Third Half (10 page)

             
"You definitely
are in need of some rest!" the Mother said with
a smile, so Liane would know she was joking.  "Especially if you're
beginning to think of this city's pollution as fresh air."  She stepped closer.  "My Dear, are you having second thoughts about tomorrow's
trip?"

             
"No, as I explained before, I think it's best that I make the trip. 
I don't see that my staying here will help in any way."

             
"I agree." The Mother Superior gently took hold of her hand. 
"Why, you're trembling?" Concern was clearly written in the older
woman's fawn-brown eyes as she stared down at Liane.  "I think it's
time you got some proper rest.  I will pray that the problems of your
family will soon be solved."

             
"Thank you," Liane bowed her head before turning to leave,
then stopped.  "Mother . . .you will keep me abreast of what is
happening here, won't you?"

             
"Certainly my Dear."

             
"It would set my mind at rest to know everything is resolved."

             
"You will be informed as soon as I know anything."

             
"Thank you again," Liane nearly whispered.  The woman was
being so kind that she suddenly found it distasteful to be misleading
her. 

             
As she walked down the long hallway the Mother Superior
watched her, a puzzled expression on her face.   In the time since the
young nun came to the convent she had grown quite fond of her.  She
did not like the ill effects the girl's problems were having on her.  She
was not at all herself.  But then, what else could be expected under the
circumstances?

             
She would have to light a special candle and pray for a
resolution to Mary Catherine's family problems.  Perhaps then she
could return to normal.

             
As Liane laid in bed, her thoughts again returned to her sister
in the hospital.  She'd have to call her first thing in the morning and let
her know exactly what she was planning to do next.

             
She couldn't fool herself into thinking Mary Catherine would
be mellow, accepting her decision.  No, this time, she was certain she
would truly test her sister's patience.  And patience was one of M.C.'s
virtues.

I

             
"Listen M.C., I don't have much time to explain," Liane said
quickly, nervously squeezing the phone as she tried to silence her
sister's triage of questions.  "I've found out that some of what's been
going on may tie in with Jack's visits to South America."

             
"In what ways?" Her sister asked.

             
"I think he may have been bringing things back here for
someone."

             
"Souvenirs?" M.C. asked, sounding hopeful.

             
"Not quite," Liane hedged, not quite sure what answer she
should give to the question.

             
"Smuggling?" Mary Catherine's voice quavered.

             
"No. . .!  At least I don't think Jack would do that
–
I don't
know anymore.  I just never thought he'd . . .well, you know." She
sighed.  "It's not like him to do anything dishonest.  I wish lately I'd
have spent more time with him."

             
"I saw him every time he was back in the area.   His nightclub
act did keep him traveling a great deal.  But he never acted any
different.  He seemed the same Jack we always knew."

             
"I thought I might be able to get a better perspective of him if I
were to go down and check out the club where he does his act in
Lima."

             
"You what!" Mary Catherine nearly shouted as she sat up in
bed.  "Never mind, don't repeat it.  I know what you're driving at. 
You want to continue taking my place."

             
"M.C., it's the only way."  Liane's voice trembled with
desperation.  "I'm going crazy trying to think of another way.  I just
want to find Jack, and while I'm at it, clear myself of this murder
wrap."

             
"I won't be discharged in time to make the trip myself.  But
what about when I am?"

             
"Stay sick!" Liane ordered.  "Remember what we said about
people usually believing a nun.  Play on your doctor's sympathy.  Do
you think you can do it?"

             
"Probably with very little problem." M.C. groaned.  "I'm
already beginning to feel worse."

             
"Thanks Sis.  And I'll be back as soon as I find out whatever I
can about this mess.  Now tell me anything I may need to know."

             
"Everything is written in a log I keep in my desk at the
convent," Mary Catherine explained.  "Plus you'll find my passport
and Jack's money in a brown envelope at the very bottom of the
drawer.  I don't know what you should do with it."

             
"I may have a few ideas," Liane replied, knowing on the
previous evening she could only get the maximum amount from the
automatic teller machine.  Depending what happened, two hundred
dollars would not get her very far.  "Now, is there anything else? 
Tickets?"

             
"Mother Superior will have the airline tickets.   She'll be
seeing you off at the airport." Mary Catherine sighed.  "Liane, promise
me you'll call the police and explain everything before you leave."

             
"If I do that, I won't be able to leave."

             
"But if something happens . . .You know what I mean."

             
"Yes, I know.  And I do have a plan in mind.  One that will
explain most of what's going on.  They may not believe it, but all I can
do is try.  At least it will give them something to think about."

             
"That will relieve my mind, Liane.  I'd hate to see you wanted
for this murder and never have the chance to have your side heard."

             
"Oh, that's all!" Liane suddenly laughed, trying to maintain a
bit of humor, in spite of the seriousness of the situation.  "I thought
you were worried they'd find you and think you were me.  All the
while I'd be safe in South America."   

             
"Liane! I never thought of that!"

             
"I did." Her tones were more serious now.  "That's what I've
been worried about.  I'll have to clear that much with the authorities. 
But I'll have to do it one step at a time.  I'll only tell them what they
need to know right now.  Later I'll contact them with more
information."

             
"Yes, Mother Superior.  Thank you for your concern," Mary
Catherine suddenly interrupted. 

             
"I get it; you can't talk anymore." Liane smiled, thinking her
sister would make almost as good an actress as she is a nun.   "Don't
worry too much.  And get well!  Just don't let them know it."

             
"I'll try," Mary Catherine said.  "Bless you."

             
"Thanks M.C., I'll be in touch soon . . .with good news, I hope. 
I love you."  With that, Liane hung up the phone.  She glanced around
to make certain she was still alone.  Luckily, the other sisters were
busy with classes that day.  She had only the Mother Superior to
worry about.  Still safe from being observed, she dialed the number of
her producer.

             
"Martin Sloane, please," she said when someone answered. 
"Just tell him it's Sister Mary Catherine."

             
"Mary Catherine!" Martin said quickly, an anxious note to his
voice.  "Have you heard from Liane?" She could picture the distressed
look on Martin's face, and was tempted to admit who she really was,
just to set his mind at rest. 

             
"No, that's partly why I'm calling you," she said, remembering
her determination to pull off her plan.

             
"Oh . . ." She heard him exhale a long breath. 

             
"Martin, I've been wondering if you've heard from my sister. 
But now I realize you haven't or you wouldn't be asking me about
her."

             
"No, I haven't.  But maybe it's for the best.   Things are a bit
hectic here.  Not very private."

             
"Private?" she repeated.  "Do you mean you've had a lot of
police checking around the theater?"

             
"That's exactly what I mean.  Have they been to you?  I had to
tell them you were in the hospital."

             
"Yes, they were.  But, unfortunately, I couldn't help them. 
Have they been asking you many questions?"

             
"Let's just say that several people are going out of their way to
find out whatever they can about Liane."

             
"Do you mean they may even be listening in on your telephone
calls.  To us right now?"

             
"It wouldn't surprise me at all," he replied.

             
"I suppose if my sister does call you they'll trace her call and
find her.  Maybe then we'll know if she's all right," Liane said.  "I'm
very concerned about her.  This whole thing has been quite upsetting."

             
"Yes, in many ways.  And believe me, I'm also concerned
about Liane.  But I have to get things in order for the new show.  It
seems only one person is overjoyed by this whole mess
–
Tina Berry. 
I don't know if Liane has told you much about her.  She's her
understudy.  Looks like she'll be taking Liane's place unless
everything gets worked out."

             
"I hope it does," Liane said truthfully, envisioning the smug
satisfaction on the other woman's face when she learned she may be
playing her part. 
Not if I can help it! 

             
"Martin, if you hear anything at all, please call me at the
convent," Liane said, dismissing the rivalry between Tina and herself. 
"I'm back here now.  Even if the police find Liane, I'd like to know as
soon as possible."

             
"You'll be the first person I call if I learn anything, Mary
Catherine.  Now, I hate to cut you short but I really have to get back to
work.  Mondays are pretty crazy around here.  And I have an eleven
o'clock luncheon meeting with the money men.  I can't miss that."

             
"Oh, I understand.  I really have to get back to the children,"
Liane lied.  "Thank you, Martin."

             
"No problem.  And Mary Catherine," he added, "I promise I
will call you."

             
Liane ended the call with a weary smile.  Her plan may just
work, she thought.  She now had a way to get information to the authorities, as she had promised her sister, and at the same time, still
be able to get out of the country.

             
On a plain piece of paper she began writing many of the events
that had taken place since they had received their brother's letter.  She
carefully omitted the part about the money and the secret room, afraid
to reveal too much.  She simply explained that Jack had turned up
missing and that while trying to locate him, she had gone to see his
agent.

             
Liane made certain to add that Ralph Devereaux had been
alive and well when she had left him.  She also mentioned that there
were at least two other men looking for Jack.  The men in the green
car. 
Dangerous men, she underlined, shivering at the memory of the
way they had torn apart her brother's home then maliciously set the
fire in his barn.