The Framed Father

Prologue

Prologue

DEAR TOM, I HOPE YOU are well and still enjoying your life behind monastic walls. Sometimes I envy the quiet you must enjoy there, but just as often, I wonder how you stand it. Not that life in Myerton is anything like walking a beat in DC, but at least I get the occasional robbery to keep me busy.

Parish life at St. Clare’s is also pretty interesting. I have not yet followed your suggestion to join the Ladies of Charity, but I do attend parish functions occasionally. Most of the time I’m working so Dan can attend with his family. It makes a lot more sense for him to be there with Miriam and the kids than it does for an old widow like me to go. I’ve only met Miriam once or twice, but I admire how devoted she is to her family.

Oh, Gladys wants me to be sure to tell you ‘Hi.’ She still has a huge crush on you, so watch your back if you come into town. I’m not sure what she might try if she caught you in a dark corner, and she’s pretty fast in that wheelchair. I admit I’m a bit worried about her. She seems to have a very active social life—a little too active, if you know what I mean. As her supervisor, it's none of my business, but as a friend, I wonder if I should say something to her. Another thing you can pray for me over: discernment.

Speaking of social lives and discernment, this thing with Brian is beginning to get out of hand. He just won’t leave me alone. In fact, I’m about to the point of saying I’ll go out with him once just to prove that it won’t work out. I mean, I don’t think he’s a bad guy, but he’s very ambitious politically and as you may remember, that is something I do not care for at all.

So, is there anything new at Our Lady of the Mount? I saw something in a supermarket tabloid about a secret Vatican takeover. Do you know anything about that? I suppose you couldn’t tell me if you did. Anyway, please write back when you get a chance. I do look forward to hearing from you.

Helen