“No need to apologize. I understand completely.”

“I appreciate your patience.”

“Clara told me Lenore died just before Easter. This was postmarked March 27. Did you realize the extreme emotional state she was in?”

“We were all aware of her distress. I spoke with her parents on a number of occasions. Naturally, they were worried about her and hoped I might intervene. I did what I could, but Lenore was very fragile by then, almost beyond reasoning.”

“So you weren’t shocked or surprised when she overdosed.”

“I was saddened. I took it as a failure on my part.”

“Did she tell you what she intended to do?”

“She told her husband and he came to me. She was a very troubled young woman. Since Ned wasn’t Catholic, they’d wed in a civil ceremony at the courthouse. He believed Lenore was upset in part because she knew they weren’t married in the eyes of the Church. He assured me he was willing to take instruction and convert if it would ease her suffering.”

I felt an inappropriate laugh bubble up and coughed to cover it. I said, “Really? He thought the basis for her depression was his failure to convert to the Catholic faith?”

“I believe it was more a matter of his desire to do what he could for her.”

“That speaks well of him, assuming he was sincere.”

“I’m certain he was. I’ve no doubt of it. We had a lengthy chat, after which I counseled Lenore to allow him the opportunity to demonstrate his good intentions.”

“Did she seem open to the idea?”

“She was upset.”

“And why was that?”

“She said I’d taken his side. She said I was all she had left and now he’d poisoned the well. She felt he’d turned me against her, which wasn’t true.” He blinked and his nose reddened. “I assured her it wasn’t the case. I wanted her to give him the benefit of the doubt.”

“Because you felt he was acting in good faith?”

“He gave me every reason to believe he’d follow through. I encouraged him to come to Mass with her. I also suggested he join the group class we offer on the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults so that he could learn Church history, as well as our beliefs and values. He needed a sponsor, of course, and I explained that if all went well, once the end of the liturgical cycle neared, he would be deemed ‘an elect.’ At that point, he’d prepare for the Rite of Election, the Call to Continuing Conversion, and the Easter Vigil.”

“He hadn’t yet taken instruction, so you’re talking about his conversion Easter of the following year?”

“I am.”

“Sounds like a lengthy process.”

“And rightly so. There are many steps along the way.”

“Am I correct in assuming he was eventually baptized a Catholic?”

“Unfortunately, he was not. Lenore’s death was a devastating blow. I’d hoped his faith would shore him up, but I could see he was faltering. We spoke many times and I thought he was coming around, but then he took little April and left town without a word. I’ve heard nothing from him since.”

I hesitated, unsure how hard to push. “There are people who believe he killed her. Were you aware of that?”

“If Clara Doyle said as much, she’s to be censured.”

“No, no. She refused to comment. This was an inference I drew, but not from anything she told me. I suspect Pete was tracking the idea, or why else would he drive all this way?”

“There are always those willing to believe the worst. It’s unfortunate.”

“Did you ever hear rumors to that effect? That Ned might have done it?”

“None that I gave any credence to.”

“What about the police? Did they investigate?”

“I’m certain they did. I don’t know the particulars, but they must have been satisfied she acted of her own free will.”

“Clara tells me Lenore had two sisters. Do you have any idea where they are at this point?”

He shook his head. It seemed to me his attitude had chilled.

“You mentioned Pete’s asking about Ned’s family of origin. What happened to his mother? Clara told me she left.”

“I believe he was four when Frankie walked out.”

“Is there someone who might confirm that?”

Father Xavier shook his head. “I can’t think of a soul.”

“Were Norma and Boyd Kastle your parishioners?”

He brightened. “Oh yes. I knew them well. She was a lovely woman. Even in her final illness, she was just as gracious as she could be.”