Page 24 of Pierre
“Someone loves to garden,” said Marjorie. “Some of it is food, some are herbs, and others are just flowers.”
“Strange,” frowned Ambry. “It’s very out of place here.”
Suddenly, the men stilled, pulling the women back behind them. The cocking of a rifle had their ultimate attention.
“Ma’am, there’s no need for the weapon,” said Butch. “We’re here to help.”
“Help what? I don’t need any help, and I don’t need you raiding my gardens.”
“I’m sorry, are you Sister Josephina?” asked Pierre.
“Yes. Common knowledge,” she said bitterly.
“Ma’am, we really are trying to help,” said Ambry, stepping closer. “I’m a nurse, and so is my friend over there. These men all work on the hospital ship with us. We’re just worried about the children.”
The woman stared at them, then lowered the weapon and let out a long sigh. Stepping into the light of the day, they realized she wasn’t an old woman at all. She was maybe mid-forties, heavyset, and wearing coveralls with a Led Zeppelin t-shirt.
“You’re Sister Josephina?” frowned Butch.
“Yes. And no. We all go by her name so that no one knows exactly who she is. She’s got a lot of enemies,” said the woman. “I’m just a helper. Come in.”
They followed her into the rundown brick building and were surprised to find it in relatively good condition on the inside. There was a beautifully carved altar with a massive crucifix hanging from the wall. The stained-glass windows, long since removed and replaced with whatever was available.
“Have a seat,” she said, pointing to the pews. “I don’t have anything to offer you to drink or eat.”
“It’s alright,” said Winslow. “We’re not here for that. We understand that the children come here at night for sanctuary. About how many do you get every evening?”
“It differs. Sometimes only ten or twenty, sometimes a hundred.”
“Only ten or twenty? That’s still a lot of kids,” frowned Fish. She nodded at him, raising a brow.
“Yes, that’s a lot of kids. But as I said, we get as many as a hundred some nights.”
“Do you keep track of names?” asked Pierre.
“No. If I did, they wouldn’t come. They’re afraid someone will make them return to wherever they came from. In fact, most think they’re protecting us by not giving a name. That way, if someone asks, we’re not guilty.”
“Geez,” muttered Conn. “When they leave in the morning, where do they go?”
“I wish I knew,” she said, shaking her head. “I have a few regulars that I see all the time. The kids are smart enough to travel together, knowing there is strength in numbers. Whoever hunts them down knows that as well. I think they try to separate the kids and force them to veer off from the crowds.”
“Is there any distinction in who they take?” asked Pierre.
“More boys than girls, for sure. But the girls haven’t been immune,” she said, looking around the church. “The priest left here two months ago. Said he didn’t sign up for this. That left me and no one else to run the place. And no, as you’ve guessed, I’m not a nun. I came as a missionary worker. Feed the hungry and poor, give some hugs, maybe hand out some books or pamphlets, and head home. That was three years ago.”
“I’m sorry,” said Butch.
“Don’t be. It’s the only job I’ve ever loved. These kids have no one. Most don’t have parents, and if they do, they’re involved in drugs or crime, maybe in a gang. This is the place they can remain safe at night.”
“They don’t come during the day?” asked Conn.
“No. They know that they have to be seen by the gangs, or they’ll think the kids sold them out. It doesn’t make sense to me, but it’s what the kids believe. And before you ask, I have no idea who’s taking these children. All I know is that we hide them, feed them, try to give them some hope, but as you’ve seen, this is a pretty hopeless place.”
“It is that,” said Pierre, standing to leave. “Where are the other two churches? We really need to get some information. Preferably from Sister Josephina.”
“Well, St. Mary’s is on the other side of the island. You’ll need a car and good hiking boots to get there. Sacred Heart is about ten miles from here. You can walk it, but it’s a long walk. Lots of gangs to dodge going through the streets. I’d suggest the ladies stay at home tomorrow,” said the woman.
“Where are we most likely to find Sister Josephina?” asked Pierre.
