was as convinced as Father Maloney. From James’s perspective, Luke couldn’t have been better qualified if he’d been sent from central casting. His relatively short life had not been easy, caught among an alcoholic, abusive father and a victimized, overindulgent mother and a pair of rural priests who had failed him. James hated hearing about the priests, especially having heard a similar story the previous night from Jack about Shawn. But what he did like hearing was Luke’s description of finding the Virgin Mary and how she had saved him as well as returned to him his trust in the Church itself.
Once he was convinced that Luke was a good candidate to be the needed savior, James switched the conversation to the problem posed by Shawn and the ossuary, but not before extracting from Luke the solemn oath of secrecy based on his love for the Blessed Virgin.
“Appropriately enough, the problem involves the Mother of God,” James said, as soon as Luke had pledged his word. James went on to tell the story of the discovery of the ossuary, his belief that it was fake, its illegal transport to the United States, and its recent opening. He then described Shawn’s commitment to damage the reputation of the Virgin by suggesting the bones in the ossuary were hers, and thereby discrediting the infallibility of the pope. “It will be a devastating rebuke to both Mary and the Church,” James stated. “And only you will stand between Dr. Daughtry and such an abomination.”
“Am I worthy?” Luke questioned, in a deeper voice than one would expect based on his youthful appearance.
“As archbishop, I believe you are worthy and uniquely qualified because of your veneration of the Blessed Virgin. Although it will not be an easy task, as I believe your opponent has the help and attention of Satan, it is imperative you succeed.”
“How do you see me accomplishing this task?” Luke asked, in a tone belying his youthful appearance.
James sat back and thought for a moment. In truth, he’d not thought past finding the perfect person, but now that he believed he might have, he tried to think of the details.
The first, of course, was to get Luke and Shawn together for an extended period of time.
Only then would Luke have the opportunity to convey to Shawn the devastation he personally would suffer if Shawn goes along with his publishing plans.
“What I will do is get you invited as a houseguest at the Daughtrys’ home in the Village.
That will give you access and time. You were told you’d be here in the city for a week or so, correct?”
“That is correct, but I am concerned about such a long stay, Your Eminence. I have not allowed myself to be in the occasion of sin since I moved in with the brothers.”
“You’ll be too busy to worry about being in the occasion of sin,” James assured him.
“As I said, this will not be an easy assignment. In fact, it may not work, but it is imperative that you try your best. I tried, but I have failed. I’m entirely confident, however, that in his heart of hearts, Dr. Daughtry is a devoted Catholic. He just needs to get back in touch with that aspect of himself.”
“What if Dr. Daughtry and his wife repudiate me?”
“That’s a risk we have to take,” James said. “I still have some power with my friend, which I will try to use to advantage to keep him from spurning you. Besides, I’m going to be completely up front with him by telling him exactly why you are there, so there will be no surprises. God has picked you to be the savior of Blessed Mary’s reputation and her standing in the Church as being free of sin and therefore worthy to be assumed into heaven body and soul.”
“When can I start this mission?” Luke asked, eager to begin.
“I believe you can start later today,” James said. “Here’s the plan. I will have one of my secretaries take you over to the cathedral, where I would like you to pray for guidance from the Lord for this role you are about to undertake for Mary and the Church’s benefit.
While you are there, I will go out and prepare your reception. I could do it by phone, but I think in person will be better. If I’m unsuccessful getting you invited to spend the night and hopefully a good portion of the week at the Daughtrys’, then you will stay here with us in our guest room. Fair enough?”
“I’m grateful to be given this opportunity, Your Eminence.”
“It is I who am grateful,” James said, picking up his phone and asking Father Maloney to come in.
Although still not positive this plan B was going to work, James felt better than he had since the arrival of the ossuary. At least he had a plan and was doing something.
Returning to his private apartment, James changed back into the civilian clothes he wore the night before at the Daughtrys’. He could even recognize an olfactory reminder of the evening’s wood fire on his sweater. It was a pleasant aroma, which reminded him of his retreat at Green Pond.
Without offering any explanation to Father Karlin, who was sitting just outside, James left his office, descended to the first floor, and used the indoor connection between the residence and the cathedral for the third time that day. When it was as cold as it was that day, it was a welcome luxury. Halfway he met up with Father Maloney, who said he’d deposited Luke in the central nave.
“You did fine work finding Luke,” James commented. “If what I’m trying to do happens, we will all be in your debt. He is exactly what I had in mind.”
“I am pleased to be of service, Your Eminence,” Father Maloney said. Lifting his head to make himself slightly taller, he strode away toward the residence.
As James passed through the cathedral, he made it a point to catch a brief glimpse of his new monk warrior. He was, as instructed, kneeling in prayer with his blue eyes closed but with the same beatific smile on his face. As if attracted like flies to honey, a group of people were clustered near him, making James wonder if they’d been drawn to him or he to them.
Emerging incognito from the front of the cathedral directly onto Fifth Avenue, James waved for a cab. Climbing in, he asked for 26th Street and First Avenue. He was pleased not to be recognized coming out of his own church.
With minimum traffic, the cab made good time. En route, he pulled out his cell phone and called Jack. As if pouncing on the call, Jack answered before the first ring had been completed. “That was fast,” James said. “Were you waiting for my call?”
“I thought it was going to be my wife, Laurie,” Jack said.
“Sorry to disappoint.”
“Not at all. In fact, I’m relieved. When I left this morning, our new baby was unhappy. I was concerned I was about to learn it had worsened. What’s up?”
“Where are you?”
“I’m with Sana and Shawn here at the OCME DNA building.”
“I was hoping that would be the case.”
“Why is that?”
“Simply because I’m on my way there as we speak. Ask Shawn if it is okay and if I’m welcome.”
Jack went off the line. James could hear him ask Shawn, and he could hear Shawn’s enthusiastic acquiescence. “Did you hear that?” Jack asked, coming back.
“I did.”
“When will you be here? I’ll have to come down to get you through security.”
“Rather quickly,” James said. “I’m in a taxi on Park Avenue passing Thirty-sixth Street at this very moment.”
“I’ll start down now,” Jack said.
Within five minutes, James’s taxi was cruising down 26th Street. James had the driver cross First Avenue and drop him off at the DNA building’s pullout. Jack was waiting just inside the glass revolving door.
“Thanks again for giving me a ride home last night,” Jack said.
“It was my pleasure,” James answered.
After easily passing through security with Jack vouching for James, the two rode up in the elevator.
“I’ve found my zealot to work on Shawn,” James announced as they exited on the eighth floor.
“Really!” Jack commented. He was surprised. “So quick. When you described the kind of person you would be looking for, all I could think of was
“I have resourceful secretaries.”
“You must.”
They came to the door to the laboratory Sana and Shawn had been assigned, and Jack knocked. Shawn, who
