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Her beliefs had never been put to a test up to this point, but the time had comeShe didn’t head toward the cathedral on Jackson Square Although it was a beautiful church and a place of worship despite its location in one of the city’s most popular tourist destinations, she didn’t want to be seen on her mission, and there were always too many people there

Instead she headed across Frenchman Street, toward the small church she had attended with her parents--and last visited after her parents had died

Their funeral services had been performed there

As she walked in, she wondered if she was crazy No, this would be fine, she told herself She would see Father Maybury He’d been close to her parents, and he

And if he wasn’t there, then she hoped to e a few moments alone so she could fill up several vials of holy water without being stopped

Oh, God, what she wanted to do probably was crazy Adht be risking har in her soer kne to deal with vaht to the heart

But she didn’t want to start indiscri vampires

She simply wanted to know the truth

When she arrived, she found that the church was quiet The lowering sun was shining gently through the gorgeous stained-glass s portraying various saints and key events in the history of the Church

She walked down the aisle, heading toward the center of the roo the blessed water

So far, so good She was safe, and she was alone

But as she neared the holy water, she noticed a young priest coenuflected as he faced the altar, then walked up to her, his s He appeared to be about thirty-five, a handsome man with dark hair and dark eyes His demeanor was friendly, easy--it seemed to say that he was comfortable in his beliefs and coood--she had begun to feel a sense of panic stealing over her She’d wanted to get quickly in and out of the church, and if not, at least a visit with a

Where was Father Maybury?

"Hello, and welco priest said to her "Can I help you? You appear to be at a loss"

"I’m sorry Is Father Maybury here?"

"I’m afraid that I’m the one who is sorry Father Maybury died last fall," he told her

She et you some water? Would you like to sit down?" he asked

"No, I just needed to see him," she said quietly

"And--well, obviously, I can’t"

"Perhaps I can help you," he told her

"I’m afraid it’s an unusual probleested

"Father Maybury washe was a personal friend," she explained "He was close with my parents before their deaths"

"I see I am so sorry I’m Father DiCarlo, by the way"

"It’s a pleasure, Father," she said, shaking his hand He atching her with eyes that see eyes She wasn’t sure if she felt comforted or wary

"You’re Fiona MacDonald," he said

She started, al her hand from his

"I haven’t been here since my parents died," she said

"And I don’t believe you were here then"

"No, I wasn’t But Father Maybury was my mentor," he said

She nodded, not sure what to say

"It seems that you have questions," he said very quietly

Fiona noticed that an elderly woman had entered the church She knelt down at one of the back pews and was quickly immersed in prayer

"Well" Fionain the direction of the newcomer

He smiled "That’s Mrs Sienna She’s quite deaf But we can talk elsewhere, if you prefer"