Page 77 (1/2)

“You ht want to hand that over to a local ood home for it”

“Si, this I will do”

“Thank you, for everything” Julia reached out and squeezed Maria’s hand

“I wish you well and hope you stay safe,” Maria said

Julia stepped into the corridor and waited for the others to follow Patricia stopped at Maria and pulled her into a tight hug

“Watch theyour way”

They closed the door to Maria’s tinkling laugh

The corridor was ht it would be They didn’t say a word until they started cli the stone stairs to the convent chapel

“Anyone else thinking about those randy nuns and monks?” Elle said

They pushed through the door Maria had told them to take and found themselves behind the pulpit in the chapel The exit was on the left, and Julia couldn’t help but notice that the women’s chapel wasn’t anywhere near as ornate as the men’s Maybe they didn’t have asas they had all those extraabout living in a place like this, but ither back to Joe

Had he gotten her e? Was he safe? Was he hurt? Her stoht, and she re He was trained, experienced and smart She had to trust in him and believe he’d be fine

Rushing across the chapel, they pushed through the exit onto a busy street There was a line of taxis waiting, and they climbed into the back of the first one

Once inside, the three women looked at each other

“Where are we going?” Elle said

“I don’t know,” Julia said “I think the men will probably check the hotels”