A VOW OF COMPASSION an utterly gripping crime mystery by BLACK VERONICA

Author:BLACK, VERONICA
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Joffe Books crime and suspense mystery
Published: 2021-06-23T16:00:00+00:00

SEVEN

‘This isn’t just a muddle or something, is it?’ Sister Marie said, as they drove back to the convent. ‘Something serious must’ve happened for the police to be at the hospital.’

‘A little girl from the children’s unit is missing,’ Sister Joan said, deciding there was no point in keeping the matter quiet any longer. ‘She wasn’t exactly physically sick but withdrawn and traumatized after ill-treatment. Anyway she’s probably hiding somewhere but they very wisely called the police immediately.’

‘Oh, I hope they find her,’ Sister Marie said softly. ‘Will they be asking for your help, Sister?’

‘I think the police will handle this very well by themselves,’ Sister Joan said tersely.

At the convent she deposited Sister Marie in the capable hands of Sister Perpetua and went to find Mother Dorothy who looked up from the essay she was marking with a wry smile.

‘Sister Bernadette has a novel way of expressing herself,’ she said. ‘She writes in her latest essay that our vows of chastity, obedience and compassion might be regarded as the big Cs. Rather like a pop group she adds. What did you wish to see me about, Sister?’

‘Sister Marie had the tooth out and is in the infirmary now, resting.’

‘Good. One doesn’t wish to encourage hypochondria among the community by fussing about minor ailments but in this life nothing is certain. You went over to see Padraic Lee?’

‘Yes, Mother Dorothy. The funeral is at eleven the day after tomorrow. Father Malone will be taking the service.’

‘God rest her soul!’ Crossing herself the Prioress said, ‘I was not aware that Mrs Lee was a Catholic. That was a failure on our part, Sister. How is Padraic taking it?’

‘He mourns for the woman she was when he married her.’

‘And if the husband can think of her with tenderness how much more will Our Blessed Lord show compassion! I think that I will attend the funeral myself, Sister, and take Sister Perpetua with me. Since only two of the community habitually attend outside funerals that means you will have to give up your own place.’

‘Yes, Mother Prioress.’ Sister Joan added honestly, ‘It’s no great sacrifice because I don’t like funerals very much and I never had much patience with Madge Lee.’

‘Compassion, Sister! We are Daughters of Compassion after all! You may drive us down to the church. I have no doubt that Father Malone will offer us both lunch so you may pick us up later on. Is that all?’

‘Mother Prioress, you were not easy in your mind about your godmother’s sudden death.’

‘That’s true. However, during the time that has elapsed nothing of particular note has come to light, has it?’

‘There are certainly irregularities at St Keyne’s,’ Sister Joan said carefully. ‘I don’t know whether or not this is malicious or sheer inefficiency or a mixture of both. I do feel that it might be a good idea to consult Detective Sergeant Mill about it. If he agrees that something requires investigating he has the authority to do it.’

‘Which means you wish to

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