The Abbey House by Elizabeth Bromke

Author:Elizabeth Bromke
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Elizabeth Bromke

CHAPTER 18—CADENCE

As the week pressed on, Cadence grew busier and busier. Her self-imposed outreach effort to Mr. Rutherford and team continued to fall on a backburner. And anyway, Cadence had to give the police another couple of days to wrap up their evidence collection and finish their excavation. There was no sense in getting in the way. But things were looking up as Friday morning rolled around and the police tape was pulled from the construction site. According to the news, there were no other remains to be found at what would become the subfloor for the new school.

Of course, even using that phrasing—remains to be found at the new school—was giving the public fits about how the new charter school could even move forward knowing what had been there, on the property.

As public scrutiny heated up, Cadence made a point to call Mr. Rutherford that morning before classes began. She figured she could offer him a kindness and assurance that this, too, should pass. And if they needed anything, the doors to St. Mary’s were wide open. Sincerely.

She put the call through.

He answered after several rings. “Roger Rutherford speaking.” His voice was gruff and terse, but Cadence reminded herself that he was under great stress and pressure. He needed grace, not judgment.

“Hello, Mr. Rutherford. You don’t know me, but my name is Cadence Van Dam. I’m a teacher and community member here on the island.”

No answer came.

She went on. “Anyway,” as brightly as she could, “I’m calling to reach out on behalf of St. Mary’s Catholic School.”

“Ah, yes. St. Mary’s Catholic School.” Now she heard it loudly and clearly. His voice was worse than gruff and terse. It was brusque and rude, too. But it wasn’t only in his voice that his derision became evident. His words pricked like needles. “Of course. The people we were supposed to be putting out of business.”

Shocked, Cadence had but one thing with which to reply. “I beg your pardon?”

“Beg all you want. I know exactly who’s behind this skeleton business, and it’s the Church.” He laughed disdainfully. “They always were. Ever since I left the faith, the Church has been on my back in one way, shape, or form. Why do you think I brought my vision to the island? To save those kids.”

“Save our kids? From what, may I ask?”

“From the evils of the bishop and the Pope themselves, of course. And whatever funny old priest you have lording over your parish.” He snorted. “Mark my words, we’ll learn soon enough that you people planted that poor woman at our work site. I know conflict of interest when I see it. And I saw it yesterday!”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about, Mr. Rutherford. But if you’d take a moment to let me talk, you’d know I called you today to offer my help. Not to rub this in your face or to be the victim of your verbal attack.” Cadence seethed. “Indeed, I don’t tolerate this sort of treatment.

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