Bad Faith (32 page)

“I have some very exciting news for you, Sister Agatha. Our archbishop has come here specifically to ask us for your help.”

Curious, Sister Agatha’s gaze turned to the archbishop. His Excellency was a tall man, around six foot two, and he was fit for a man in his mid-sixties. Today, he was dressed in a black suit with a clerical collar, but even in this simple, familiar setting, Archbishop Miera projected authority easily, like most men who wore the mantle of responsibility with grace.

“He would like you to travel to the former Monastery of Saint John in the Pines,” Reverend Mother continued. “There’s a problem there that requires your unique background and skills.”

“I would be honored to help His Excellency,” Sister Agatha answered formally. “But I’m not familiar with that monastery. You said it closed down?”

“Yes, Sister,” the archbishop answered. His clear, demanding voice made a person
want
to listen. “The few remaining brothers there were sent to another community, and the church sold the monastery property two years ago. The new owners subsequently turned it into a private inn called the Retreat, which is becoming a popular site for hosting workshops. But the Church retained one connection to the place.

“The owners, you see, wanted to maintain the feel and look of an eighteenth-century monastery so, although the amenities have been modernized, the place hasn’t changed much to the casual eye. And that, in a roundabout way, is why I’m here. You helped the monastery and the diocese a few months ago with a very serious matter. I’m told you have excellent investigative skills, and I now need you to put those skills to work for the church again.” He looked somberly at Reverend Mother, then at Sister Agatha. “Everything I say from this moment on has to be kept in the strictest of confidence.”

“Of course, Your Excellency,” Reverend Mother replied quickly.

Sister Agatha nodded, and waited. What an interesting day this was turning out to be!

“Ernesto Luna, the owner of the Retreat, is having a problem—which has become ours, as well. Statues and folk art of a religious nature, some made by the monks who used to live there, have apparently been disappearing—and reappearing—at the Retreat.”

“I’m not sure I understand. Why is this the church’s problem? And did you say ‘apparently’?” Sister Agatha asked.

He nodded. “Although we sold the monastery, the church has allowed Mr. Luna to rent the art work and display it because some of statues were objects of great devotion for the parishioners in that area. We kept up the insurance costs, of course, but. those have risen dramatically in the past few months, so we’d made plans to donate the collection to the local college’s museum. But Ernie thinks that some of the art has been replaced with very good copies, and now isn’t sure which of the pieces are authentic. We discussed the problem, then decided to call in an expert and verify the authenticity of the entire collection. Professor Richard Lockhart, who’s the curator of the museum, asked for permission to take a few pieces back to his lab for testing. But he disappeared, along with the items in his possession, after leaving the Retreat. His car was found abandoned by the side of the road not far from there and he hasn’t been seen for two days.”

“The police are searching for Professor Lockhart, I assume?” Sister Agatha asked, then seeing him nod. “Do the authorities know about the problem with the art collection?”

“Only that Lockhart had two pieces with him when he disappeared. But Sheriff Barela, who’s handling the case, apparently has his hands full just trying to locate the missing professor. He hasn’t mentioned the collection to me at all, so I don’t know what’s on his mind.”

Sister Agatha nodded, lost in thought. Maybe Lockhart was working with the thieves, or had an idea who they were and they found out. But she didn’t want to voice those unsubstantiated suspicions yet.

“At this point, I’m not sure what to think,” the archbishop said. “While the sheriff searches for the professor we need to do find out what’s really going on at the Retreat. We have to protect the remaining artifacts and, if Ernie’s suspicions are right, we have to recover the pieces that have already been stolen. Barela is concentrating on finding Professor Lockhart, and doesn’t seem concerned about our missing art. That’s the reason I’d like you, Sister Agatha, to look into this.”

“But will Sister Agatha be safe?” Reverend Mother asked, concern wavering her voice slightly. “A man is missing. He may have been kidnapped—or worse.”

“Sister will be staying among the guests, not driving down a lonely mountain road at night. But I’d like her to take the monastery’s police dog with her for protection. There’ll also be an undercover officer there on site as well. He’ll make himself known to you when circumstances permit.”

Sister Agatha nodded, glad that Pax would be able to go with her. Undercover officer or not, Pax was a good ally to have close by.

“Does Mr. Luna know I’m coming to investigate the thefts?” Sister Agatha asked.

Archbishop Miera nodded. “Yes, both he and the undercover officer. To the staff and guests you’re there solely to catalog and evaluate the contents of some crates that were recently discovered at the Retreat. They appear to have been left behind by the monks when the monastery closed.”

“What’s inside these crates?” Sister Agatha asked.

“I have no idea, but we do need those items inventoried, so the timing’s perfect,” he answered. He remained silent for a moment as if still trying to make up his mind about something.

“I’ve got a feeling there’s more… something you’re reluctant to mention …,” Sister Agatha prodded softly.

“Your journalistic instincts are right on target, Sister,” he said with a weary sigh. “It’s time for me to tell you about— the ghost.”

Reverend Mother and Sister Agatha exchanged wary glances. “Excuse me, Your Excellency,” Sister Agatha said. “Did you say
ghost?”