Thief in Retreat by Aimee & David Thurlo

Author:Aimee & David Thurlo
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780312938659
Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks

11

SISTER AGATHA WAS IN THE LIBRARY, CAREFULLY LEAFINGthrough the monk’s journal, when Tom came up to the open library door leading into the hall. Pax greeted him enthusiastically.

As Tom bent down to pet the dog, Sister Agatha waved at him to come in. “I’ve been hoping you’d stop by.” Her voice low, she immediately told him about her visit to town, mentioning the news of Tom Delancy’s possible financial troubles.

“Is there any way you can confirm that Delancy is selling his home and furnishings—and if he really needs the money? That would certainly give him a motive,” she said, then added, “though having difficult times doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll turn to crime. If that were true, Our Lady of Hope monastery would be on the most—wanted list.”

He laughed. “I’ll make some discreet inquiries and get back to you.”

“You were going to talk to the sheriff this evening. Did Barela have anything interesting to say about Professor Lockhart’s death? We know he’s been interviewing the staff and the guests. Charlee Lane and some of the other writers are already trying to tie the professor’s death to what’s going on here.”

“That complicates matters, but more for us than Barela. His interviews haven’t gotten him anywhere, apparently. I spoke to him and he saw a potential link between Miller’s art, the question of forgeries, and Professor Lockhart. But I don’t think he’s convinced that the tie—in means anything. He doesn’t think Miller could produce a quality reproduction if his life depended on it. He called Bill a wannabe who needs to move on and get a life.”

“Bill’s a very good suspect—at least circumstantially. But his motive isn’t as solid. He’s just gotten his first big break as an artist. He has a major show coming up. Why would he throw all that away now?“

“Maybe he’s in too deep, or doesn’t think he’ll get caught,” Tom responded. “Almost every crook I’ve arrested thought he’d get away with it somehow.”

“Maybe, but I think we may be looking in the wrong direction.”

“The only thing we can do is keep an eye on him and the others, especially Tim Delancy. I can almost guarantee that the thief will make a mistake sooner or later.” He checked his watch. “I better get going. I’m supposed to meet Gloria and some friends of hers.”

After Tom left, Sister Agatha decided to take a few more minutes and read more of the monk’s journal. Although practically a lifetime had passed since the monk had written his thoughts on those pages, she was frequently struck by his comments about the challenges he’d faced in religious life. The journal chronicled the history of a man who’d dedicated his life to God, but often struggled with doubts about his vocation and his ability to live up to the calling he’d received. She felt a genuine kinship with him, having faced many of the same challenges.

At long last, hunger caused her to look up and glance at the clock. It was after eight. No wonder she was so hungry! She’d worked through another meal.

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