Third Half Page 7

  She was nervous, unable to hide her anxiety as she wondered if all this would lead her to her brother. If it didn't, she wasn't certain exactly what her next move was going to be.

  Adding to her worries was the delay they had in Miami. Each time she checked her watch, she knew it was getting closer to the time Martin would lead the authorities to her message. After that, she was certain they'd continue their search for her with renewed vigor.

  They probably would go again to the convent, might even have done that if they'd had bugged Martin's phone and knew where her call had been from. They would find that Mary Catherine had just left for South America. After that it wouldn't take them long to put the pieces together.

  It was exactly ten minutes to six when she heard the roar of the giant plane's engines as it taxied onto the runway. She knew that in only a few short moments she'd be safely out of the United States.

  "Excuse me, Sister," the man beside her said as he looked at her with a strange expression. "I've been watching you ever since you got on this plane and couldn't help but notice how nervous you seem."

  She took in the man's slightly thinning grey hair and well rounded middle, deciding he didn't fit her image of a special agent. Nor her image of a villain, not that she had much prior experience in knowing what either looked like.

  "I'm not very fond of flying," she explained truthfully. "I'm afraid I haven't been doing a very good job of concealing my fears."

  "Not to worry. I don't think anyone else noticed." The man laughed. "The sight of you on the plane probably serves to make everyone else feel more secure, if you know what I mean."

  She did, and smiled back at the jovial man seated beside her. "I'm sure I'll feel much better once we're in the air again."

  "You won't have long to wait," the man said as they felt the plane start forward. "Here we go."

  She squeezed her eyes closed trying to ease her anxiety. She heard the man laugh, knowing he had been watching.

  "It's all over already. You can open them now," he said.

  "Oh, thank goodness we're in the air. The worst part is over now."

  "Then landing doesn't bother you?"

  Did he have to remind me of landing? She frowned. "The only thing worse than taking off is landing."

  "It's a long flight, so you'll have plenty of time to relax before our landing," he teased. "I do a lot of traveling. And you know, I believe I enjoy flying more than any other means of transportation. And I've traveled on all kinds of craft. Some even say flying makes them feel closer to God."

  "Really?"

  "Yep. What do you think, being a nun and all?"

  "I suppose it is a thought, except I feel God's closeness no matter where I am." She was certain her sister would be proud of her response.

  "Are you some kind of missionary?"

  "Yes." She smiled warmly at the fatherly gentleman. "I'm going to teach at a school outside Pucallpa."

  "Oh, out in the jungle territory," he said. "I, myself, stay as close to the city as possible. I've heard too many stories about the jungles."

  "I'm sure things aren't like they once were, Mr. . ."

  "Crossley."

  "Mr. Crossley. I'd say the people are far more civilized, though still much in need of education."

  "I wasn't exactly speaking on those lines. But don't pay me any mind."

  "Actually I am curious to know more about the region where I'll be. You seem to have been to Peru before."

  "On business. But like I said, I stay close to the city. Though I guess it's everywhere down there." He seemed to take the long way to make a point. "Even in the cities."

  "What is?" She was curious, and impatient, but didn't want to show it. Can I have just a little of my sister's patience? She raised her eyes, then turned back to the man beside her. "Like you said, we have a long trip. I'd like to hear more if you don't mind."

  "Sure Sister." He leaned in almost conspiratorially. "You see it's the rebels."

  "Rebels?"

  "You know . . .the revolutionaries. They're nothing but a band of outlaws trying to overtake the government, or just out to make plain trouble for everyone."

  "I don't believe that's entirely uncommon among several South American governments." She also did not doubt that some rebel activities may be justified, if what she'd read about many Central and South American governments was true.

  "No, it's been going on for as long as we know it. Just sometimes it's worse than other times. The last time I was down, there was a power shortage in Lima due to those rebels and their bombings."

  The man tapped his fingers nervously on the arm rest. "That was near enough for me. I'm too close to retiring to take chances."

  "I'm sure it's still much safer in the city," she hoped to reassure the man, then remembered it was he who had been worried about her being in the jungle. "Are those rebels really very dangerous?"

  "Yes." His tapping increased. "This is my last trip down and I wouldn't have taken it if young Moran . . .my assistant, hadn't gotten ill. He'll be taking over everything as soon as I retire."

  The man went on with a lengthy explanation of his retirement plans, which did not include traveling.

  Liane was grateful for his chatter. It helped her keep her thoughts away from the problems that had been plaguing her. When finally he ran out of conversation, she was much more relaxed and dozed for the remainder of the flight.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  As she stepped from the terminal with the rest of the passengers, Liane glanced around to see if anyone looked as though they could be there to meet her. Mary Catherine's notes had said that a representative from the mission would meet her at the airport, then escort her on her journey. She hoped this unknown person would be congenial so she could easily make her request for a delay of their departure.

  She needed as much time as she could get, and didn't want to waste a moment before beginning her search for clues to her brother's whereabouts. Yet, she knew impatience could be her downfall, and if she wasn't careful she would arouse suspicion.

  "You must be Sister Mary Catherine." The deep masculine tones came from behind her. "I've been standing over there watching everyone disembark, and you're the only person who fit her description."

  She turned to face the young man who had spoken to her, immediately noting sparkling blue eyes and even white teeth forming a welcoming smile.

  "But it was not an adequate description at all," he continued. "I never expected anyone so lovely. This will make my trip back to the jungle regions so much more pleasurable."

  For the first time she noted his clerical collar. "Father!" She made no attempt to hide her surprise at his words.

  Without embarrassment he threw back his head and laughed. "Sister Mary Catherine, you seem so shocked. Don't you have any naughty young priests in your neck of the woods? New York, did they say?"

  "Yes." She looked to where the last of the passengers disappeared down the long corridor.

  "I'd have thought you'd have encountered a few like me in the Big Apple." He laughed. "I suppose I should explain about myself. I've been sent here for penance. It seems the Bishop heard some complaints about my methods and felt I was on the verge of breaking my vow of chastity."

  Never before had Liane heard a Priest speak so boldly, and she felt her cheeks growing warm. Then she remembered some things her brother had told her during the short time he had studied for the priesthood.

  "Father, don't you think we should be on our way?"

  "Yes, Sister." His eyes seemed to lose some of their brightness. "I'm sorry if I've offended you."

  "No, Father. Just surprised me."

  "You can rest assured. My ways may seem strange, but my devotion is just as strong as any others." Liane thought she noted a certain strength and sincerity in this man's voice.

  "You see, my parish was very close to the beach in California. In fact, as a youth, I spent much of my time there. I'm a pretty good surfer."

  She could picture this yo
ung man with sun-streaked blond curls, balancing perilously on a surfboard atop a white foaming wave.

  "I knew there were many kids out there with problems, " he continued. "You aren't going to reach those kids with a prim stanched attitude. They want a friend, not a preacher."

  "I can understand that," Liane replied with honestly, remembering how difficult it had been to confide in the priest who had paid frequent visits to their orphanage.

  "To them, I'm not Father Barndt. I'm Luke. They seem to relate to me better that way. As long as I can be there to help them, the name isn't important."

  "The end justifies the means," she said with a smile, her green eyes looking up at him with understanding.

  "I see you do understand." He seemed relieved.

  Liane was beginning to feel that her wish had been granted. Luke seemed just unorthodox enough to be the type of man who would go along with her request to stay in Lima an extra day.

  "Father . . .I was curious to know if we have an exact schedule to meet. Are we expected at the mission right away?"

  His pleasant smile grew wider as he scratched his head, releasing a curl that had been carefully combed into place. "Ah, let me see . . ." He pretended to be thinking. "I suppose there would be no problem." Now he looked down at her with an impish grin.

  "Actually, I had intended that we would stay over tonight, and tomorrow too," he said. And after that we'd get an early flight on the Aeroperu to Pucallpa. I've made many friends while living here in Lima. Whenever I get the chance to return to the city I try to visit with them.

  "There's one special couple, Paul and Carla Smith. When they heard I was going to be in the city, and the reason, they invited us to stay with them."

  "Smith?" Liane repeated. "That doesn't sound very Peruvian."

  "Paul is a geologist with a mining company down here. He came to Peru three years ago and met Carla. She's a Creole, from an old Spanish family who's more than likely been in Peru since the conquest. They married and have lived in Lima every since."

  "How have you found the time to meet so many people if you're supposed to be at the mission for your penance?"

  "Everyone gets a reprieve every now and then." Luke laughed. "Besides, I already knew Paul. We were classmates. It was purely coincidence that we met again here. We ran into each other at the church of San Francisco. I supposed being native Californians, we were drawn there for the obvious reason. But we returned there for very different ones."

  "And those are?"

  "Come," he guided her toward the long corridor. "People will begin wondering why we're standing here talking in the middle of this busy airport. It'll be far more beneficial for me to show you the Cathedral, rather than tell you about it. I don't know if I could find enough adjectives to adequately describe it. Nor any of the other sites I'd hoped to show you while you're here."

  "It sounds like you already have everything planned," she said, feeling a twinge of guilt that she may not be able to fall into this kind man's agenda.

  "Yes, or at least I had hoped you might like to join me. It's something no one should miss while in Lima. And they aren't expecting us at the mission immediately. They knew you'd need time to get acclimatized." He gently put his hand on her back and guided her out of the terminal. "I was also due to come to Lima for my annual visit to the children's home. It works out that we can stay here for an extra day."

  "I think I'd enjoy seeing the sights," she said truthfully. "But I must be honest with you about my reason for wanting to say over in Lima. You see, I'm trying to locate my brother. I believe he may be somewhere in the city."

  She felt safe confiding in this man. She had the feeling he had just enough of the rebel in him, as well as the Priest. She was nearly certain he'd understand.

  "You see, Jack, my brother, has a nightclub act down here. He travels quite a lot and, oddly enough, Lima, Peru has been one of his frequent stops."

  Luke looked down at her, acutely examining her face, his vivid blue eyes taking on a more serious look. "Judging by your expression, I'd say there's a special reason why you're looking him up just now."

  "There is," she met his gaze. "He's missing. At least I think he is. It's a terribly long story and I'd rather not go into it just now, if you don't mind."

  "Of course." Sensing her distress he walked a few steps further in silence before continuing. "Though my manners, until now, may have seemed a bit unusual, I am still a priest. If you should feel the need to confide in someone, I'll be happy to oblige."

  "Thank you," she nearly whispered, almost wishing she could, but knowing better. There would be no one down here in which she could confide. That was, unless she found Jack. And if she did that, the biggest part of her problem would be solved. Or so she hoped.

  "Now let's go get you settled in at Paul and Carla's. You'll want to get some sleep since it is rather late, or should I say early? Tomorrow we'll see some of the famed churches and museums I mentioned."

  "Like the one named San Francisco, that reminds you of home," she replied, happy he had left the other subject drop. "I'll bet it's the first on the list."

  "Of course. You'll have to see it to believe the library they have there."

  "I'm anxious to see as much as I can," she replied honestly, knowing it couldn't hurt to visit some sites while she was here.

  "Then, in the evening, I'll escort you to this nightclub where you hope to find your brother."

  "Thank you again. I can see why you were looked upon as a friend by those kids on that beach back in California." She waited while he collected her suitcase and continued out of the airport.

  I

  Paul and Carla Smith were the perfect hosts. Within moments of entering their home, Liane felt at ease. She found that Carla was close to her age and they shared many of the same interests.

  Carla told her that at one time she had thought of going into show business. She'd spent a short time modeling for some popular boutiques in Lima. A producer had seen her there, and offered her a chance to try for a part in a motion picture he was taping right there in the city. But at the same time, Paul had made her another offer.

  "I chose to become a bride, rather than a star," the woman pushed a long ebony strand of hair behind her ear and smiled, as golden lights entered her dark brown eyes. "I've never regretted the choice. Though I do often wonder what it would have been like becoming an actress."

  "It takes a lot of hard work," Liane said remembering her struggles in the theater. "You give up much of your personal life."

  "You speak as though you have first hand experience," Carla said with surprise. "Could it be that you did some acting before you joined the Order."

  "Ah . . .it's my sister who's the actress." Liane felt her cheeks grow warm as she quickly covered her slip. "There were three of us. Triplets. My sister Liane, my brother Jack, and me. We were orphaned in our early teens and raised in a Catholic children's home. When we grew up, I chose what I wanted to do with my life, and Liane chose acting for her career. I think everyone always knew we'd do something as different as night and day."

  "And your brother?"

  Liane bit her lip, her expression somber, remembering why she was here. "Jack was in the middle. He used to jokingly refer to himself as the third half. For a long time he studied for the Priesthood. Later, he gave that up for a career in show business."

  "Is that what Luke meant when he said that tomorrow evening he is going to take you to see your brother? Is your brother in Lima?"

  "I hope so," Liane replied, hesitating a moment before going on. This woman was very nice, but she wasn't certain she should reveal too much to anyone. "We seem to have lost contact. Since he's scheduled to do his nightclub act down here at a place called the Conquistador. I thought I would look him up and surprise him."

  "It is quite a coincidence that you come all the way down here to work in the mission school, and he also should be here."

  "Not entirely. You see it was some of what my brother told me – abou
t the need for teachers in the outer regions – that made me think about coming here." She repeated the true story of Mary Catherine's reason for wanting to come to Peru. "I inquired about what our church was doing, and found out about the school."

  The woman's dark eyes showed her surprise. "Has your brother been there? Or near there?"

  "I suppose he could have been, but I don't know for sure. Why?"

  "It seems . . .as you Americans say, a bit far off the beaten trail. I didn't think a busy entertainer would be visiting there. I could see possibly tourist attractions like Machu Picchu, or any of the other, more well known, ruins. We have much to see in our country."

  "So I've heard. Then again, I've heard there's much to see in Lima alone. Luke has plans of showing me quite a bit of it tomorrow."

  "Then, I shouldn't be keeping you from getting your rest."

  "And you should be going to bed also," Liane was contrite. "I had a nap on the plane. I hope you and your husband didn't stay awake waiting for us."

  Carla smiled. "We're night owls, as Paul calls us. But we did sleep a little earlier. Paul is on holiday, so we can always have a siesta tomorrow. It won't be so easy for you. I'm sure Luke will be wanting to get an early start in the morning."

  "He did say something to about that."

  "Then, when you return for our evening meal, we will talk some more about this brother of yours. Something about what you've said . . ." The woman shook her head, her dark mane flowing loosely across her shoulders. "I have to think some more about it."

  Was it possible that Carla had met Jack? Liane knew that it was. Luke had mentioned that the Smith's enjoyed the night life of Lima. They may even know of the club where her brother worked. Tomorrow she would ask Carla more.

  I

  Luke had not exaggerated about the many things to see in this city. She knew that in the short span of one day they had only touched on the surface of what there was to see in Lima. There were churches, museums, and Palatial Government buildings. So many of the buildings retaining the history of the old city.