“It’s never been about trying to completely fool anyone, it can’t be. We work to plant just enough confusion and it’s more powerful cousin, suspicion to buy a little time. The rest we have no control over.”
“Are you saying that because you’re trying to get into character?”
Madame smiled as she dug around inside the purse.
“It looks like a small suitcase,” said Wallis, peering over the corner of her desk as she tried to get a better look inside.
Madame chortled as she pulled out a starched white wimple and black veil and proceeded to drape her head. She leaned over and dug around in her purse for a moment, coming up with a few bobby pins. She opened her hand to Wallis without a word.
“Madame Bella?” said Wallis, as she pinned the wimple and veil to Madame’s head.
“Mother Elizabeth,” said Madame Bella. “Although I have to tell you, Madame Bella has been one of my favorites.”
“Is that your real name, Elizabeth?”
Madame Bella stopped and gave Wallis a tight embrace, whispering into her ear.
“Don’t let it matter who I really am, honey. This little piece will be a lot easier if you can do that for me.” The newly anointed Mother Elizabeth stepped back from Wallis.
“We never got to know each other, weren’t supposed to, you know,” said the large woman, now dressed as a nun. “It was easier that way to watch you without drawing attention for the wrong reasons. These getups only attract attention when mixed in with regular folks. But otherwise, human nature makes most people look away. Much easier to hide in plain sight.”
“I’ve heard that about conspiracies, too,” said Wallis.
“You’re a firecracker, you are. Now, no more questions. If you could carry these downstairs for me,” she said, nudging the fallen robes with her toe. “That would be a big help. Someone is waiting for those and it’s past time for me to depart.”
“This isn’t going to work,” said Wallis.
“You’d think so, wouldn’t you?” said the newly disguised, Mother Elizabeth. “But we made plans, you’ll see. I’ve always liked this role, you know,” she said, holding her arms out to the side. “My pushy self-will seems to have purpose. I’m going to make a great Mother Superior again,” she said, as she waddled toward the stairs.
“I can remember a time just a few days ago when something like this would have made me think about calling the police. But, now I have to wonder who’d show up and who I’d really be betraying,” said Wallis as she followed the large woman down the stairs.
“Very good, Black Widow. I know you don’t like that name but it’s okay.”
As they came around the corner into the small reception area there stood a small band of women dressed as nuns. Sitting in a chair was a larger woman in a plain skirt and top.
“I take it these are for you?” said Wallis, offering the woman the former psychic’s colorful costume. The former Madame Bella winked at Wallis as she pushed the other nuns toward the back door.
“Wait a minute,” said Wallis. “I know you.” She looked more carefully at one of the younger nuns and realized it was Annie Brody, one of Norman’s clients. “And you’re Sara,” she said, looking under the wipple of one of the other nuns. “How long has this been in the works?”
“There are always contingency plans,” said Annie, with a shy smile. “The trick is to not be seen making them. Fortunately, Norman’s done a lot of work for a variety of churches, including ours,” she said, pointing a finger at Wallis and back at herself. “Everyone needs a good lawyer from time to time, and sometimes a good private eye, even.”
“Alan Vitek,” said Wallis, “Is that who you mean? He’s a part of this?”
“Don’t be fooled by his lack of words and stalwart demeanor. He is a formidable warrior, even now.”
“Why mention him?” asked Wallis.
“I have been in this particular battle for awhile now,” said Mother Elizabeth. “And, it has been my experience that knowing we are part of a web of people, and not alone, makes all the difference. The journey becomes too long and the opposition starts to appear sweeter. But a cautionary word, my dear, they are a poison that at best scars and at their worst, drags down an entire family tree. We’re off, girls. You,” said Mother Elizabeth, pointing at her replacement, “wait at least a good half hour and then you head out as well.” She kissed the woman on the top of her turban. “May it all go well.”
Wallis realized what she meant. “What will you tell them,” she said to the woman, “if someone is over there waiting for you? Why were you here?” Her voice rose slightly with fear in her voice.
“If that happens, then my time is done,” said the woman. “But there are others waiting to help me tonight. It’s alright, ma’am. It’s what I was trained to do.”
“Combat training is now part of the Episcopal Church?” asked Wallis.
“A firecracker, that’s what you are,” said Mother Elizabeth.
Chapter Twenty-Three