The Prodigal Nun Read Online Free

confessional,” the sheriff pressed.
    “No, it isn’t, but I’m a licensed psychologist, and doctor/patient confidentiality survives death.”
    “Father, with all due respect, let me remind you that Jane Sanchez was a
murder
victim.”
    “I understand, Sheriff Green, but there are certain things I can’t discuss with you. What I
can
tell you is that they were both committed to making their marriage strong. So if you’re thinking that her husband may have had something to do with her murder, you’re way off the mark. They had problems, like most couples, but Louis loves…loved…that woman.”
    “Generally, what kind of problems were they facing?” When Father Mahoney hesitated, Sheriff Green added, “If you don’t think her husband’s responsible, then help me eliminate him from my suspect list so we can move on in the investigation.”
    Father Mahoney considered it, then at last nodded. “I can only tell you what’s already public knowledge. Louis has a heart condition, and Jane was terrified of losing him. They were constantly at odds because Louis had his own outlook on how to deal with those health issues. He wanted to live his life to the fullest—rejecting the idea of diet and exercise. Jane was doing her best to keep him on a saner course of action.”
    “Is there anything else you can tell me about the couple? Was there any reason for jealousy—perhaps a third person in their relationship?”
    “I’ve already told you all I can, Sheriff.”
    “I appreciate your help,” Tom said, shaking his hand.
    Once Father left, Tom glanced over at Sister Agatha. “I’m through here for now. I’m going to pay Louis Sanchez a visit.”
    “Take me along,” she said. “The news of his wife’s death may be easier to take from me—a nun who knew her—than from you. Since you’ll need to get clear answers, having a calming influence there will help you.”
    “Good idea.”
    “Oh, wait. I just remembered. Do you suppose Fritz Albrecht will tell his boss about you taking me along—me, a member of the public?”
    “Mayor Garcia wouldn’t want my job today. Let me deal with Fritz. You ready to go?”
    “I’ll get Reverend Mother’s permission, then meet you at your car.”
    As Sister Agatha went through the inner door and entered the cloister, Reverend Mother was coming down the hall. Reverend Mother Margaret Mary was a tall woman with rich, dark brown eyes and gentle lines around her face. There was a serenity about her that conveyed a sense of peace, no matter how dire the situation.
    Sister Agatha updated her quickly, then asked for permission to leave the monastery.
    “Go with my blessing, child.” Reverend Mother called all of them “child,” as was their monastic custom.
    Sister Agatha knelt, and Reverend Mother reached for a vial of holy water deep inside the pocket of her habit. Moisteningher finger, she made the sign of the cross on Sister Agatha’s forehead.
    A short time later, Sister Agatha was walking across the grounds. Seeing her, Pax came running up. Sister Agatha crouched down and patted the dog. “Not this time, Pax. You’re needed here to take care of the monastery.”
    Almost as if he’d understood, the dog ambled off and lay down at the bottom of the shaded steps leading to the parlor.
    Sister Agatha joined Sheriff Green, then glanced back at Pax. “He’s really a great dog.”
    “As a monastery pet, he’s perfect. As a police dog, he drove his handlers crazy. He has a mind of his own.”
    As soon as they were under way, Sheriff Green turned to her and asked, “Is there anything else you’ve remembered about the victim? Maybe something about that last conversation you had with her? I’d really like to get some insight into this woman.”
    “We really didn’t speak that often. She asked me to pray for her and Louis a few times, but that’s about it.”
    “Yet she called to confide in you?”
    “It’s not that surprising. As an extern, I’m one of the nuns she