Peril & Prayer

by Olivia Matthews

  Finally, Sister Lou responded. “How does your job make you feel? Is it fulfilling? Are you making a positive impact on your community? You have to decide what’s important to you, and only you can answer that. Remember, the Telegraph may be right for you now, but things change. You may want other challenges in the future.”

  Shari nodded. “I know that I like it here. I’ve lived in a lot of big cities. I’m surprised that I’m so comfortable in a small town.”

  “I know what you mean.” Sister Lou flashed her warm smile. “Briar Coast is very different from Los Angeles. It’s cold, but I love it here.”

  “I like my friendship with you and Chris. I’ve never had real friends before. I’m not even sure I’m any good at being one.” A hot blush rose in Shari’s neck.

  Sister Lou reached across the table to give Shari’s forearm a comforting squeeze. “You’re doing just fine. We enjoy your friendship, too.”

  “How will I know when I’ve attained this exalted level of self-awareness?” Shari had never felt so frustrated. She didn’t know what she didn’t know and she couldn’t find the questions to get her answers.

  “At the risk of sounding very Zen-like, self-awareness isn’t a destination. It’s a journey.” Sister Lou sat back on her chair across the table. “Shari, you’re not the same person you were last year or even six months ago. And six months from now, you’ll be someone else again. And so will I.”

  “Mind. Blown.” Shari tapped her temples with her fingertips. “What does that mean?”

  “If we’re not learning, we’re not living.” Sister Lou spread her hands, her soup apparently forgotten. “Every day, we learn something new about ourselves. As we add to our self-awareness, we adjust to what we’ve learned. It changes us, and that’s a good thing.”

  “This is a lot to absorb.” Shari sighed. “I may not have the patience for it.”

  Sister Lou’s eyes glittered with suppressed humor. “Baby steps, Shari. Let’s just start with today.”

  * * *

  “May I have a moment, Lou?” Sister Barbara Yates paused in the threshold of Sister Lou’s office.

  “Of course.” Sister Lou glanced at her wristwatch. It was after five o’clock on Friday afternoon. How did it get to be so late?

  She closed the electronic file she’d been updating on her computer, then turned to face Sister Barbara.

  The congregation’s prioress strode to one of the well-cushioned powder blue and honey wood guest chairs in front of Sister Lou’s desk. In her moss green blazer, white blouse, and black slacks, she looked as fresh and crisp at the end of the day as she’d appeared when Sister Lou had seen her earlier this morning.

  “You looked so focused on what you were doing, I hated to interrupt you.” Sister Barbara winked at Sister Lou as she settled onto the chair closest to the wall. Her hazel green eyes were warm behind her silver-rimmed glasses. Her graying chestnut hair framed her round face.

  “I don’t mind the interruption.” Sister Lou braced herself for what she suspected would be a delicate conversation. “What can I do for you, Barb?”

  Sister Barbara crossed her legs and settled more comfortably on her chair. “How would you assess the progress on the retreat planning?”

  Sister Lou had anticipated this question. Why else would the prioress seek her out at the end of the workweek? Sister Barbara’s eyes were kind and her voice was gentle, but Sister Lou sensed a trap. “Have you had a chance to speak with Marianna? She’s the project lead.”

  “Yes, I spoke with Marianna earlier today. She assured me that the retreat’s on schedule.” Sister Barbara’s sharp eyes kept a close watch on Sister Lou’s expression. “Is it?”

  She needed to buy time while she considered her answer. Sister Lou took a drink of chai tea from her half-full white porcelain mug. She grimaced. It had grown cold.

  “As of today, we’re a little behind schedule.” Her stomach muscles knotted at contradicting Sister Marianna, but she wouldn’t lie to Sister Barbara. “I believe, however, that we can make up the time. Also, we’re well under budget.”

  “That’s good news about the budget.” Sister Barbara looked pleased. “Why are we behind schedule?”

  Sister Lou felt like a schoolgirl being pressured to be a tattletale against a classmate. She wished Sister Marianna had had this conversation with Sister Barbara. But since she hadn’t, Sister Lou forced herself to sit still and maintain eye contact with the prioress. “There was a disagreement about the retreat menu. It’s been resolved, but we’re a couple of days—less than a week—behind. We’ll make up the time, though.”

  Sister Barbara’s eyes were dark with concern. Was it caused by the project delay—or was she troubled that Sister Marianna hadn’t mentioned it herself?

  “What are your impressions of Marianna’s event management style?”

  Oh boy. The questions weren’t getting any easier, were they? “Marianna’s very well organized and detail oriented. She’s decisive—”

  “You know that’s not what I meant, Lou. Marianna was quite upset about the survey results for the menu. Did her disappointment cause a problem during your meeting with the resort owner?”

  That’s an understatement. Sister Lou struggled to control her expression under Sister Barbara’s scrutiny. “We came up with a compromise.”

  “We?” Sister Barbara sighed. “Lou, everyone knows that Marianna’s temper can be a problem. That’s one of the reasons I asked you to partner with her on this project. I knew I could count on your diplomacy to keep things moving forward.”

  “What was the other reason?”

  “Marianna needed a project partner that she couldn’t push around. You’re the only member of the congregation who won’t hesitate to challenge her.”

  Sister Carmen was right about the reason Sister Barbara had asked her to work with Sister Marianna. Her friend wouldn’t let her forget it. “Marianna’s doing a good job with the retreat.”

  “I’d hoped some of your diplomacy would rub off on her.” Sister Barbara lowered her gaze. Her attention seemed far away. “Marianna’s temper not only reflects poorly on her, but it could hurt the congregation’s image. I’ve asked her to remember that when she’s interacting with the community.”

  “We’re past the decision-making part of the retreat planning. We shouldn’t have any further disagreements.”

  Sister Barbara looked askance at Sister Lou. “What are the chances of that with Marianna’s involvement?”

  Good point. “Perhaps we’re not putting Marianna’s strengths to their best use. Not everyone’s a diplomat.”

  Sister Barbara’s expression brightened. “You have an excellent point. Do you have any suggestions?”

  An image of Sister Marianna wearing boxing gloves came to mind. That particular talent wouldn’t be appropriate for the congregation, though. “Let me think on it.”

  Chapter 7

  Where is Autumn?

  Sister Lou stood on the other side of Autumn’s closed office door Monday morning. She knocked for a third time, then leaned forward, listening for sounds beyond the door. According to her watch, it was a few minutes before nine a.m., their agreed-upon meeting time, but Autumn had assured her that she routinely started work hours earlier than that.

  Sister Lou glanced up and down the empty, walnut wood hallway. What should I do now?

  She’d come to the resort alone again. She’d intended only to give Autumn the draft of the retreat presentation schedule. She and Sister Marianna were even more anxious to get the event back on schedule after Sister Barbara’s feedback Friday. Sister Lou also wanted to collect Sister Marianna’s scarf, which the other woman had left in Autumn’s office Friday.

  Two doors down the hall, Sister Lou noted light spilling from an open office. She walked past two closed doors and a supply room before coming to a stop in front of a spacious office.

  She recognized Rita Morris, Autumn’s business partner, seated behind the desk. She knocked briefly against t
he door. “Good morning, Ms. Morris. I don’t know if you remember me. I’m Sister Lou LaSalle. I have a nine o’clock appointment with Autumn. Do you know where she might be?”

  Rita rose and walked to Sister Lou, right hand outstretched. Her navy A-line dress ended just above her knees and was coupled with a pale silver blazer. “Sister Lou, of course I remember you. How are the plans progressing for your congregation’s retreat?”

  Sister Lou temporarily dampened her concern over Autumn’s absence and accepted Rita’s hand. “Everything’s progressing very well. I have a copy of the event schedule to share with Autumn.”

  “I’m surprised Autumn’s not in her office.” Rita checked the time on her cell phone, then walked past Sister Lou and down the hall.

  Sister Lou followed her to Autumn’s office and waited while this time the business partner knocked.

  “Autumn, are you there?” Rita pressed her ear to the door.

  Nothing.

  Rita waited several seconds before knocking again, this time harder. She raised her voice. “Autumn, Sister Lou LaSalle is here for your meeting.”

  Again nothing.

  Rita seemed uneasy as she turned back to Sister Lou. “This is so odd. It’s not like her at all. She must still be in her cabin.”

  “Her cabin?” Sister Lou walked with Rita down the hall to the reception area.

  “She has her own cabin on the premises. This resort really is her life. She breathes, eats, and sleeps it.” Rita stopped beside the registration desk and glanced at Kelsey. “Have you seen Autumn this morning?”

  Kelsey looked up, startled. “No, I haven’t. I thought she was in her office. Is something wrong?”

  Rita turned away from Kelsey and drummed her long, black-polished nails against the chest-high walnut wood desk. Her manner was dismissive. It was clear that Rita didn’t have the warm relationship with Kelsey that Autumn had.

  Sister Lou responded to the administrative assistant. “I had a nine a.m. meeting with Autumn but she’s not here. Perhaps she’s running late.”

  “But Autumn’s never late.” Kelsey’s voice was thin. Her blue eyes darkened with concern.

  “Could you try reaching her on her personal phone?” Sister Lou looked from Kelsey to Rita.

  The business partner pulled her cell phone from her blazer pocket. She pushed two buttons, then held the device to her ear. Rita’s blond hair was stylishly piled on top of her head. Wispy strands framed her triangular face.

  Standing between the two women, Sister Lou sensed Rita’s impatience as she waited for Autumn to answer. Kelsey’s anxiety was like a physical presence moving among them. Sister Lou’s own concern weighed on her.

  Within seconds, Rita disconnected the call. “It went into her voice mail.” Her gusty sigh revealed confusion and frustration. “Wait here. I’m getting my car keys.”

  “Where are you going?” Kelsey was startled.

  “Sister Lou and I are going to her cabin.” Rita walked past her and back toward her office.

  We are?

  Sister Lou was surprised but grateful to be invited along. She didn’t want to leave without knowing whether Autumn was all right. Her watch read almost a quarter after the nine o’clock hour. The resort owner had never been late for their meetings. A long list of tasks waited for Sister Lou in her office, but she wouldn’t be able to concentrate on any of them.

  “I’m really worried about Autumn.” Kelsey’s quiet admission touched Sister Lou.

  “Perhaps she slept in because she’s not feeling well.”

  “She would’ve called.” Kelsey turned her anxious eyes to Sister Lou. “She’s been under a lot of stress. Rita’s really pressuring her to sell the resort.”

  That’s not a good sign. “Is the resort not doing well?”

  Kelsey gave a quick shrug. “I really think Rita just wants the money. She’s usually not here before noon. I was really surprised to see her here so early this morning. But Autumn really loves this place. She really wants to keep it, and I really want to keep my job.”

  “Hopefully, Autumn was exhausted and just overslept.” Sister Lou couldn’t think of anything else to say.

  “I really hope so.” Kelsey continued in a low voice, “I really like working for Autumn. She’s so nice. Rita’s hardly ever here but when she is, she acts like I really don’t matter.”

  Sister Lou was still searching for a response when Rita’s voice sounded behind her.

  “Let’s go.” She strode past Sister Lou toward the front door without even a glance in Kelsey’s direction.

  Sister Lou pressed Kelsey’s hand where it lay on the registration desk. “Everything will work out.”

  She followed Rita to a torch red Chevrolet Corvette. “That’s your car?”

  “Yes.” Rita seemed distracted as she deactivated the car alarm and pulled open the driver’s door.

  Sister Lou touched the hood of the Corvette. It was cold, reflecting the brisk late-autumn weather. Its sleek, aerodynamic lines promised a thrilling, powerful ride. Its wide, sculpted headlights hinted at danger. The jet-black leather bucket seats invited her to share the adventure. Sister Lou settled onto the passenger seat and resisted the temptation to ask Rita if she could drive.

  Rita shifted the automatic engine into gear. It purred like a satisfied cat. “It’s not a long walk, but it’s a quicker drive. Besides, it’s too cold to walk.”

  “I don’t mind the ride.” Sister Lou tried to mask her excitement over her first ride in an expensive sports car. The vehicle looked and smelled new.

  Rita zipped backward out of the parking space. With a quick tap of the brake and a jerk of the transmission, they took off over the asphalt surface. The road from the main cabin to the private lodgings was wide enough for only two cars and a very few courageous pedestrians. Rita was a confident, commanding driver. She made quick work of the trip. A slight smile curved Sister Lou’s lips. She wondered if Rita would let her drive them back to the main cabin.

  Rita jumped the asphalt path and drove up a graveled driveway. In front of them, a single-story log cabin with a gable roof stood about three football fields from the main cabin. With the walnut wood cottage-style structure nestled against a backdrop of stately old trees, the scene looked as though it had been teleported from a Walt Disney animated feature film. Sister Lou looked around for the magical beings and talking animals.

  Rita turned off the engine, then climbed from the car. Sister Lou did the same. Her anxiety returned as she wondered again why Autumn hadn’t been in her office. The air was light and brisk, and swollen with the scents of moist earth and aging leaves.

  Sister Lou followed Rita across the lawn. A row of miniature barberry bushes grew on either side of the front of the cabin. Two steps lifted them to the porch, which stretched the width of the cabin. To the right was a dark walnut–stained porch swing. In addition, there were six matching rocking chairs, three on either end. That was a lot of seating. How much entertaining did Autumn do?

  Five large pots of coleus plants congregated on the left side of the porch: red, rose, pink, maroon, and yellow. Wasn’t it late in the season for coleus? But the plants seemed to be thriving.

  Rita didn’t look toward the chairs, the swing, or the coleus pots. She walked directly to the door. Then froze.

  The first stirrings of unease tousled the hair at the nape of Sister Lou’s neck. “What is it?”

  Rita turned toward her. Her brown eyes were wide with dismay. “The door’s open.”

  Chapter 8

  Sister Lou’s heart sprang into her throat and stayed there. Rita was frozen in Autumn’s doorway. Sister Lou stood just behind her. But the scene in front of them pulled her back to the Sleep Ease Inn Hotel, back to the room in which Maurice had been murdered. She fought to stay in the present. Autumn needed her. Rita needed her. She couldn’t give in to the echoes of her grief. No, not yet.

  Autumn’s cabin looked like the Tasmanian Devil had thrown a tantrum all over it. Furniture in
the front room had been upended. Dark, patterned cushions were ripped from the sofa, ripped from the armchairs, and tossed to the hardwood floor.

  She exchanged a panicked look with Rita.

  “Autumn?” Rita shouted as she rushed into the cabin.

  Sister Lou followed her. Together, they hurried through the dwelling, shouting Autumn’s name. With each step, Sister Lou’s heart beat faster. Images of Maurice clung to her mind.

  Please. Don’t let this be a repeat of that day. Please.

  The scene from the front room had been replayed in both bedrooms, bathrooms, the dining room, and kitchen. Drawers jerked open, their contents tossed to the floor. Closets ransacked. Mattresses stripped and flipped. Sister Lou and Rita raced to the Corvette and sped back to the main cabin.

  “Where could she be?” Panic lifted Rita’s voice several octaves.

  “Why would someone toss her home?” Sister Lou’s mind spun.

  Who had broken into Autumn’s home?

  When did this happen?

  What were they looking for—and had they found it?

  Rita didn’t return to her parking space. She jerked to a stop in front of the main cabin and threw herself from the car. She jogged to the entrance. Sister Lou followed close behind.

  Rita shoved the door open and rushed to the registration desk. Her actions drew the attention of several guests. “Someone broke into Autumn’s cabin.”

  Kelsey’s hand flew to cover her mouth. The color leached from her face. “Oh no.”

  “Autumn wasn’t there.” Sister Lou strained to sound reassuring, but her words shook. “Can you let us into her office?”

  Kelsey fumbled in one of the drawers before retrieving a thick set of keys. She passed the set to Sister Lou, leading with the key that would unlock Autumn’s office.

  “Shouldn’t we call the sheriff’s office?” Rita sounded frazzled as she followed Sister Lou down the hall.

  “Unless she had another appointment—and I don’t believe she did—there are only two places Autumn would be at this time of day, her office or her home.” Sister Lou shoved the key into the lock and turned it. “She’s not in her home.”