"We do not know all the details, but for some reason, it seems that in three days, on the 27th, assessors will visit all the churches in the diocese. Every priest who is a pastor must be at his church by the times given and meet the persons who will conduct a financial examination of all assets. If there are cluster churches, the pastors have been asked to meet the assessors at one and them accompany them to the other churches. As you know, in this diocese, each parish is a separate financial entity, independent of the diocese. Therefore, this intrusive action will occur in all 44 parishes, at the same time."
James shook his head. Carole felt goosebumps on her arms. Father's words were heard as in a nightmare-far away but vivid.
"Although I have been pastor of Sacred Heart, the Bishop has asked my assistant, Father Harrison, to take my place, as the Bishop wants me to meet him at that time. Father Harrison is now, officially, the pastor of Sacred Heart. I shall meet the Bishop in the next diocese for the sake of secrecy. I am not telling anyone but James my location. The Bishop is extremely worried."
James looked at his cell phone and turned it off. He made a mental note of not bringing it to further meetings with his brother.
David noted James' action. He had left his cell phone at his flat, where Anabelle and he would go after the small party. David fell into deep thought. He was miles away, thinking of his new life and what it would mean to protect Anabelle and any children. For a moment, David felt fear, but quickly, out of years of a habit of prayer, he turned to God and peace. He knew he was not in control, but that he had to depend totally on Divine Providence as never before in his short life. He was 27, three years older than Anabelle. He felt a lot older tonight, and yet, his happiness made the hour, the day, like one in Spring. He bent over and kissed Anabelle on the forehead. She was sitting on the floor.
As she turned up and smiled at him, James stood up. "I want to close all the curtains and blinds, please." Carole got up quickly and drew the long curtains. The flat was full of windows, which were quickly covered in the brown and gold lined draperies. Father Andrew continued in his quiet, low voice. "The Bishop wants me near him as soon as the Christmas Masses are finished. I shall leave with him on the 26th and I shall not see any of you for several days. I hope you pray for all of us."
No one said anything, but the young people sensed a closeness, a unity, which made them feel stronger.
The room felt closed in, but in a good way, as if the little group was wrapped in a blanket of peace. James noted that at this time, Joseph would have been leading Mary to the stable, unable to find a room at the inn.
David stood up. "Father, bless us once more. I am taking my bride home. We shall see you at Midnight Mass." Father Andrew again blessed the couple. Carole had to pretend she was cleaning up to not show Anabelle her tears, but Anabelle knew better.
"See you at Mass. James will pick you up. Then, we shall all come back here again, as usual, for the Christmas breads and champagne." Carole nodded and the two left. James began to help Carole clean up. Father Andrew, sitting on the brown sofa, began to pet Tomas. Both creatures seemed pensive.
"James, you know where my will is and all my personal things?"
"Father, I am prepared to do anything you want me to do, but I think you are thinking too far ahead of yourself. This is not necessary, is it?"
James poured himself and Father a small whiskey. He sat down next to his brother, but Tomas felt cramped and jump out of the way, settling on one of the green chairs. "I guess you know best, little brother. You always did."
Father Andrew looked straight ahead as if he saw something standing in the room, beyond the furniture into a space where Carole had easels of some of her latest designs. She also was working on an icon, which lay on a table in a dark corner. Paint, brushes, and other bits used for the writing of the icon lay in every which way on the floor and on smaller tables next to the largest one, on which the icon of Mary lay, unfinished.
The young priest stared for a long time into the darkness. James and Carole waited.
Father Andrew made a sign of the cross and stood up. "Carole, I am afraid we are all leaving you and Tomas. I wanted to talk more about the next few days, but there is no need. Thank you for all your work. You are our Martha."
Carole laughed, "Anabelle says I am the Mary here...but thanks for the compliment, Father."
James stood up as well, "Carole, I shall phone you, but be ready by 10:30, if that is fine with you. Singing starts at 11:30 and I am going to help out in the choir."
Carole said fine and the two men left. Carole felt the loneliness of the early morning and shrugged off dread. She felt as if her life would never be comfortable again. If Anabelle had dreams, Carole had odd premonitions. She cleaned up, picked up Tomas and went to bed. But, before climbing under the duvet, under which Tomas rushed to the end of the bed, Carole prayed the St. Michael prayer and the one to her Guardian Angel...she needed to know she was protected in a new way.
To be continued....