Chapter 16
Bishop Grielle handed a cup of tea to his guest, Cardinal Millhouse, who was sitting in the chair opposite his desk. The Cardinal graciously accepted the hot beverage, stirring two teaspoons of sugar into the white porcelain teacup with paisley patterns in gold inlay. The Bishop returned to his seat behind his desk. After spending nearly half an hour discussing general church administration issues, Cardinal Millhouse decided to change the subject.
“So, what is the situation with the three you sanctioned to visit Mexico?” the Cardinal asked. “Many of us had our doubts.”
The Cardinal’s question caught Bishop Grielle somewhat off guard as he expected it earlier in their conversation. “We do need to find out what happened. With so many implications for the Church, too many unresolved. There are members of the fold in the congregations, throughout the Diocese, going to their priests asking lots of questions about why all this is happening and we don't have answers for them. The latest emails and text messages, from both Sister Justine and Father Hernandez, didn’t reveal any real explanation about what happened here in the city or down in El Refugio. And from some of the preliminary messages, they haven't found anything apart from what was known already. They're heading home tomorrow,” the Bishop explained.
“And what’s this you mentioned in your email earlier, that they found some written information regarding the first visitation?” Cardinal Millhouse asked.
“Yes, they came across some archival journals and logs in storage.”
“I thought Sister Justine acquired and turned in all the notes, research work, and information found on site from their first visit.” Cardinal Millhouse queried, faintly arching his right eyebrow. Bishop Grielle maintained his composure.
“She did, your Eminence. To the best of our knowledge, the new information may have been an oversight, especially with the hectic nature of everything at that time down there.”
“I see, just as well. We weren't sure if we would need to recall them.”
“Well, considering you realized who the witness was the first time they went down, I know you wanted ensure that certain issues never got exposed. Of course, I was never told of the full implications of who that witness was,” Bishop Grielle responded, sequestering his frustration with the constant surreptitious maneuverings by his mentor, especially during times like this, when he was not provided with a full understanding of why he was being directed to accomplish certain things. The Cardinal told him just enough to be successful in whatever endeavor was at hand.
“Then was it a good idea to send them down again?” Cardinal Millhouse asked.
“I'm sure that's not a problem this time around. What's been reported to date is that they're just rehashing a lot of the same territory, even with the new information they found.”
Cardinal Millhouse's expression changed back to moderate concern. “Do we know why angels began giving eulogies? More important, why the tragedies occurred in El Refugio and here in the city? Has Michael Saunders really been helpful?”
“Remember, you agreed that the past research and knowledge of angelology that Michael Saunders possesses could help immensely with what’s going on.”
“Yes, and I remember that many of his writings were very controversial. Yet he, by far, he was one of the best persons suited for attempting to find out what did transpired. Can we trust him?”
“Sister Justine has been very faithful. She'll make sure he can be trusted.”
Cardinal Millhouse wrinkled his nose and scratched his forehead; he was vexed.
“Yes, but you know as well as I that her Order has been giving the Diocese and Rome a great many problems with their liberal concepts, moving away from conventional orthodoxy,” Cardinal Millhouse countered.
“Well yes--nonetheless, both she and Father Hernandez have been excellent at keeping us informed on what's going on. As soon as I receive a message, you and our patron friend will both receive copies.”
The pop-up notification on the computer monitor caught Bishop Grielle's attention signaling he received a new email message. The email notification header was configured to display dark maroon for messages from the two in Mexico; the new email was flagged by the email rule set, so he knew the message was from either one. The sender line showed Sister Justine.
“Well,” Bishop Grielle commented to his superior, while double-clicking on the email message, “It seems Sister Justine is maintaining her faithfulness. Here we are just discussing her and we receive a message.”
“What does it say?”
“It says...” the bishop began and paused to read the message silently:
Delayed returning to Los Angeles. By chance, we were able to talk to a clinic worker who talked to original witness prior to his disappearance. Additional information about the initial angel visit obtained a bit more complex than anticipated. Second angel believed to be involved with El Refugio event. Found out witness made reference to a name, “Aurora.” No additional information provided. Will discuss upon returning.
Bishop Grielle sat back in his chair. Cardinal Millhouse noticed a concerned look on his face and said, “Andrew, you look uneasy. What's wrong?”
“You might want to read this,” the Bishop indicated, pointing at his screen.
“Go ahead and read the message.”
Bishop Grielle read the message to his spiritual mentor and observed a distressed expression on his face.
“Recall the three immediately,” the Cardinal said.
“Your Eminence, I believe we should let them finish what they’ve started,” Bishop Grielle petitioned.
Cardinal Millhouse glared at the bishop, “I know you don't know the full extent of what is going on, but I can tell you just by that message, the ramifications are immense. Do you know the impact of what happened the first time down in Mexico?”
“I've heard rumors here and there.”
“Well, the losses to the Church were more devastating than you can imagine. And we're still grappling with the impact of the most recent event.”
“Wouldn't any information they come across help us find out what’s going on? We didn’t send them down there just for the show, did we? We owe it to the Church.”
“What we owe,” Cardinal Millhouse said, exacting in his response, “is for you to follow my will and bring the three back here immediately.”
IV. The Shadow of Angels: Aurora