Rory's Promise

by Michaela MacColl

  In the hallway, Rory turned on Ramon. “You can't just give away children like that!” she said accusingly.

  Ramon put his hands on Rory's shoulders. “Rory, the children will be well taken care of. These aren't bad people, just desperate. They'll cherish the babies as much as Elena and I will cherish you and Violet.”

  “But they won't be raised Catholic,” Rory reminded him. “And that's what Sister Anna cares about.”

  “But the rest will be saved and your Sister Anna can place them wherever she likes.” He sighed loudly. “I've done my part. Now it is up to you. You must explain to your Sister Anna what has happened.”

  Rory felt ill. “What about you? I thought you would come with me.” Her voice faltered. “I can't face her alone.”

  Ramon shook his head. “I have to take Elena and Violet somewhere safe.”

  “What about me?” Rory asked in a panic, clutching his sleeve. “You said we're a family now. You can't leave without me!”

  His chuckle put her fears to rest. “Stay with the Sisters until the last minute. I have a bad feeling they may need you. Collect your and Violet's belongings. I'll fetch you at the train. I promise.”

  She looked deep into his brown eyes and knew she could trust him. “All right,” she said.

  In exact detail, he told her where he would be waiting, out of sight. “Can you get away without being seen?”

  Rory nodded.

  “Don't look so worried,” he said. “It's almost over. This time tomorrow we'll be on our way to Mexico.” He held out his arms and she stepped into his embrace.

  Against his rough coat, Rory muttered, “All I have to do is convince Sister Anna to sacrifice sixteen children. Easy as pie.”

  CHAPTER Thirty-Five

  RORY TOOK THE STAIRS TWO STEPS AT A TIME. AFTER EVERYTHING that had happened today, the stairs seemed steeper and Rory couldn't catch her breath at first. Panting, she knocked at the Sisters’ door. Sister Eileen opened the door a crack then wide open when she saw Rory.

  Mr. Swayne had turned up. He was slumped on the sofa. Rory spared him a glance. Although he had shaved and changed his clothes, his face was haggard and his eyes were bloodshot.

  “There's a crowd down on the street.” Sister Anna stood at the window.

  “They're here for Father Mandin … and you, Mr. Swayne,” Rory said in a hurry. She didn't have much time. “Sister, we need to talk. There's someone who can help us.”

  “Yes, the judge. The sheriff has to listen to him.” Sister Anna spoke as if it were a rote fact, like the way Rory had learned her multiplication tables.

  “But Sister …”

  “Rory, sit down and have some tea,” Sister Anna ordered. “Have you eaten anything this morning?”

  All at once, Rory realized how hungry she was. Even though precious time was passing, she sat obediently and accepted a piece of buttered bread and a cup of tea.

  Casually, Sister Anna asked, “How is Violet?”

  Sister Anna's words floored her. “How did you know?” Rory asked.

  “Aha!” Sister Anna's eyes gleamed like the old Sister Anna who always knew when the children were up to something. “I knew she wasn't taken with the others!”

  “How did you guess?”

  “If Violet had been kidnapped, you wouldn't be here. You'd be out there searching for her.” After a moment, Sister Anna added, “Where I should be. Those children were in my care.”

  “But it's different for me. I'm only responsible for me and Vi,” Rory protested. “You're responsible for everyone. You have to take care of the children we still have.”

  Sister Anna's face went blank for a moment before she recovered herself. “So where is Violet?”

  “Elena and Ramon have her. I took her place when the posse came to collect her and William.”

  “A good thing you did or else we might have lost her, like the others.” Sister Anna made a brave attempt to act like her usual decisive self. “When this is over, we'll collect Violet and bring the two of you back to New York. I won't make a mistake like this again.”

  Rory hesitated. She had to tell Sister Anna that she wasn't returning to the Foundling but there was a more urgent matter first. She slurped her tea. A soft tap at the door saved her from having to decide what to say next.

  “I hope that's the judge now,” Sister Anna said, standing to answer the door. Mr. Swayne sat up and made a futile attempt to straighten his tie and jacket.

  Mr. Mills filled the doorway. “Sister Anna Michaella Bowen?” he asked.

  Sister Anna nodded warily.

  Rory glared at him. They had agreed she would have an hour to talk to Sister Anna, but Mr. Mills had come after only a few minutes.

  Mr. Mills introduced himself in a voice as slick as his manners. Sister Anna was impressed with him, treating him the same way she did the patrons of the Foundling. Rory rolled her eyes; she knew better. Mr. Mills was a snake in a nice suit.

  “Are you getting enough food?” he asked. “I can arrange for some to be sent up.”

  “Thank you, we would appreciate that.” Sister Anna gestured to Mr. Swayne. “This is the Foundling Hospital's agent, Mr. Swayne.”

  “We met yesterday in Mr. Swayne's room,” Mr. Mills said, his voice flat.

  Mr. Swayne nodded brusquely. There was no love lost between these two.

  “And this is one of my charges, Rory Fitzpatrick.”

  Mr. Mills didn't spare Rory a glance; he went straight to business. “I'm sorry that your visit to Clifton has been so troubled,” Mr. Mills said. “My employers are appalled.”

  “As are we, Mr. Mills,” Sister Anna said wearily. “Thank goodness a judge is on his way. We need some law and order.”

  Mr. Mills hitched his thumbs in his belt loops. “Ah, Sister, the judge arrived an hour ago. He's already ruled.”

  Rory had to restrain herself from going over to Mr. Mills and kicking him in the shins. He had known about the judge all along but hadn't told them. Well, on further thought, what difference did it make now?

  Sister Anna straightened. “Without hearing our side?”

  “The town got to him first,” Mr. Mills said, shrugging.

  Mr. Swayne leaned back in his chair and put his head in his hands. “What did he say?”

  “He refused to issue adoption papers for the children who were … shall we say reclaimed?”

  “Of course he did,” Sister Anna said triumphantly. “Those people kidnapped our children at gunpoint. They can't be legally adopted, not without my permission.”

  “Which you wouldn't consider giving by any chance?” Mr. Mills leaned back against the mantel.

  “Absolutely not!” Sister Anna raised her voice. “I won't leave Clifton until we've retrieved each and every child. Did the judge order the town to bring the children back?”

  “I'm afraid not. He wasn't willing to stand up to a roomful of angry mothers.”

  “That's not a judgment at all,” Sister Anna exclaimed in frustration. “I still don't have the children, but they can't legally keep them.”

  “We are at an impasse,” Mr. Swayne said, his voice muffled by his palms.

  Mr. Mills shook his head. “A dangerous impasse. The crowd downstairs is in an ornery mood.” He glanced at Swayne. “Sister, we should continue our discussion without Mr. Swayne here.”

  “I won't leave Sister Anna,” Mr. Swayne protested.

  At Sister Anna's shoulder, Rory whispered, “Listen to him, Sister. Mr. Swayne shouldn't hear this next part.”

  Sister Anna considered Rory, then Mr. Mills. “Mr. Swayne,” she said. “Please excuse us for a moment.”

  “But …”

  “I insist,” Sister Anna said in her no-nonsense tone.

  “If you say so,” Mr. Swayne muttered as he went into the other room and shut the door with a bang.

  “Now, Mr. Mills, what do you have to say that you cannot say in front of Mr. Swayne?”

  “Sister, that crowd is out for Swayne's and the pr
iest's blood. If they don't leave soon, and I mean today, they're dead men,” Mr. Mills said. “I can get them out, so long as my price is met.”

  “Your price?” Sister Anna asked, suspicious. “What do you want in return for helping us?”

  Mr. Mills lifted his eyebrows at Rory. “You haven't told her?”

  “You didn't give me a chance—you were supposed to wait an hour,” Rory said sourly.

  Sister Anna looked at Rory, slowly shaking her head.

  Rory hurried to say, “Sister, you don't understand. Mr. Mills's plan can save Mr. Swayne and Father Mandin.”

  Mr. Mills nodded. “I get your men to El Paso tonight and you give me the two kids—Rory, what are their names?”

  “Frank and Lynn,” Rory said faintly, afraid to meet Sister Anna's eyes.

  “Absolutely not,” Sister Anna said. “Rory, I'm ashamed that you would even consider it. Mr. Mills, regardless of what that crowd has accused us of, we do not barter children!”

  “But what about Mr. Swayne? He has a family. Are you going to make them orphans?” Rory entreated. “And don't nuns have to protect priests?” At least the incompetent ones, she added under her breath. She hadn't forgotten that this was all Father Mandin's fault.

  Sister Anna's fingernails dug into her palms. “We are sworn to protect the children, not trade them away.”

  “The kids will have a good home—you don't need to worry about that,” Mr. Mills said. “The couple I have in mind is educated and well-to-do.” With a glance at his pocket watch, he said, “Sister, I don't want to rush you. But the train to El Paso leaves soon and I've got a powerful lot of arranging to do.”

  Sister Anna held up her hand and said, “Give me a moment.” She took out her rosary and closed her eyes. Her mouth moved in a silent prayer.

  Rory tapped her foot. Was this really the time to pray? Did Sister Anna think God would suddenly appear with a better option? Mr. Mills walked to the window and drew back the curtains to look at the street. Finally Sister Anna took a deep breath and turned back to Mr. Mills. “If I should agree, what happens?”

  “My men will escort Swayne and the priest to the train.”

  “And the crowd?”

  “Everyone in that crowd depends on me for their livelihood. They'll do as I say. And if they get a mite excited, my men are armed.”

  “Oh my.” Sister Anna fanned her face.

  “Tell Swayne to get the priest and meet me in room 220 in a quarter of an hour.” Mr. Mills walked to the door. “Afterwards I'll come back and we'll discuss getting you and the other children out of town.”

  “We won't leave without the missing children,” Sister Anna said flatly.

  Mr. Mills shook his head. “Your dedication does you credit, Sister. But you aren't ever going to see those thirteen children again. Do you want to lose the rest?”

  “Of course not. But …”

  “There are no buts, ma'am. You can save the kids you've got left or lose them all.” He opened the door. Looking back, he eyed Rory meaningfully. “Explain it to her.”

  Sister Anna and Rory were alone. Rory opened her mouth, but Sister Anna held up a hand. “Not one word, Rory Fitzpatrick.”

  Sister Anna went to the adjoining room. Rory heard Mr. Swayne's voice protesting, woven in with Sister Anna's best “nun voice” telling him what to do. He didn't want to leave the Sisters. But Sister Anna was firm. After a few minutes, he hurried out without any farewells.

  “So, Rory, you've been busy, haven't you?” Sister Anna asked bitterly once they were alone. “Was this exchange your idea?”

  “No, it was Ramon's,” Rory admitted. “But I finally agreed because it was the only way to keep you all safe. And the children will have a good home. Isn't that why we're here?”

  “A good Catholic home, Rory,” Sister Anna said.

  “Sometimes we can't have both. We have to accept what we can get,” Rory whispered then fell silent. What else was there to say?

  Sister Anna fell into her armchair. “Those children were already abandoned by their parents,” she cried. “I can't desert them too.”

  “You have to,” said Rory. “At least for now. But when you get to New York, you can fight for them. You have to be sensible, not proud, Sister.”

  Sister Anna ran her rosary through her hands, thinking hard. “Do you think Mr. Mills can get us safely to our train?” she asked, and Rory knew she had accepted the inevitable.

  Rory nodded. “Mr. Mills is the most important man in town. He can deliver what he promises.”

  “And what payment will he expect?”

  Rory didn't like the bitterness in her voice. “Just one child. Mr. Mills wants a boy for a doctor friend. I thought Johnnie would do.”

  “May God have mercy on my soul,” Sister Anna said faintly.

  Rory was quick to reassure her. “I'm sure He will,” she said.

  CHAPTER Thirty-Six

  RORY AND SISTER ANNA SAT IN AN UNCOMFORTABLE SILENCE. Before Rory could work up the nerve to tell Sister Anna that she and Violet were going to Mexico, a rumble of voices echoed in the hallway. Without a word, they both went to the door and peeped out. The corridor was filled with half a dozen white women speaking in very loud voices. They were all familiar from the train station, but to Rory's relief, Mrs. Gatti was not there.

  They saw Sister Anna. “Where are the children?” they demanded.

  “Close the door, Rory,” Sister Anna ordered.

  Rory slammed it shut, but before she could adjust the bolt, the door crashed open and the women rushed in. “Where are you hiding the children?” asked the first woman through the doorway. Without hesitating, Rory leapt in front of Sister Anna, her fists raised the way she had learned long ago in Hell's Kitchen.

  Sister Anna shouted, “Get out of my room this instant!” But for once, her authority failed her. The women paid her no attention except to pepper her with more questions.

  “Where are the babies?” shouted one of the women. Another pushed forward, her hands on her hips, saying,

  “We won't be leaving without the children.”

  The leader of the group said, “It's our duty to save all of them.” Three other women flanked her, waiting for orders.

  “You tell them, Mrs. Johnson,” said the first woman through the door.

  “You can't have them,” Sister Anna declared. “These children are in my care and I decide where they are placed.”

  “If you care about the children, you'll let us take them,” Mrs. Johnson said loudly.

  “I don't care how much you shout.” Sister Anna stood firm. “My responsibility is to God and these children. I'll not jeopardize their immortal souls by placing them with heathens.”

  “Heathens are we?” Mrs. Johnson screeched. “I'll show you heathens.” She advanced with her fingers out like claws.

  Before her nails could reach Sister Anna's eyes, Rory dropped her shoulder and rammed Mrs. Johnson in the stomach. They both tumbled to the floor. Rory was quicker to her feet. “Sister Anna,” Rory said in a voice meant to be heard. “Send word to Sister Eileen to lock the church doors.”

  “The church?” For a moment Sister Anna was confused, then she quickly understood. “That's not necessary. These women wouldn't dare violate a church!”

  “The kids aren't here?” asked Mrs. Johnson.

  “Do you see them?” challenged Rory.

  “Ladies, to the church!” Mrs. Johnson stormed out.

  As the women started to leave, Sister Anna said, “Rory, go tell Mr. Mills about this.” She paused. “Let him know I agree to his terms but the deal is off if anything like this happens again.”

  When Rory returned to the Sisters’ rooms the intruders were gone. She slipped inside and found Sister Anna packing her small traveling case.

  “Your Mr. Mills is very effective,” Sister Anna said. “He must be an excellent manager. I can't help but wonder if he sent those women here to convince me.”

  Rory was silent; she had the same suspic
ions.

  “Did Mr. Swayne and Father Mandin get on the train?” Sister Anna asked.

  Rory nodded.

  “Good,” Sister Anna said with satisfaction.

  “So you're going back to New York?”

  “What choice do I have?” Sister Anna asked bitterly. “I have to answer to the Foundling. And I can't justify losing all the children because I wanted to stay for the ones who were kidnapped.”

  “Once you're in New York …”

  “Then I'll bring all the legal and moral weight of the Foundling Hospital against this godless, immoral town.” Sister Anna straightened to her full height—she looked unstoppable. Rory grinned. The town of Clifton didn't stand a chance once Sister Anna got back to her home ground. Rory wandered about the room, picking up small personal items and bringing them to Sister Anna.

  “Shouldn't you be packing your own luggage?” Sister Anna asked, with a sidelong glance at Rory.

  This was it. Rory took a deep breath and said deliberately, “I'm staying here with Violet.”

  Sister Anna stretched her stiff back. “I thought you might be.”

  “You did? How?” Rory exclaimed. “I didn't know until this morning!”

  “It was your plan to go with Violet all along. Wherever she went.”

  “Sister!” Rory was dismayed and admiring at the same time.

  “The Martinezes are good people,” mused Sister Anna. “I could see that at our first meeting. Devout, kind, and hardworking. I couldn't choose better. Elena Martinez was the woman who wanted red-haired children, you know.”

  Rory remembered that day back in Sister Anna's office. It felt like a hundred years ago.

  “It almost seems as though God intended you to go with them.” Sister Anna reached up and tucked a stray red hair of her own back under the bonnet. She closed the case and buckled it shut. “But will the town let her keep you and Violet?”

  “Ramon is going to take us to live with his family in Mexico.” Rory crossed her fingers and waited for Sister Anna to explode.

  “Mexico?” Sister Anna's voice shook. “That's too far.”

  “Not so much farther than Arizona,” Rory pointed out. “And it's very Catholic.”