SHE DROVE to the little country church and looked carefully about. No other car was in sight; she wondered if he were here yet. Perhaps. She walked quickly into the building, her heels echoing from the stone floor. She stepped into the confessional and sat down. Immediately, the panel slid back.
“Yes, my child?”
“Father, I have sinned.”
“What is the nature of your sin, my child?”
“I am too much a patriot.”
“All right, we don’t have long.”
“Bishop?” She could not see him through the screen.
“Yes. Why did you want this meeting?”
“Robinson is the man; there is no doubt.”
“What do you propose to do about it?”
“Excommunicate him.” He said nothing.
“He is one and the same.”
“You may not kill him.”
“And why not?” She was angry.
“I am going to answer your question, because you are new enough at this, perhaps, not to understand that you must follow instructions as they are given. First, killing Robinson now would not accomplish any political purpose. Second, we do not wish to bring attention to ourselves in County Cork. Robinson is simply too close to home, at least for the moment. Third, we cannot risk harming the Lee boy in going after Robinson. To kill or even hurt the son of a prominent American politician could cause many difficulties for us in raising funds over there. Does that answer your question?”
She was quiet for a moment. “Yes,” she said, at last.
“Good. Never again question an order of your bishop. Do you understand?”
“Yes, but I cannot exercise your authority over the others. They don’t know you, and I cannot invoke your name to control them.”
“You most certainly may not do that. You will just have to deal with them as best you can. Is there anything else?”
“Yes, it is definitely established that Derek Thrasher is the source of Robinson’s funds.”
There was a thoughtful pause. “That is very interesting.”
“Doesn’t that give us a political basis for doing Robinson?”
“Perhaps, but not while he is in County Cork. Plans are in progress to deal with Thrasher, so don’t concern yourself about that. If we find ourselves in a position to deal profitably with Robinson outside the diocese, then I may reconsider.”
She looked at her watch. “I must get back to the school. I have a class in ten minutes.”
“From now on, communicate with me by telephone.” He gave her a number and made her repeat it. “It’s ex-directory and concealed in my office. Never let it ring more than twice; if I’m in, I’ll answer it immediately. Always call from an automatic coin box, never the same one twice. Hang up if anyone answers but me. Understood?”
“Yes.”
“Good day, then. Go and sin no more.”