All Mortal Flesh (45 page)

“Yes. Although after the terrible tragedy on Route 57, I have to admit I’m a nervous commuter.”

“Have you thought about relocating up here? I can guarantee you your equity will go a long, long way in Millers Kill. And I’ve just listed the sweetest little Greek revival farmhouse.”

“Well,” the deacon said, “I do have reason to believe I may be needed at St. Alban’s even more in the future than I am right now. I suppose it’s something to consider.”

Roxanne raised her eyebrows.

“At the suggestion of our bishop,” Elizabeth dropped her voice, “Reverend Fergusson is enlisting—or is it enrolling?—well, never mind. She’s joining the Army National Guard.”

No one from Millers Kill was around when Clare signed the papers in Latham. It took them a while to figure out exactly what she was doing there. Eventually the recruiting station’s major came back from lunch and she was handed over to him.

He looked over her service record. “Not to discourage you, Reverend, because God knows, we need qualified combat support pilots, but how come you aren’t querying the chaplaincy corps?”

She sat stiffly, her back not touching the chair. Funny how the body language came right back. “I’ve spoken to my bishop about this. He… agrees that the diocese and the army would be best served by my keeping a hand in my former profession. As it were.”

The major steepled his fingers. “Keeping a hand in? You do realize there’s a strong likelihood of the 142nd being called up at some point. Even if we don’t see action overseas, we have a history of responding to natural disasters. Is your, uh, church prepared to deal with your absence?”

“Yes, sir.”

He slid the papers across the table toward her. “Okay, then.”

She signed. The major stood. Clare stood. She raised her right hand. She pledged to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, domestic and foreign.

The major saluted. She saluted. He smiled at her and shook her hand. “Welcome to the 142nd Aviation Battalion, Captain Fergusson.”