The Ruth Valley Missing Read Online Free PDF Page B

phone
in church is a major faux pas, I don’t think you should be beating yourself in
the head over it.”
    I looked up to see
Jack standing there.
    “Not my finest hour.”
    “At least you weren’t
sitting in the front.”
    He flashed me a big
grin, and I couldn’t help but reciprocate. “This is true. Thanks to you.”
    “Don’t mention it.
Everything alright?”
    “Yeah, just...personal
stuff.”
    “Man troubles. Got it.
Well, I’m gonna get back in there. You should, too. Don’t want the town
thinking you’re inconsiderate and a heathen.”
    He winked before
heading up the steps. I stood, smoothed my skirt, and started to head back in. I
paused outside of the enormous, dark, wooden doors, shutting my phone off
before sliding it into my pocket and stepping inside.

Chapter 9
    I managed to get the
necessities I wanted Sunday afternoon, and all the luggage I brought with me
into the house by the end of the evening, so I was spending my Monday morning
cleaning, unpacking, and organizing. I could barely hear the voice yelling up
the stairs over the music blaring while I worked, but was expecting Jack to
come by with the paperwork, so I turned down my stereo and yelled back.
    “Come on up!”
    As I smoothed the new
bedding over the mattress, I looked up to see a man and woman.  
    Not Jack.
    “Are you looking for
the Sheriff?”
    The woman, wearing dark
slacks with a shirt and cardigan to match spoke first.
    “No, Miss Quinn, we
came to see you.”
    She let the statement
hang there, as she stood glancing about the room, her face expressionless.
    “Is there something
wrong?”
    The man, whose black
and white collar I now noticed, spoke up. “No, not at all. We just came around
to meet you. We do that with any new members of the town. I’m Father Michael
and this is Sister Marjorie.”
    He extended his hand
as he introduced himself. I shook it, then turned towards Sister Marjorie, who
merely nodded in my direction.
    “We just like to be
sure that anyone new here feels welcome and a part of the community.”
    “Well, that’s very
nice. Word travels fast I guess.”
    “Yes,” said Father
Michael, stifling a grin. “That, and you have a very loud phone.”
    I tried to ignore the
flush I felt in my face. “Must be nice to have a small town where you visit all
the newcomers.”
    My comment did not
seem to please the nun. “I take it you aren’t from a small town then?”
    “No. I just moved from
New York. I grew up in a smaller city, but nothing like this.” I quickly added,
“I think it’s lovely here.”
    Father Michael opened
his mouth, as if he was about to speak, but Marjorie beat him to it. “It is
lovely here. That is due in no small part to everyone’s involvement. Do you
have any interests that could be of assistance to the town?”
    Although I found her
question to be rather pushy, particularly when it was obvious that I was barely
settled yet, I answered politely.
    “I used to volunteer
with the hospital in the city actually. I’d be happy to help in any way I can.”
    “That is excellent to
hear,” Father Michael jumped in, with a much kinder tone.
    “Here.” Sister
Marjorie handed me an envelope. “Fill this out and drop it by the church this
week. We can find a place for you to help once we have a better idea of your
talents.”
    I accepted the
envelope with a forced smile.  
    The three of us stood
in awkward silence. When I couldn’t handle it any longer, I spoke up.
    “I’m sorry I don’t
have much to offer you both, but I am still just getting myself settled. I do
have some juice downstairs if you would like to stay for a glass.” I stood
there hoping I made the offer sound unattractive, but sincere.
    “That would be—” Father
Michael began to answer but was quickly cut off.
    “Thank you but that
isn’t necessary. We have other duties to attend to.”
    “Of course. Some other
time.”
    I followed them down
the stairs, the scent of lavender oil traveling with us, and