Baldacci, David - Long Road to Mercy by Baldacci David

Author:Baldacci, David [Baldacci, David]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781538761571
Amazon: 1538761572
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Published: 2018-11-12T18:30:00+00:00

CHAPTER

32

It was still storming outside when Pine awoke early that evening. She rolled over and let out a groan as soon as all the aches and pains hit her.

She shuffled into the bathroom and took a steaming hot shower, letting the water sink into her soreness. She toweled off, dressed, and walked out into the kitchen, where Blum was sitting with Pine’s laptop and a cup of coffee in front of her.

“Your face looks a lot better,” noted Blum.

“Looks can be deceiving.”

“You want coffee? I just made a fresh pot.”

“I’m good.”

“Do you want something to eat?”

“I got it.”

Pine opened the fridge and grabbed some yogurt. She took a spoon from a drawer, sat down at the table, and started slowly spooning the yogurt into her mouth.

“That’s not a lot of nourishment,” said Blum.

“For someone who got kicked in the face with a sledgehammer made of flesh and bone, it’s just fine. I’m not up to chewing yet. Or hot beverages. The tea you gave me earlier did a number on the inside of my mouth.”

“Oh, right.”

Pine looked at the laptop screen. “Figured out the password?”

“Not even close. And without Bureau resources, how do we crack it?”

Pine set her yogurt and spoon down.

“Let’s put this into some context. I found the flash drive in a basketball. Along with an old football trophy. There were also some gym socks and a basketball jersey.” Pine paused and thought back. “On the jersey was printed ‘Catholic Church League.’”

“Catholic churches have basketball leagues?” said Blum.

“Apparently so.”

“What’s your friend’s Wi-Fi password?”

Pine said, “Semper Primus.” When Blum glanced at her, she explained, “Latin for ‘Always First.’ It’s the Army motto.”

Blum went online and typed in a search for Catholic churches near Priest’s home.

“There’s the Basilica of St. Mary Catholic Church in Old Town Alexandria. It’s only a short walk from Priest’s house.”

Pine rose and grabbed her jacket off the back of the chair.

“Where are you going?”

“To church.”

“You want company?”

“No. You better stay here.”

“Since you’re going to a place of worship, I’ll say a prayer for you.”

“Can’t hurt,” said Pine over her shoulder.

* * *

The Basilica of St. Mary was the oldest Catholic church in Virginia. It was located on South Royal Street and its gray stone facade was gothic in appearance. Its stark front was softened somewhat by four sets of wooden double doors with brass kickplates.

The rain had slackened when Pine pulled to a stop across the street and looked around. There were a few people on the sidewalks, and a truck slowly drove down the street before its taillights disappeared into the darkness.

The sign in front of the church said it had been established in 1795. A white statue of the eponymous Mary was set in a niche of the building’s facade high above the main front door.

Pine got out and walked across the street. She made a searching look all around and then headed up the steps.

The door was fortunately unlocked. She stepped inside and shut it behind her.

She moved through another set of doors and found herself in the worship area proper.

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