Alice Loweecey - Back in the Habit (A Falcone & Driscoll Investigation)

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Back in the Habit 2011 Alice Loweecey

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First e-book edition 2011

E-book ISBN: 978-0-7387-3223-7

Book design by Donna Burch

Cover design by Ellen Lawson

Cover art iStockphoto.com/Giorgio Fochesato

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Dedication

For my husband, Phil

Good afternoon. May I help you?

Sidneys always-perky voice faltered when the visitor didnt reply.

The footsteps passed the admins desk and stopped before Giulias desk on the far side of the office.

Your employer, please.

Giulia looked up from the report on her screen, and the world tilted. A moment later, she put on her professional face and rose, hand outstretched.

Good afternoon, Sister. How may we help you?

She was surprised at how normal her voice sounded in the face of her former Superior General. Especially considering their last meeting, when the woman had flung Giulias Vatican-issued dispensation from vows smack in Giulias face.

Sister Mary Fabian gripped Giulias hand in that well-
remembered businessmans handshake.

The Community requires the services of a private investigator. I was informed that such is your new profession.

Yes, um, if youll wait just a minute, Ill see if Mr. Driscoll is free.

Giulia skirted her desk and knocked on Franks door, grateful she chose good, flat sneakers that morning, because her feet wanted to trip over themselves. At Franks Come in, she slipped inside, safe.

Frank Driscoll, founder and senior partner of Driscoll Investigations, kept scribbling notes in a handwritten log. Did I hear someone out there?

A giggle spluttered through Giulias lips. You didnt say that right. Someonewith a capital S is out there.

Frank looked up, running a hand through his short ginger hair, which stood straighter than hair ought to. Not going back to that barber. Whos out there? Why do you look like Sister Mary Evils after you?

Giulia leaned against the door. Oh, perfect. Thats exactly who wants to talk to you. She took a deep, slow breath. My former Superior Generals in the outer office. The Puppet Master.

Franks hair seemed to rise to attention. Seriously?

Yes. She says the Community needs a PI.

Seriously? Thats great. He smoothed back his hair and stood, buttoning his suit jacket. Thank God I wore a tie today. Come on and introduce us.

Giulia let herself be carried by his brisk enthusiasm. Get ahold of yourself. This woman has no power over you anymore. Shes just another client.

She almost lost her composure when she opened the door and saw Sidneys face. Their admin looked exactly like a kid watching her first Fourth of July fireworks: round-eyed and open-mouthed.

The office was narrow enough for Giulia to reach the imposing woman standing by her desk in three steps. Way too few.

Sister Mary Fabian, Frank Driscoll. Mr. Driscoll, Sister Fabian, Superior General of the Sisters of Saint Francis of Greater Pittsburgh.

Franks handshake appeared more than a match for Sister Fabians.

Sister. Pleased to meet you. If youll step into my office, well do our best to help.

Sidney regained her voice the moment Franks door closed. Wow. She reminds me of this really strict history teacher I had my freshman year. It must be the outfit that makes her look intimidating. Waitits the habit, right?

Right. She doesnt look like that just because of the habit. She could give lessons in intimidation. Giulia leaned her burning forehead against the chilled window. I apologize to every weather-
man in Cottonwood, Pennsylvania, for complaining about this
record-breaking early cold snap.

Sidneys voice came closer. Maybe we should whisper, so our voices dont carry into Mr. Driscolls office.

The woman has ears like a bat, but I think shes laying down the law to Frank. Were okay. This window feels better than air conditioning in July.

I bet you looked nicer than that when you were a nun. Did I tell you that Olivier said if youd been a priest he wouldve asked you to bless his office? He gets his MSW in December.

Thats very sweet of Olivier. I didnt know he was Catholic.

His whole family is, something wicked.

And youre not?

Nope. Were just generic Christians. We celebrate all the good holidays without all the guilt.

The snort came out before Giulia could stop it. Then she pushed her face into her sleeve to stifle more laughter. When she opened her eyes, Sidney was staring at her with the Ive said something horrible and Giulia will hate me look.

Giulia shook her head, sucked in a deep breath, and held up a warning finger. Sidney, you have yet to say anything offensive to me, so stop looking like youre going to get detention. She snagged the Godzilla coffee mug from her desk and gulped the rest of her lukewarm cappuccino. One of these days when Im feeling invincible, Ill tell you so many stories about the convent youll never want to hear the word again.

Footsteps hit the wooden floor in Franks office, and the phone rang at the same moment. Sidney made a face, but returned to her desk.

The door opened and, like a gentleman, Frank ushered the Superior General through. Ill be in touch with you tomorrow morning at ten, Sister.

Thank you, Mr. Driscoll. She opened the outer door for herself without acknowledging Giulia or Sidney, who was scribbling notes on a bright-pink While You Were Out pad.

Frank closed the door without a single click and leaned his back against it. Dia trcaire .

Giulia raised an eyebrow. And that means?

God have mercy. Dont worry, maam, I havent taken the Lords name in vain in a month. I think. He pulled at the knot in his tie. I have to deliver that report to AtlanticEdge by nine tomorrow morning.

Mr. Driscoll, I can stay and type or read it over for you if you need me, Sidney said. Oh, and your basketball captain called.

Frank groaned. Thats right. We have a game at six.