Shattered (Michael Bennett #14)(35)

“Nothin’. Just wanted to talk to you.”

“That’s nice. I like talking to you too. What’s going on around the homestead?”

“Not much. Commandant Mary Catherine has everyone in line. That’s why I’m already up and packed for school an hour early.”

“Don’t call her ‘commandant.’ That’s disrespectful.”

“Juliana called her that to her face. Mary Catherine likes it so much she’s faking a German accent when she gives orders. She’s kind of nailed it. Even Chrissy’s cleaning up after herself.”

“Well, if Chrissy is pitching in, maybe there’s something to it. What do you hear about your big date with the mayor?”

“Everything’s still a go. You’ll be here for the ceremony, right?”

“Wouldn’t miss it for the world.” I could picture the ear-to-ear grin on his face.

Trent said, “Cool. I guess I should let some of my siblings talk to you now. They’re lining up like they want to talk to Don Corleone on the day of his daughter’s wedding.”

“You and Ricky watching seventies movies again?”

“The Godfather and The Outlaw Josey Wales.”

“What do you think?”

“Just like you say, they don’t make them like that anymore. Did you know the guy who starred as Josey Wales made a bunch of great movies?”

“Clint Eastwood? I knew.”

“Have you ever seen Dirty Harry?”

“Every cop has many, many times.”

We finished up our dive into great movies, then Trent handed off the phone.

Each of the kids took the phone for about ten seconds to say, “Hey, Dad.” I knew Mary Catherine was behind the efficient tactic. Only Fiona hung on at the end for an extra minute.

She said, “Sister Lora asked if I would play on the basketball team. I’m not sure what to do. I’ve never played sports before.”

“How does she know you’ll be a good player? Were you shooting around in class?”

“Nope. She just walked up to me in the hallway and asked if I was interested. I wasn’t at first, but the more I think about it, the more I want to try it. Is it okay with you?”

“Of course it is, sweetheart. I’ll support any activity you want to try.” I paused and thought about that for a moment. “I’m going to walk that last statement back. I know how you guys pride yourselves on trying to outdo one another in tricking me. I support any activity that’s within the structure of civilized society and doesn’t involve violence or any sort of crime.” I paused for a moment to be sure I had included outlawed behavior. “And nothing to do with human sacrifice.”

Fiona said, “Wow, Dad. It’s not like I’m one of the boys. They’re the ones who do all the stupid things.”

“I have to set the same guidelines for everyone. Even if you do have exceptional judgment.”

“Sister Lora also asked if you would be available to coach the team.”

I’d say this for her. Lora was a subtle one. Sister Sheilah, whom I’d done battle with my entire life, would’ve just told me to be the coach. I thought I liked Sheilah’s approach better.

All I could say was “Of course I’ll coach. It’ll be fun. We’ll work on your shots as soon as I’m back permanently.” Fiona giggled, and I knew I’d made the right choice.

A few seconds later, Mary Catherine came on the line. Her voice soothed me, set everything right. I smiled just hearing her warm greeting.

I said, “How’s it going? Everything good with the kids?”

“The kids have been great. I’ve been tough on them too.” Her voice sounded scratchy, like she was starting to get a cold.

I let out a laugh, but I didn’t say anything about what Trent had called her. I didn’t have to.

Mary Catherine laughed and said, “The kids have taken to calling me ‘the commandant.’”

“I’ll put a stop to that in a heartbeat.”

“I kinda like it. I’m not used to people being afraid of me. I don’t know what I did, but no one’s questioning my authority in any area. Usually one of the older kids will give me some pushback.”

“Fiona told me her news.”

“Somehow I don’t see her running up and down the basketball court. But I think it’ll be good for her.”

“Sounds like you’re against the idea.”

Mary Catherine hesitated. “No, it’s not that. I’m just tired. Bone weary.”

“I’m sorry. Can I help?”

“Not for this. I just need a little rest.”

We chatted for a few more minutes. I’ll admit it may be hokey, but just a call with my wife and kids puts me in a good mood first thing in the morning. That’s rare, especially when I’m traveling.





Chapter 45



I found Rose’s Down-Home Diner easily enough. It was less than half a mile from the Steinberg residence in Georgetown. A tiny place with a brick facade covered with creeping vines. Near the entrance, more than a dozen decorative ferns hung from the ceiling.

An older woman worked behind a bay window open to the kitchen. I wondered if it was Rose. A solitary waitress with two nose studs and a tattoo of a knife on her left hand made no effort to greet me. I took a far booth. Two other customers sat sipping coffee at a booth at the other end of the restaurant.