Coldwater Revenge by James A Ross

Author:James A Ross [Ross, James A]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Level Best Books
Published: 2021-04-05T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 20

Couvent de San Gabriel—Betty Ford North to those in the Chancery who had occasion to call upon its services—had a reputation for austerity and discretion. But the order of nuns that ran it sometimes neglected to follow Chancery guidance on the treatment of cases sent there. Monsignor Marchetti had been dispatched to make clear what was required in the matter of Father Gauss.

Marchetti felt cold in the spare, under-heated space that was the facility’s administrative office. Sixty was still a few years away, but days and places like this seemed to age both body and soul. Sœur Dion might have been as young as forty or half as old again. Marchetti couldn’t tell. The nuns of San Gabriel clung to the traditional black habit, making estimates of age, and sometimes gender, difficult. He tried not to overestimate her level of experience with men like Gauss.

“He’s like an old union boss,” Marchetti explained, “or a tenured teacher who can’t easily be fired. The sin of disobedience is hard for such men to resist.”

The nun looked at Marchetti with neutral expression. “Is that what you wish me to address with Père Gauss? Disobedience?”

“No. I need you to determine whether our brother in Christ is guilty of more serious sin.”

Sœur Dion folded her hands on top of her bare metal desk. “I have read the dossier. It is disturbing. But the record of Père Gauss’ session with your attorney reveals a man who acquits himself well. Does it not?”

“That’s part of the problem, Sister. Your patient has a quick mind and a sharp tongue. But this isn’t a debate in one of his seminary philosophy classes. If Father Gauss has broken vows other than humility and obedience, His Eminence is determined to take action. His legal advisers say that would be difficult based only the letters and other materials you’ve seen. None of Gauss’ accusers have come forward in person, much less testified under oath.”

Sœur Dion opened her folded hands. “How do you wish me to proceed?”

I want you to wring his head like a sponge and bring me what’s in there.

Marchetti recalled the Bishop’s warning that if he appeared to favor a specific outcome, the Sisters of San Gabriel were sure to provide the opposite. He paused to formulate an appropriately diplomatic instruction. A soft knock on the door came while he was struggling to find one.

“Entrez!”

A tall, black robed nun entered and exchanged brief words with Sœur Dion. Marchetti understood only one of them, but that was enough. Gauss.

“Trouble already?”

Sœur Dion dismissed her colleague and shut the door. “You asked to be informed if anyone tried to contact Père Gauss while he is with us. A Monsieur Morgan has called twice in the last few minutes.”

“The policeman?”

“Sœur Gabriel did not convey an occupation.”

“How did he get this number?”

“From Père Gauss, it would appear.”

“Was he told that Father Gauss is not here?”

“A lie?” Sœur Dion’s voice was firm.

“To protect your patient’s privacy.”

“The caller mentioned hearing Père Gauss’s voice on the telephone answering machine in his room when his earlier call was transferred there.

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