Rosedale and Cooper stood the next day with Father O’Malley, beside the repaired Land Rover. In the back, with his hands tied tightly behind him, was Charles Templin-Wright.
Levi had driven Maddie across the border to Rwanda straight after the explosion at the water plant, to get her checked over in hospital before they caught their flights back home.
The priest smiled. ‘Thank you, gentlemen. It’ll be a shame to see you go, but what you did will make a difference for generations to come.’
Rosedale tipped his hat. ‘I’m glad we could help, and with Charles blabbing like a reporter on CNN, hopefully we’ll be able to bring Donald Parker down. We’re going to take Charles across the border, leave him at the US embassy. We can’t really do anything more with him. I’ll make a few calls to people I know. They’re bound to detain him there, and hopefully send him straight back to the USA.’
Father O’Malley nodded. ‘I hope so, and make sure you let me know. It’s about time the people who lived in their ivory towers were brought to justice. There’s been a lot of damage done here, by them, but I’m sure we’ll heal. It’ll take time but we’ll get there. This community and this country is strong. It may have been damaged and wounded, but it’s not broken. It’s a shame Emmanuel didn’t live to see it, but he’s there, I’m sure of it, looking over us and blessing us all with his goodness.’
Rosedale got into the car, but as Cooper went to join him, Father O’Malley held his arm gently.
‘Thomas, I wanted to say, your spirit has touched me. I’ll never forget you. And whatever it is that troubles you. Whatever it is that keeps you awake at night, just know you’re a good man. And one day whatever you’re searching for, I believe in my heart you’ll find it, and at last have the peace you deserve. Take care, Thomas… Take care.’