Page 1 of Sinner's Fury

Prologue

June 6, 1953, New York City.

With my baby held tightly in my arms and my other daughter’s hand clasped firmly in mine, I cast a glance around the bustling street while I quickly ascended the steps leading to the entrance of St. Augustine’s Church.

He left me with no alternative, no other option available to me. I guess in a way, I always knew what the outcome would be. I was a single, unwed mother. I should have recognized his lack of commitment long ago and understood that a marriage between us was never going to happen. Why would he marry me when I so easily gave into him? I wasn’t strong like him, and maybe I never would be. My only course of action was to guarantee the survival of my babies, and the only method to achieve this was to provide them with a life that I, unfortunately, could not offer myself.

I entered the church, and the beauty of the place was immediately apparent. However, this beauty was completely overshadowed by the intense fear that gripped my heart.

Fear of never seeing my girls again.

Fear of leaving this place, knowing he would be waiting.

Fear of death that was sure to take me soon.

“May I help you?”

I spun around and a wave of emotion washed over me when I saw the young priest, and I felt tears welling up in my eyes.

“Please, Father. I need your help.”

“Momma, I want to go home.”

Looking down at my beautiful girl, I smiled. “Soon, my love. Soon you will have a beautiful home and a new mommy and daddy who will love you so much.”

Turning back to the Priest, I whispered, “I need to keep them safe. Please, Father. Help me protect my girls.”

With a frown, the priest ushered me from the church and directed me into his office within the rectory.

Finding a seat, I remained still, my grip firm on the baby in my arms, the other child held close against me, and waited, silently anticipating his words.

I knew coming here how everything would end.

I just wished I had more time with them.

They were all that mattered now.

The priest took a seat and sighed. “Are you sure about this? I can help you.”

Shaking my head, I whispered, “No. They are in danger because of my actions. I’m not worried about me, but my girls are innocent.”

The priest nodded, reaching for his pen.

“What are their birthdates and names?”

Taking a deep breath, I looked at my girl standing close to me. “I want them to have new names.”

“It will be hard for the oldest since she will remember. The baby is another story. Let’s start with your name.”

Sighing, I looked at the priest and asked, “Is that necessary?”

“No one will ever know if you don’t want them to.”

Nodding, I whispered, “My name is Meridiana Doherty.”

“Your birth date and place?”

“1923 Nebraska.”

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