The Corporal Works of Murder Read Online Free PDF Page A

toward her. “What is it, Sister?” she asked.
    â€œI’m on my way back to the Refuge,” she said. “It’s much cooler in there, I’m sure. If you’re interested, I don’t think Sister Anne will mind if you use that small sleep room to talk to witnesses. And,” she added with a wink, “I make a pretty mean glass of iced tea, which is yours for the taking.”
    Very few women were in the Refuge when Mary Helen entered. The place had an uneasy quiet. She was surprised to find Anne at the kitchen sink emptying ice trays. From the look of things, she had already begun brewing tea. “Great minds!” Mary Helen said.
    All she got in response was a sniff. When Anne finally turned to face her, it was obvious that the young nun had been crying.
    â€œWhat is it?” Mary Helen asked.
    â€œNothing.” Anne’s voice was thick.
    â€œYou don’t cry about nothing. I know you better than that.”
    As Mary Helen watched, a fresh tear ran down Anne’s cheek. “I’m just upset, that’s all,” she said.

    â€œThat’s understandable,” Mary Helen said lamely.
    â€œWhen I went outside I couldn’t even look at the body. The very sight of the covered mound got to me. I felt as if I wanted to faint or throw up or something.”
    â€œThat’s only normal,” Mary Helen said. She adjusted her bifocals and studied Anne’s face. The young nun’s hazel eyes were wide.
    â€œWhat else is bothering you?” she asked, hoping she wasn’t stepping onto a land mine.
    Anne sucked in her breath. “If you really want to know, I’m afraid that some crazy person like the one who shot that Sarah will come in here and murder us. And that we can’t do a thing about it!” As soon as the words were out, she started to sob.
    Gently Mary Helen took Anne in her arms. “There, there,” she crooned, knowing that there was really no way to assure Anne that she was wrong.
    â€œAnd don’t tell me about Divine Providence or about the very hairs on my head being numbered,” Anne mumbled into Mary Helen’s damp shoulder. “I’ve told myself all that and frankly, at this moment, it doesn’t help.”
    Mary Helen had no intention of bringing up any such things. But she felt she ought to say something that would help Anne pull herself together. She was sure Kate and Inspector Gallagher would be there any moment and more refugees would be wandering into the center. Surely Anne wouldn’t want them to see her dissolved. She played a long shot.
    â€œYou know, Anne, Sister Eileen had an old saying from back home that might fit this occasion.” She felt Anne stiffen. Had she said the wrong thing? Anne always enjoyed Eileen, or so she’d thought.
    â€œEileen’s sayings! I think she makes them up,” Anne muttered, not unkindly.
    Often Mary Helen had suspected the same thing, but now was not the time to quibble. “Humor me,” she said.

    â€œIf I must.” Anne was starting to regain some of her usual good humor. Hooray!
    â€œIf I remember correctly, Eileen says, ‘If you’re born to be hanged, there’s no need to fear water.’”
    Anne hiccupped and pushed herself away. “Is that supposed to make me feel better?” she asked.
    Mary Helen studied the young nun’s face. She was actually smiling. Mission accomplished ! Mary Helen thought. “And on the off chance that Eileen is wrong,” she said, “I’ve invited Kate and Inspector Gallagher for iced tea and to use our sleep room to interview witnesses. I hope you don’t mind.”
    â€œMind?” Anne ran a towel under the faucet, and then covered her puffy face with it. “I’m delighted.” Her voice was muffled. “At least we’re safe for the day. No one would dare harm us with two homicide detectives in the place.” She lowered the towel and