know how yet.

Making her way to the bathroom she whispered to the empty building, “I’ll see you tomorrow Doctor Amelia West.”

+ + +

Teal was having a hard time taking in all that had happened to Amelia and the others. I’m definitely not going to church on Sunday to confess my sins. In all this she had been as fortunate as the others. Father Johansson might have decided to silence her for good too.

“Mother Superior isn’t going to let you take this lightly Amelia, you know that, right?” Teal bounced off the side of the desk where she’d been sitting talking with her friend when she heard the inner doorbell chime.

Amelia pulled a face as she straightened her clothes. My meeting with the Mother is going to be one humdinger I know that. “I’d take the afternoon off if I were you Teal. I have a suspicion that my meeting isn’t going to be short. You can tell whoever is there that we’ll get back to them as soon as possible.”

“I will take care of the office don’t worry.” Opening the door, she turned back with a concerned look on her face. “You don’t think that they will… well you know!”

For a few seconds Amelia considered her friend’s concern. It had kept her awake all night particularly after a hurried explanation on the phone last night. She’d taken the opportunity of going to her parents and staying with them. She hadn’t filled in any details but they knew something was wrong. They also knew that to pry had never worked with their daughter. If they waited she would tell them, true to form she had the next morning, and they were in shock. No more than she was really, but things had been moving so fast she had barely had time to decipher how all this had affected her life. “I don’t know Teal perhaps they will. You’d better see who the visitor is.”

As she spoke, the door was pushed open wider in a gentle fashion not to injure the small woman standing holding the handle. “Hey there Teal how are you today?”

The sound of the detective’s voice had a double effect in the room. Teal squealed with pleasure at seeing the much taller woman and beamed a happy smile as she once more thought what a stunner the detective was. Amelia, for her part, closed her eyes. She hadn’t expected the detective and right now was not a good time, especially now!

As the detective moved into the room, her eyes rested immediately on Amelia and a stunned feeling flooded her as she took in the woman sitting behind the desk. Olivia finally asked in a shocked voice, “You okay?”

“As you can see I’m perfectly well Detective Santos. Thank you for asking. What about you? Did you take care of your foot?” Amelia hadn’t wanted this to happen she had rehearsed in her head during the night how she would tell the detective and this hadn’t been the way.

Teal noticed the tension and where Olivia’s eyes seemed to be stuck and it wasn’t on a woman’s normal assets. Oh no! Amelia didn’t bother mentioning her other profession! “I’ll fetch us all coffee,” she said quietly closing the door firmly shut behind her.

Finally, Olivia shook her head as the strangely funny side of this situation hit her and she smiled. Rubbing her chin thoughtfully she spoke, “I guess that’s some secret doctor, were you ever going to tell me?”

“It wasn’t a secret exactly I just don’t go dressing up like Sister Marie.” Her tone was hurt as she finally admitted in words that she was a nun.

Olivia closed in on Amelia’s position and her heart leapt into her mouth as the detective placed her strong arms on the desk leaning over her in a predatory way. “I would never have figured you for a nun Doctor, or, should I call you Sister Amelia?”

Clearing her voice slightly, Amelia tried to speak but the words didn’t come out. Why hadn’t I told the detective? I had plenty of opportunity in the last couple of days. It was another question that these days seemed almost impossible to find an answer to. Perhaps I’m trying too hard to find all the answers and need to find out what it is that I truly wanted to know. Sister Marie had tired to tell her that and now, as she stared into the glittering eyes of the woman who had saved her life, the truth appeared to be within her grasp only to slither away when she tried to grasp it.

“Doctor West is fine, Amelia is okay too. I think it’s fair to say with what you and I have been through calling me Sister Amelia might cramp your style.”

Olivia gave Amelia a cynical smile. “What do you know of my style Sister? I think, now on reflection, it does suit you and I’m glad it’s in the open. I wouldn’t want there to be any misunderstandings between us. Right now I guess I should apologise to you for my behaviour. If I’d been aware of your status I’d have been more careful in your company. I wouldn’t want to be tarnished with corrupting the faithful now would I? We’ve seen enough of that in the past forty-eight hours.”

Amelia wondered what the woman meant by misunderstandings. “There were never any misunderstandings Detective, you and I both worked towards the same end. We were successful but in a tragic way.” Her thoughts fell on the detective’s partner who had been murdered in all this fiasco.

Olivia captured the doctor’s eyes and there was a silent message of comfort from Amelia. “I don’t need your pity Sister or your concern and I think it’s time I left. I’ll see you… around Sister Amelia.” Olivia moved so fast that she virtually knocked Teal off her feet as she left the office.

Hearing the revving up of the motorcycle, Amelia ran out of her office but fumes were all that was left of the detective for her to capture.

“Why didn’t you tell her Amelia?” Teal quietly asked as her friend walked back inside.

Her thoughts were not in the here and now as Amelia bit her lip and wondered the same thing. Once again she didn’t have the answer… at least not the one she dare admit to. “Vanity I suppose. I’d better not be late for that meeting.

+ + +

Epilogue:

Max Anderton’s funeral would have made him proud. The church was packed with old buddies from the police force, and many of the people he’d helped in the years as a private detective. Olivia had only to make the arrangements and the rest, as far as the mourners were concerned, David Tourney had organised. He’d been impressed that his friend hadn’t undertaken her usual revenge tactics on the people she considered responsible for his death. They were close to a break-through and soon now they expected to crack the case. It worried him a little that she hadn’t been seen around much. When he’d called by her place she either wasn’t home or decided not to answer. He put it down to grief after all, Max had been her world - the most important person in her life.

As he expected, there wasn’t a seat to be had except one next to Olivia. He’d half hoped that the person it was designated for would have second thoughts and attend, although the message had been adamant that it was impossible at this time. Seclusion was the key word in the reply he received not from Sister Amelia, but the Mother Superior of her convent. Strange, when he’d found out the same evening Olivia had that the woman was a nun it had shocked him but apparently not as much as it had his friend. There had been an imperceptible bond between the two women when he had seen them together. It must have been my imagination.

The service began…

A door opening had a few of the mourners turning their heads to see who it was. As a black garbed figure stood in the shadows until the service was complete. As Max was going to be cremated the fellow mourners filed past his coffin and paid their last respects. At the end David Tourney looked over to his friend seated like a statue in the pew at the front, he paid his respects to his old friend and with a gentle squeeze of Olivia’s shoulder walked up the aisle and nodded to the figure in the shadows.

Olivia had tears glistening in her eyes as she waited for everyone to leave. There was no way she would breakdown until everyone was gone. Damn it I don’t really care, as tears cascaded down her cheeks. The gentle warm touch of a hand on hers had her head spring upwards in surprise. She stared in shock at the figure that had unexpectedly snuck up on her and sat down beside her.

“You’re late,” Olivia announced drawing in a deep breath to prevent the words from slurring with tears.

“I know I’m sorry. My lift wasn’t as good as you in beating the traffic.” Amelia smiled as she too felt the tears stinging her eyes at the lost look in the detective’s eyes.

Olivia nodded. “I guess you’ll have to keep me on file if you ever need fast transport.”

They were both silent for a time each absorbing the others presence.

Amelia decided to break the silence. “I was thinking that as we made such a great team maybe we can make that more permanent.”

Olivia’s expression turned quizzical. She tired to understand what the woman was saying. “Are you talking of a partnership of some kind?”

With a faint smile, Amelia looked up at the crucifix. “Yes in a way. I’ve decided to continue my work on the outside.”

“Does that mean I’m one of your projects?” Olivia asked with a sceptical voice. I’m not a charity case.

Amelia knew her explanation lacked substance. It reminded her of the conversation she’d had with the Mother Superior that morning before she’d been given a leave of absence… maybe even a permanent one.

+

Amelia had been torn between so many things in her life and right now her seclusion at the convent until she knew what she really wanted was driving her mad. Not only that but the one thing she knew she could do to be productive in her life was ebbing away. Being there for someone you cared about, and she now knew she did care in a strange unfathomable way for the detective, was the best thing she could do to serve God. Today of all days she shouldn’t hide behind the convent walls, she should be there next to the detective in her hour of greatest need. Now waiting for Mother Superior to speak she tried to make sense of all her emotions.

“Sister, if you cannot embrace God with the purity of love and self-sacrifice and only feel inner conflict each day as a burden to be endured, your torment will never end. Facing the demons of your struggle my child will truly enable you to be one with God. His service should never be a chore Amelia. It should be embraced willingly body and soul without regret. If you can do that my child God’s work will not produce strife within.”

“Mother you sound like I do to my patients. Don’t we all have crises of faith? It is a human reaction to the life we have chosen.”

The older woman had long ago resigned herself to having this conversation with the younger nun. Unexpectedly, it had taken longer than she had originally thought. Father Johansson and the young nun from the other convent had been extreme events that would shake anyone’s faith. However, others who had worked with Amelia in the past days had assured her that Amelia didn’t have those factors weighing her down. The letter that had arrived to ask her if she wanted to support the detective who had shot Father Johansson had made the younger nun pensive and remote.

“There is no shame in admitting a choice made when young and is no longer the path God has marked for you.”

Hearing the words that had silently been running around in her head for sometime now, crashed around her as Amelia whispered, “Are you saying I should leave the order?

“I would never presume to advise you of such an action, only you can decide that. It takes a strong person to admit that a mistake has been made and right it. God is with you Amelia and he will guide you, perhaps in not quite the way you had first thought. Sometimes it is wiser to take the longer path to reach your goal.”

Collapsing on the chair that she had first declined on entering the room, Amelia wrung her hands in her lap as she spoke. “Mother I’ve been torn between two lives for years. How do I know giving up my life here is the right thing to do?”

Quiet words resonated in the room, “Only you can choose Sister. If the life outside what you know today has a greater call to you then you should, for all of us, accept what must be. Look around you Sister, who needs you the most?”

+

“You a project? I doubt it! More like I might be a weary one for you I think. After all, when did I ever take notice of anything you said?” Amelia tried to sound upbeat.

Olivia smiled for the first time since she’d entered Amelia’s office and found out the secret she’d been keeping. “I worked for the government for a few year - they owed me big time.”

Amelia smiled. This is going to work out. She didn’t know how, or in what capacity, but it would. For the first time she felt like she was finally heading in the right direction. “Want a coffee I know a great Starbucks near here?”

Standing up, Olivia drew in a deep cleansing breath as she paused and looked at the casket that held her friend and mentor. “He would have liked you Doc. We should call the new partnership an appropriate title, any ideas?

A glow settled around her as Amelia stood up and, with a silent prayer for Olivia’s deceased partner, she wish she had met him in life instead of in this circumstance. They left the church side by side as Amelia asked cautiously, “Have you any ideas?”

With a chuckle Olivia winked, “Sure. I have the perfect expression of what we do… when Hell meets Heaven!”

Startled, Amelia stopped in her tracks. “You can’t seriously mean that?”

Olivia smiled and flicked her nose in that irritating yet familiar way. “Sure I was. Although on reflection it is the truth.”

Amelia pondered that Teal was going to have a field day with that name for the agency, but she’d love it. Closing her eyes, the memories, like a kaleidoscope flashing through her mind, were the only cohesive thing she could think of. It had all happened in a couple of weeks and her life had changed forever. And what had she taken on with this woman who had already thought about a title for a mutual enterprise? How long has she thought of that, she wondered?

“Did you always know I’d be back?” Amelia touched Olivia’s arms as they continued to walk side by side to the coffee shop. The woman hadn’t missed a pace when she’d posed the question.

Olivia thought seriously for a few moments, her unhappiness over the lost of Max would always be with her but it would get better as it had with the loss of her brother when he was murdered several years earlier. Did I always know Amelia would be back?… mentally no, but in my heart I had hoped. “No, not really but someone else did.” That small hand that had detained her before wasn’t strange anymore when it touched her muscled forearm. It was familiar and in a strange way was at home.

Amelia spoke to her excitedly, “Who? Oh no don’t tell me Sister Marie.”

“Got it in one Doc. Now are you going to take any notice of what I asked of you in the future?” Olivia asked tongue in cheek.

“Of course, I promise to be good.”

A happy smile broke out on Olivia’s face stunning Amelia into silence. The detective was as beautiful as that photo in her younger days. Olivia pulled out a chair and waited for Amelia to sit. “Stay put I’ll be right back,” Olivia said before heading for the counter to order their coffees.

Two minutes later, Amelia slid up alongside Olivia waiting in line and tugged on her arm. “Any chance of cookies?” Then, Amelia placed a hand over her mouth and with a look that conveyed her apologies for not doing as asked she waited for a scathing remark.

“You know something Doctor Amelia West, when heaven meets hell isn’t far from the truth.” The smile that accompanied the words had Amelia grinning - yes it is going to work out just fine I know it.

As they talked and drank their coffee, Amelia had to concede it did kind of suit them. They were an odd pairing - a psychiatrist and a private detective. Maybe it wasn’t too dramatic after all. When Hell Meets Heaven!

The End