Third Half Page 6

  "Thank you, Ronaldo," she said as she turned to the young Puerto Rican man beside her. "You have already helped more than you'll ever know. There's only one person who can give me the answers I need now."

  "Yes Sister, then you want to be dropped at the church when we return to the city?"

  "The church?" She looked puzzled. "Oh, no, the convent will be fine." She realized again, that as a nun he had taken for granted she would pray for her answers.

  "Sister," Ronaldo said, gently shaking her until she awakened. "We're back now."

  "Oh . . ." She sat up, surprised that she had dozed. The last she remembered, she was trying to sort out all the things she had learned, and wondering what it all meant.

  "Thank you, Ronaldo. It hardly seems adequate after all that you did tonight." She took out the money she had promised him, feeling she owed him so much more. "And you remember to speak to Manuel about that job."

  "Yes, Sister, as I promised I would." He smiled. "I always keep my word. Didn't I prove that tonight?"

  "Yes, you certainly did," she replied, shivering at the thought of how close she could have been to being apprehended by the police. "I also will keep my word and pray for all of you. Although I'm certain things will be much better soon."

  "And I hope things will be better for you too, Sister," Ronaldo said with sincerity. "I have a feeling you may need prayers even more than we do."

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Stealing her way into the building, she was careful to close the door gently before turning to head down the long, dimly lit corridor to her room. Just by luck she made it there without being noticed. She knew she not only looked a frightful sight, she smelled like one. All she wanted to do now was take a bath and get ready for bed.

  She slipped into the communal bathroom, wishing she could add some scented bubbles to the hot water, feeling she deserved the treat after all she had been through that night. But of course, she knew better. Nuns would hardly have a supply of that sort of luxury.

  She sighed and slid into the water, allowing the heat to relax her aching muscles. Her long hair was tied on the top of her head, but she released it, knowing it also needed washing.

  A long time later she returned from the bathroom feeling refreshed in body, if not in spirit. She was just about to slip beneath the sheets when she realized in all the excitement she had forgotten to stop to get some money from the automatic teller machine down the street.

  She knew she had to go yet tonight. She had given the last of her cash to Ronaldo and was certain she was going to need money if she hoped to survive the next few days. I do deserve a few luxury items.

  This time when she returned she wasn't as lucky as the last.

  "Ah, Sister Mary Catherine," she heard the Mother Superior's voice. Turning, she tried to hide her look of defeat, also the small bottle of floral scented foaming bath oil she had just purchased at the all night market.

  "Yes, Mother Superior," she nearly whispered, trying not to show her nervousness.

  "I see you were restless and couldn't sleep."

  "Yes, I have very much on my mind."

  "I hope your walk has helped alleviate some of your tensions."

  "Yes, I think the fresh air helped."

  "You definitely are in need of some rest!" the Mother said with a smile, so Liane would know she was joking. "Especially if you're beginning to think of this city's pollution as fresh air." She stepped closer. "My Dear, are you having second thoughts about tomorrow's trip?"

  "No, as I explained before, I think it's best that I make the trip. I don't see that my staying here will help in any way."

  "I agree." The Mother Superior gently took hold of her hand. "Why, you're trembling?" Concern was clearly written in the older woman's fawn-brown eyes as she stared down at Liane. "I think it's time you got some proper rest. I will pray that the problems of your family will soon be solved."

  "Thank you," Liane bowed her head before turning to leave, then stopped. "Mother . . .you will keep me abreast of what is happening here, won't you?"

  "Certainly my Dear."

  "It would set my mind at rest to know everything is resolved."

  "You will be informed as soon as I know anything."

  "Thank you again," Liane nearly whispered. The woman was being so kind that she suddenly found it distasteful to be misleading her.

  As she walked down the long hallway the Mother Superior watched her, a puzzled expression on her face. In the time since the young nun came to the convent she had grown quite fond of her. She did not like the ill effects the girl's problems were having on her. She was not at all herself. But then, what else could be expected under the circumstances?

  She would have to light a special candle and pray for a resolution to Mary Catherine's family problems. Perhaps then she could return to normal.

  As Liane laid in bed, her thoughts again returned to her sister in the hospital. She'd have to call her first thing in the morning and let her know exactly what she was planning to do next.

  She couldn't fool herself into thinking Mary Catherine would be mellow, accepting her decision. No, this time, she was certain she would truly test her sister's patience. And patience was one of M.C.'s virtues.

  I

  "Listen M.C., I don't have much time to explain," Liane said quickly, nervously squeezing the phone as she tried to silence her sister's triage of questions. "I've found out that some of what's been going on may tie in with Jack's visits to South America."

  "In what ways?" Her sister asked.

  "I think he may have been bringing things back here for someone."

  "Souvenirs?" M.C. asked, sounding hopeful.

  "Not quite," Liane hedged, not quite sure what answer she should give to the question.

  "Smuggling?" Mary Catherine's voice quavered.

  "No. . .! At least I don't think Jack would do that – I don't know anymore. I just never thought he'd . . .well, you know." She sighed. "It's not like him to do anything dishonest. I wish lately I'd have spent more time with him."

  "I saw him every time he was back in the area. His nightclub act did keep him traveling a great deal. But he never acted any different. He seemed the same Jack we always knew."

  "I thought I might be able to get a better perspective of him if I were to go down and check out the club where he does his act in Lima."

  "You what!" Mary Catherine nearly shouted as she sat up in bed. "Never mind, don't repeat it. I know what you're driving at. You want to continue taking my place."

  "M.C., it's the only way." Liane's voice trembled with desperation. "I'm going crazy trying to think of another way. I just want to find Jack, and while I'm at it, clear myself of this murder wrap."

  "I won't be discharged in time to make the trip myself. But what about when I am?"

  "Stay sick!" Liane ordered. "Remember what we said about people usually believing a nun. Play on your doctor's sympathy. Do you think you can do it?"

  "Probably with very little problem." M.C. groaned. "I'm already beginning to feel worse."

  "Thanks Sis. And I'll be back as soon as I find out whatever I can about this mess. Now tell me anything I may need to know."

  "Everything is written in a log I keep in my desk at the convent," Mary Catherine explained. "Plus you'll find my passport and Jack's money in a brown envelope at the very bottom of the drawer. I don't know what you should do with it."

  "I may have a few ideas," Liane replied, knowing on the previous evening she could only get the maximum amount from the automatic teller machine. Depending what happened, two hundred dollars would not get her very far. "Now, is there anything else? Tickets?"

  "Mother Superior will have the airline tickets. She'll be seeing you off at the airport." Mary Catherine sighed. "Liane, promise me you'll call the police and explain everything before you leave."

  "If I do that, I won't be able to leave."

  "But if something happens . . .You know what I mean."

  "Yes, I know. And I do have
a plan in mind. One that will explain most of what's going on. They may not believe it, but all I can do is try. At least it will give them something to think about."

  "That will relieve my mind, Liane. I'd hate to see you wanted for this murder and never have the chance to have your side heard."

  "Oh, that's all!" Liane suddenly laughed, trying to maintain a bit of humor, in spite of the seriousness of the situation. "I thought you were worried they'd find you and think you were me. All the while I'd be safe in South America."

  "Liane! I never thought of that!"

  "I did." Her tones were more serious now. "That's what I've been worried about. I'll have to clear that much with the authorities. But I'll have to do it one step at a time. I'll only tell them what they need to know right now. Later I'll contact them with more information."

  "Yes, Mother Superior. Thank you for your concern," Mary Catherine suddenly interrupted.

  "I get it; you can't talk anymore." Liane smiled, thinking her sister would make almost as good an actress as she is a nun. "Don't worry too much. And get well! Just don't let them know it."

  "I'll try," Mary Catherine said. "Bless you."

  "Thanks M.C., I'll be in touch soon . . .with good news, I hope. I love you." With that, Liane hung up the phone. She glanced around to make certain she was still alone. Luckily, the other sisters were busy with classes that day. She had only the Mother Superior to worry about. Still safe from being observed, she dialed the number of her producer.

  "Martin Sloane, please," she said when someone answered. "Just tell him it's Sister Mary Catherine."

  "Mary Catherine!" Martin said quickly, an anxious note to his voice. "Have you heard from Liane?" She could picture the distressed look on Martin's face, and was tempted to admit who she really was, just to set his mind at rest.

  "No, that's partly why I'm calling you," she said, remembering her determination to pull off her plan.

  "Oh . . ." She heard him exhale a long breath.

  "Martin, I've been wondering if you've heard from my sister. But now I realize you haven't or you wouldn't be asking me about her."

  "No, I haven't. But maybe it's for the best. Things are a bit hectic here. Not very private."

  "Private?" she repeated. "Do you mean you've had a lot of police checking around the theater?"

  "That's exactly what I mean. Have they been to you? I had to tell them you were in the hospital."

  "Yes, they were. But, unfortunately, I couldn't help them. Have they been asking you many questions?"

  "Let's just say that several people are going out of their way to find out whatever they can about Liane."

  "Do you mean they may even be listening in on your telephone calls. To us right now?"

  "It wouldn't surprise me at all," he replied.

  "I suppose if my sister does call you they'll trace her call and find her. Maybe then we'll know if she's all right," Liane said. "I'm very concerned about her. This whole thing has been quite upsetting."

  "Yes, in many ways. And believe me, I'm also concerned about Liane. But I have to get things in order for the new show. It seems only one person is overjoyed by this whole mess – Tina Berry. I don't know if Liane has told you much about her. She's her understudy. Looks like she'll be taking Liane's place unless everything gets worked out."

  "I hope it does," Liane said truthfully, envisioning the smug satisfaction on the other woman's face when she learned she may be playing her part. Not if I can help it!

  "Martin, if you hear anything at all, please call me at the convent," Liane said, dismissing the rivalry between Tina and herself. "I'm back here now. Even if the police find Liane, I'd like to know as soon as possible."

  "You'll be the first person I call if I learn anything, Mary Catherine. Now, I hate to cut you short but I really have to get back to work. Mondays are pretty crazy around here. And I have an eleven o'clock luncheon meeting with the money men. I can't miss that."

  "Oh, I understand. I really have to get back to the children," Liane lied. "Thank you, Martin."

  "No problem. And Mary Catherine," he added, "I promise I will call you."

  Liane ended the call with a weary smile. Her plan may just work, she thought. She now had a way to get information to the authorities, as she had promised her sister, and at the same time, still be able to get out of the country.

  On a plain piece of paper she began writing many of the events that had taken place since they had received their brother's letter. She carefully omitted the part about the money and the secret room, afraid to reveal too much. She simply explained that Jack had turned up missing and that while trying to locate him, she had gone to see his agent.

  Liane made certain to add that Ralph Devereaux had been alive and well when she had left him. She also mentioned that there were at least two other men looking for Jack. The men in the green car. Dangerous men, she underlined, shivering at the memory of the way they had torn apart her brother's home then maliciously set the fire in his barn.

  She explained that she suspected there was a connection between Jack's nightclub engagements and whatever else was going on.

  Carefully she sealed the note in an envelope and took it to a restaurant where she and Martin Sloane often had dinner together. She left the note with a familiar waitress hoping the woman wouldn't be too curious about why a nun was leaving a note for the famed producer who frequented their establishment.

  Now, for the next part, Liane thought looking at her watch. "Wow! Twelve o'clock already."

  When she entered the convent, she found the Mother Superior waiting impatiently.

  "I'm sorry Mother, I. . .I. . ."

  "Never mind Sister, just get your things together so we can leave for your plane. I know it is scheduled to take off at three o'clock, and it's only a little after twelve, but I prefer arriving with plenty of time to spare."

  Quickly Liane went to her room to get her belongings. Early that morning she had packed all Mary Catherine's things into her one small suitcase and had it waiting by the doorway.

  All that remained was to get her sister's passport and the Bible where she had hidden one thousand dollars of the money Jack had sent Mary Catherine. She knew it was all supposed to go to the mission school, but was certain that under these circumstances he'd understand her using some of it. Besides, she wasn't certain there would be any automatic teller machines in Peru, so her blue plastic card might not help her there.

  "Mother Superior, if I may make one phone call before we leave?" she asked, biting her lip as she approached the Mother Superior by the doorway to her office.

  "Phone call?" The older woman looked impatient, then glancing down into Liane's solemn face she smiled. "Of course, my dear. But I did promise I'd keep you informed of anything that happens."

  "Yes, and again I thank you, but I'd like to make this one last call before I leave." She didn't want to use her brother's cell phone for this call.

  "I'll be at the car. Please try to make it brief," the woman said as she turned to leave. "You may use my office extension."

  "Thank you," Liane said as she quickly went into the huge office. I hope Martin is still at his meeting. She quickly dialed the number of Martin's office at the theater.

  "Hello," a woman's sultry voice answered.

  "Who is this?" Liane asked, as she tucked a loose strand of blonde hair back inside the white band of her veil.

  "Tina Berry," the girl replied. "Who is this?"

  "Never mind that. I have to speak to Martin," she said abruptly, pleased to find it was her understudy who answered.

  "He's not here," Tina said. "You either have to leave a message with me, or try later."

  "Are you sure he can't be reached? It's urgent."

  "Yes, I'm sure. Who is this anyway?" the girl asked again, her blue eyes narrowing suspiciously.

  "Oh Tina, please promise you won't tell anyone. It's me, Liane." Of course she knew the girl would tell. It was one way to secure herself the leading role in Martin'
s new play. Besides if the phone was bugged it wouldn't matter. "I have to meet with Martin. It's urgent. I need his help."

  "Do you think it's fair to drag him into your problems?"

  "I don't have anyone else to turn to. Please, just tell him to meet me at six tonight at the restaurant where we had our first date."

  "Isn't this all a bit cloak-and-dagger?" the girl spat sarcastically.

  "I really haven't much choice. Now, I have to run. Please give him the message. Thanks Tina. Maybe I can do something for you some day." As she hung up the phone, she knew, that in Tina's eyes, she just did do something for her.

  Martin would lead the police, the FBI and whomever else was after her to the note she'd left in the restaurant. And if her timing was right, it would all be done after she was safely out of the country.

  I

  The man wrinkled up the note he was holding as though he would much prefer wringing the life out of the person who had written it. Perhaps he would if he knew who it was, but of course, this type of note would not be signed.

  So, someone has abducted Jackson and they want one hundred thousand dollars for his return, the man thought, taking a deep calming breath. Well, anyone can easily be replaced. He threw the note into the circular basket by his desk.

  But what about the merchandise that disappeared? Or, the money? Funny, the exact amount being requested. He had ordered his men to do everything to try and locate the items. It seemed, Jackson was the only one who knew where they were. Or was he?

  Slowly releasing the breath he had been holding, the man slammed his fist onto his desk in anger. He didn't like being made the fool. Worse, he didn't like that he was going to have to admit it.

  Reaching for the telephone, the man sat behind his huge oak desk and dialed the number from memory – searching for the words to explain this new turn of events.

  I

  The first part of the flight was from New York to Miami where she would change planes and fly the rest of the way to Lima, Peru. Liane's phobia about flying was made worse by everything that had happened.