“No rest for the weary or the wicked,” she cheerfully replied.
“What can I help you with today?”
“Did you type Father Maddox’s blood?” she asked with more than a little excitement.
“I’m sure that I did. What is this about?” Davis queried.
“Bright found out last night that, once again, the church was behind the attempted abduction. He also discovered that someone very powerful blames me for the priest’s disgrace and death. I accept responsibility for revealing his sins, but I had nothing to do with his death. Still, it got me thinking about who actually cared that much. Now, I’m trying to make the connection.”
“Does Bright know you’re working on this?”
“Yes, and I have his full approval,” Vivien sassily retorted.
“No need to get testy. You know I have to ask, Vivien. Hold on a minute and let me look in the file.”
“Thanks, Davis.”
“It looks as if your dead priest was AB-Negative. That’s a very small percentage of the population. Does that help you, Vivien?”
“Yes, it does. Thanks, Davis,” she replied as she placed a quick peck on his cheek.
As she drove back to District 8, Vivien considered her next move. The blood type was a good lead, but how on earth did she find a powerful man with AB-Negative blood? The information wouldn’t be listed in his portfolio. Still, as the only real lead she had, she would follow it.
Vivien considered everything she knew about blood: the Red Cross kept records and England had a global database that catalogued rare blood donors. Still, it wasn’t enough. If she were to find this powerful man, he would have to be listed as a donor in the first place.
Vivien had an acquaintance at the Red Cross office located on Canal Street, but how would she get access to their donor list? Many records had been destroyed during Katrina’s flooding. She placed the call anyway only to learn it would take a court order. Vivien didn’t have enough evidence to get one. Still, her friend agreed to snoop a little.
Another thought occurred to her—the powerful man was involved with the local abbey. Since 2006, churches were required to provide contribution statements to their donors and benefactors. She was certain there was a record somewhere. However, in order to access the abbey’s records, once again, she’d need a court order. Vivien knew that would never happen. Snowball in hell, she grumbled. She was determined to find another way.
Chapter 15
Lieutenant Albright couldn’t stop looking at Vivien Simon. He couldn’t stop thinking about her either. Davis had already called to apprise him of her recent requests. She was back on track, determined not to let last night’s threats deter her.
“Look Bright, I know she is tenacious, but I don’t want it to get her killed. She won’t stop digging. Since she is so important to you, as a person and a member of your team, I advise you to keep an even closer watch on her,” the coroner said.
“I’ve already got a detail on her, Doc, but I see what you mean. I’ll let them know to tighten it up.”
Still, it wasn’t entirely about that. Bright was simply fascinated with the little ex-reporter. He liked everything about her, especially her spunkiness and determination. He also had frequent flashbacks about holding her in his arms on the two previous occasions. He wanted that again, but the desire couldn’t get in the way of working together. Still, he daydreamed about it, and more often than not, a grin spread across his rugged features.
Vivien hadn’t gotten anywhere with her contact at the Red Cross. It was just as she had thought— in order to discover his name, the man had to be a donor. The snooping had only told her that there weren’t any AB-Negative donors in their local database. It was a dead-end.
Vivien decided to chase down another lead. She left District 8 on an errand. As soon as she was out of sight, Bright called the detail assigned to her to make certain they were following her. She was fast and often slippery. Sometimes, she was gone before the officers even noticed she was missing. She didn’t do it on purpose. She simply got an idea or lead and quickly followed it. She’d been lucky twice and Bright didn’t want her luck to run out.
“Yeah, Lieutenant; we’re right behind her,” the lead officer reassured.
“Good. Don’t let her out of your sight. I mean it; I want you right on her tail. And keep me updated.”
Vivien headed straight towards the abbey. As she neared the massive complex, she saw the very priest she’d hoped to question again. Brother Murphy had told her Maddox relocated from Ohio. The information had given her a place to start. Now, Murphy was walking along the cobbled sidewalk at a brisk pace. She quickly pulled the car over, nearly causing the officers following her to collide. Vivien was out of the car in a flash while they searched for a parking spot.
“Brother Murphy, wait!” she called as she increased her stride to catch up with him. Wearing jeans and sneakers, she was glad she’d followed the advice about her wardrobe after both Bright and Davis had suggested it. The clothing gave her more freedom than heels and business attire. She started to run after the man. “Please, wait!”
“I can’t be seen talking to you, Miss Simon.” He picked up his pace.
“Why? Please slow down,” she called out again just as he disappeared around a corner.
Brother Murphy wasn’t actually a priest; he was a deacon of the church and only one-step away from his goal of priesthood. Stanley Murphy had served the Roman Catholic Church for over fifteen years. Ordinarily, he would’ve attained that coveted position eight years ago.
The procedure for a layman was to train for six years at seminary before becoming ordained as deacon. He’d done that. Next, he’d taken vows of celibacy. He’d followed the procedure to the letter, but Monsignor Abernathy refused his priestly vows each year. It stymied Murphy’s ordainment and it made him feel like an outcast. He was resentful that another controlled his aspirations to be of service.
Monsignor Abernathy had acquired the ear of the Bishop several years earlier when he was simply Father Abernathy. The Bishop’s favorable report had secured Abernathy’s current position of respect. As in all organizations, there was a pecking order and rank. Over the years, Abernathy blocked each step Murphy took. Murphy wasn’t sure what he’d done to fall out of favor and grace with Abernathy, but the entire situation riled him. It was like an open sore. One that Murphy constantly picked at.
Vivien turned the corner also and bumped directly into Murphy. He was waiting for her. He grabbed her by the arm, quickly pulling her down a side alley. New Orleans, filled with alleys and back streets that twisted throughout the Quarter, could be likened to a maze. Although surprised, she allowed Murphy to lead her along the path. After a few bends and turns, he stopped abruptly and faced her.
“Miss Simon, why did you come here? I was in hot water the last time I spoke with you and now you’re here to question me again?” Murphy heatedly asked. “I could get in a lot of trouble with the abbey for being seen with you. Surely, you know you’re not welcome here…not after the reports you made on Father Maddox.”
“Yes, I know. I’m sorry if I caused you any trouble, Brother Murphy. I don’t work for the paper anymore. Did you know that?”
“No, I did not know that, but it doesn’t matter. I still shouldn’t talk to you,” Murphy replied as his eyes darted around her and then all around the alley. He seemed paranoid that someone had followed them. “I know I was followed. I can feel their eyes on me,” he cautiously whispered.
“If anyone is nearby, it’s probably only my detail. After two attempts on my life, both orchestrated by the church, the precinct keeps a close watch on me.”
“What?” Murphy was clearly confused.
“My detail…I work for the police now as a consultant. The church recently sent two different teams to kill me. Now, District 8 has assigned a detail to watch over me in case it happens again.”
“What? You’re saying that the Roman Catholic Church sent someone to kill you. They
sent someone twice. Are you crazy? Are you out of your mind to make such accusations?” Murphy ranted.
“No, I don’t make these accusations lightly. It was the church that sent the men; more specifically this very abbey gave the orders.”
“How do you know it was the church that sent them? You could have made any number of enemies as a reporter…it could be anyone,” Murphy stuttered out a response.
“The first men told me that my report on Father Maddox had riled the ‘holiest father’ and he wanted me stopped. The second group tried to kidnap me, but my team stopped them. One of those men also admitted that someone very powerful and connected to this particular abbey wants me dead. Apparently, someone blames me for Father Maddox’s death and tarnishing his name.”
“Is that why you’re here?” Murphy, now breathless, asked.
“Yes, I came to try to ascertain if Father Maddox had any male relatives…a brother or cousin living in the area. That man would be very powerful and a large contributor to the abbey.”
“Jesus Christ!” Murphy exclaimed and then quickly made the sign of the cross in penance.
“You know something don’t you?”
Murphy remained silent.
“Brother Murphy, you know something. Something I said caused this reaction in you. Was it my reference to the ‘holiest father’ or the wealthy benefactor?”
Murphy still didn’t speak. Instead, he absentmindedly kicked the dust on the ground. His eyes nervously darted around the alley as he considered all that Vivien had said.
“Tell me, please. My life could depend on the knowledge you have.”
“Yes, Miss Simon, I know something. At least I think I do, but it could be nothing at all. If I tell you what I know, I might very well be excommunicated. I can’t take the risk. As much as I’d like to help, I simply can’t lose all that I’ve worked for and struggled to attain. You understand that, don’t you?” Murphy pleaded.
“I understand, Brother Murphy, but many times one is not excluded from taking part in the rites of the church when they should be. One has to ask themselves if they have a moral obligation to stop wrongdoing, even if that bad behavior involves those higher up. Even if it results in their own punishment. It is my belief that someone here is abusing their power and their behavior should be exposed for what it is.”
“Exposed?” Murphy gasped.
“Yes, if those higher up are misusing their authority, their actions must be uncovered in order to stop that abuse.”
Murphy was silent again. As he stood there, he thought about the way his own life and service had been blocked and hindered by those same ‘higher-ups.’ He knew the corruption in the church better than anyone did. It was a breeding ground for nepotism and favoritism. Did he really have anything to lose? It seemed that no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t quite overcome exclusion from the brotherhood. It galled him, but still he had hoped and prayed that he could somehow surpass those obstacles.
He had remained in his current position, standing steadfastly, even in the midst of opposition for a single reason…hope. He’d hoped that things would change. Now, he wondered if that was only wishful thinking. Would anything ever change or would he spend another fifteen years as a deacon?
Could this be the answer to his prayers?
Vivien silently watched as the man struggled with the battle raging inside him. She didn’t comment or interrupt. She only allowed him space to work it out.
“I will pray for guidance on these things, Miss Simon. You have my word on that…I do not support corruption any more than you do,” Murphy finally reassured. He stood motionless for several more moments before continuing, “Please don’t come back here, Miss Simon. If I am led to speak with you again, I will find you. We must not be seen together. That is all I ask…don’t come back. Wait for me to contact you.”
“Here’s my card.”
“Jesus, Vivien! You scared the crap out of us. Don’t do that again!” One of the two police officers said as they stuck their heads around the corner. Both men were sweating from the exertion of searching for her. They were also irritated that they’d lost her in the maze of alleys. One touched his radio briefly to report to Bright.
“We found her, Sir. We’re sorry we lost her and a little pissed that she got away from us, but she’s safe and standing in an alley all by herself.”
Vivien, surprised at the last comment, looked around. She was standing alone. Brother Murphy was nowhere to be seen, and although Alec Winters was also there, neither was he. Murphy and Alec had both taken the officers’ distraction as an opportunity to slip away.
“Good work! Send her back to the precinct,” she heard Bright’s order crackle over the radio.
“I’m going,” Vivien griped.
Chapter 16
Brother Murphy had slipped away, but the conversation with Vivien Simon stayed with him. Although unseen, so did Alec Winters. Alec read Murphy’s aura, looking for the slightest details that would reveal the identity of the man behind the attacks.
Even though Murphy was reluctant to admit it, he knew that the things Vivien had said were right. It rang true in every fiber of his being. Even though he felt powerless to do anything about it, Murphy also knew the corruption must be stopped. Those at the abbey had misused and abused their power for a very long time…and he knew who they were.
As he considered that evil, long-standing exploitation, Murphy realized that it was probably the very reason he had been passed over. He didn’t play well with those who manipulated their authority. In the past, each time he’d been privy to that corruption, he’d simply walked away, refusing to participate. Now, rather than attempt to pull him into a dishonest or illegal situation, conversations ceased or became mere whispers whenever he neared.
He’d been foolish enough to think that the priests involved respected his decision to abstain from the shady games they played. Now, he clearly saw the situation for what it was – exclusion. The conversation with Vivien Simon had opened his eyes. It had made him see things he hadn’t wanted to see. He couldn’t avoid the truth of it any longer. He couldn’t bury his head in the sand. He’d have to face it head on. For once, everything began to make sense to Murphy.
He knew exactly whom the title ‘holiest father’ referenced. He’d overheard the confessions of more than a few criminals as they tried to reconcile committing another illegal and immoral act for absolution. Even the offenders knew that ‘two wrongs didn’t make a right.’ They wrestled with their conscience, and when disillusioned enough, they left the church and the sanctity it offered to most of its people. Embittered by their experiences, they were lost to the good the church could do for its members.
Corruption didn’t benefit anyone other than those corrupted.
Murphy was saddened over the entire matter. He knew he must do something about it, but he didn’t know where to begin. His heart cried out for guidance, but he had done so before without receiving any. Today, his prayer was immediately answered. A bright light surrounded Murphy and he lifted his weary head to see an angel standing before him. Its presence blinded him and he quickly fell to his knees.
A soft, gentle voice soothingly asked, “Do you want the corruption stopped, Brother Murphy? Do you want to do your part to put an end to the illegal and immoral practices of the church?”
“Yes,” Murphy cried out with bowed head. “I do want that, but I don’t know how. I am frightened. Monsignor Abernathy is very powerful. I’ll be excommunicated. He might even have me murdered. Oh God, oh God, what am I to do? I am terrified. I am weak and only a man.”
“Do not fear, Brother Murphy. Your prayers have been heard. The Monsignor will receive the punishment he deserves. Then, the abbey can return to its original intention as a safe haven for good priests and its members and their families alike.”
The angel touched Murphy on the shoulder and its beautiful energy passed through the deacon. The electrifying current renewed his strength and faith. He felt hopeful
for the first time in ages. When he looked up again, the angel was gone.
Chapter 17
Monsignor Abernathy felt confident that he knew everything about Vivien Simon’s life. Everything that he needed to know anyway. He’d had her past thoroughly investigated much the same way she’d dug into Father Maddox’s life. Although, he didn’t do the work personally, calls were made and articles were read as the intimate details of her history emerged and were compiled. He received regular updates from Sergeant Clive Burroughs, an officer from District 8.
Although not directly connected to Lieutenant Albright’s team, Clive managed to get the information needed. The sergeant had been Abernathy’s strong right arm for over a decade. Clive, a devout member of the abbey, was very good at carrying out orders. It kept Abernathy’s hands clean, but it didn’t do the same for his soul.
While he couldn’t be involved with most of the puppets he dangled, some things Abernathy chose to attend to on his own. For instance, he had placed the call to the owner of the Well Read Rag to ensure Vivien Simon was sacked. He not only wanted her career ruined, he wanted her to high tail it back to Birmingham. He wanted her out of his parish and unable to cause any more trouble.
Neither Clive nor Abernathy had foreseen that the police department would hire her as a consultant. Lieutenant Albright had acted on impulse when he added Miss Simon to his team. She had proved herself a worthy investigator before Albright ran it by his commanding officer. Then, due to her exceptional skills, she was put on their payroll. By then, Abernathy’s plans to destroy her were foiled.
Although, she wasn’t technically qualified for the job, it seemed that everyone supported Vivien Simon. Described as ‘having a very winning personality,’ she was favored and championed. Since she had never been through official training at the police academy, she was called ‘consultant’ rather than ‘officer.’ The title allowed her to utilize her honed skills as investigative reporter.
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