“Better than me.”
“If this situation is good enough for God, why not for man as well? You will tell him this also?”
“Yes.”
“Then I will share another honesty with you. I was sent to the monastery school when I was nine. Erin was eleven. I became her best friend. Her only friend. I was lonely and she was Erin. Already then she was Erin. You understand?”
“All too well.”
“One night we were in the attic smoking forbidden cigarettes. A harmless crime, only the building caught fire and three of the other children burned to death.”
“I’m so sorry.”
“Thank you. In that moment of initial terror, Erin caught me and made me swear an oath never to divulge the truth. So when I have confessed my sins to the families and my own clan, I have spoken only of my own actions. In seeking to make amends, to bring a rightness to this tragedy, to make up for the lives I caused to be extinguished, I became who I am. For Erin, the response was different. She became above all rules.”
“She was the star.”
“Even then.” The nun straightened, seeking to cast aside the weight of many years. “I have remained true to my vow until now, though I am convinced punishment might have saved her. But now she is gone, and my vow is ended. Erin dedicated her life to fulfilling her every ambition.”
“That is what killed her,” Kirsten said. “It wasn’t your fault.”
“No?”
“You said it yourself. Erin was Erin.”
The nun studied her a long moment, then said, “And I was the one coming to offer you peace.”
Before Kirsten could respond, she climbed back inside the plane, then returned carrying a small bundle in crinoline and white. “Go with God, my children.”
Kirsten accepted the armload and crossed back across the tarmac. She stopped before the silent, trembling man. And smiled for both of them. “Take your daughter.”
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
North Carolina District Court Judge Alice Stubbs is one of those rare jurists whose name elicits respect even from lawyers who have disagreed with her judgments. It was a regular astonishment just how many people were willing to respect me simply because Judge Stubbs had offered me her help. Initially she granted me a Sunday afternoon to help structure the basic legal arguments of this book. Then, while sitting at the bench and trying cases, she drew me forward both to help with introductions and to explain certain procedures that proved crucial to this story.
As with The Great Divide, Kieran Shanahan’s assistance proved invaluable. Not only did he aid mightily in structuring the legal portion of the book, but it was while bouncing ideas around in his office that several key points finally solidified into something usable. He has become a true ally in the creative process.
Richard Douglas, Chief Counsel for the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, kindly walked me through the political minefield surrounding the Hague Convention and the crisis affecting so-called “left behind” parents. His concise overview was most instructive.
Helen Oliver is far too nice and sensitive a lady to fit the traditional mold of a divorce and custody attorney. But it is precisely these talents which prove so beneficial to her clients and their young charges. I am honored to have had the chance to see the courtroom world through her eyes.
Bill Young is a full-fledged trial attorney. Which means he lives and breathes the courtroom drama on a daily basis; his office hours are from six in the morning until court opens, then from six in the evening onward. The day he walked me through the courtroom process, he faced eleven different trials—a relatively light load.
A number of people went out of their way to assist in making connections for me. I would especially like to thank Jim Hinkle and Ray Denny for opening a number of doors on my account. One of these vital connections was with Brian McClure, former coach at UNC-W and the first head of their downtown redevelopment program. Brian took most of a day off work to drive me around and discuss the strata of Wilmington society. Thanks also to Gene Miller, another new acquaintance, who started where Brian left off.
Stedman Stevens left Wilmington because he had to—tied to a company who made the incredibly foolish move from the port city to Long Island. It took him nine years to return, and it is doubtful that he will ever depart again, or if his family would ever travel with him. He was a great guide. He and his wife, Lisa, are great pals. Thanks, guys. For everything.
Antoinette Williams and her parents, Eva and Carlyle, were grand representatives of Wilmington. This is one of the treasures of the writing life, being granted entry into worlds where I otherwise would probably have no contact. Thanks also to two further contacts that Antoinette made for me, both of whom have enriched this book: Herbert Harris, journalist and author; and Bertha M. Todd, a woman who truly lives to teach.
I only attempted to create the Reverend Deacon Wilbur because of Reuben Blackwell. He has entered elected politics now, and is forced to measure his minutes out like diamonds. Yet he remained not just available, but eager, even when the time simply was not there. Thank you, Reuben, for everything. And thank you, Neva, for letting him.
Duncan MacMillan is a trial attorney who lives and breathes according to courthouse time. A walk from the courtroom to the front plaza required halting for six different trial-related negotiations. Despite this fact, I outlined what I needed and the man not only gave his time, but walked me across the street and forced himself into the office of a former district judge. Together these two gentlemen tackled one of the book’s tough issues and knocked it cold. Masters of the craft, both of them.
André Bishop is Artistic Director of Lincoln Center’s Vivian Beaumont Theater. He kindly walked me through the administrative setup and helped flesh out the character of Kedrick Lloyd. Thanks also to Heinz Neumann, a retired baritone who introduced me to the magic and mystery of Lincoln Center. I am also most appreciative of Harold Grabau’s efforts to keep this story and all its details on proper course. My sincere thanks also go to all the staff at London’s Royal Opera House, who made time for me the opening week of their summer season.
Jeanne Piland is a diva with the Düsseldorf opera. She has sung all over the world, and embodies the greatness that opera offers. She is also the exact opposite of Erin Brandt in all ways except her remarkable beauty. Through her care and guidance, this character and this story came to life.
Dr. Phillip Unwin has been of enormous assistance with a number of my stories, and it is high time I remember to thank him. He has become my resident guru of ailments, and the medical expert that has helped shape so many crucial scenes. My heartfelt thanks go to him and his lovely wife, Claire.
The number of people at Doubleday to whom I am indebted continues to grow. Special thanks, however, must be given to Jason Kaufman, a truly outstanding editor and very fine gentleman. Thanks also to Michelle Rapkin and Don Pape, who remain trusted advisors and dear friends. My heartfelt appreciation also goes to Eric Major, whose guidance has been essential.
One of the great joys of these books remains the insider’s look it has granted me to my father’s legal realm. Thanks, Dad, both for all the assistance you gave, for the wisdom you gladly shared, and for forgiving me for choosing a path in life other than law.
As always, my first and my last thanks go to Isabella, my wife and partner and very best friend.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
T. Davis Bunn was raised in North Carolina, taught international finance in Switzerland, worked in Africa and the Middle East, and was named managing director of an international business advisory group based in Düsseldorf. He is the author of fifteen bestselling novels, including Drummer in the Dark and The Great Divide. He lives in Oxford, England, and Melbourne Beach, Florida, with his wife, Isabella.
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