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ashamed and don’t worry about detaching yourself from him again. This is a unique case. God has sent you this test. I’m sure you’re aware that He is answering many prayers at the same time.”
    Catherine nodded, marveling at the Holy Mother’s wisdom. Honesty and love had always been the older woman’s way. When Catherine had entered the novitiate, she’d told her, “A nun is not an unhappy spinster, but an eager, joyful bride of Christ. Anything less offered to the Bridegroom would not be sufficient, nor would it make for a good nun. Right now your mission is one of an administering angel to a sick child who wants nothing more than to see you again.”
    “Thank you, Holy Mother.” She kissed her hand, then raised her head. “Commander Norwood wants to get back to Michael right away.”
    “Of course. I wish I could spare a sister to go with you, but the convent is severely understaffed with all the children here right now. I’ve given the matter some thought. Since the drive back to Norwood is reasonably short, I see no reason why you can’t go with them as soon as you’ve packed.
    “You’re going to be on your own for a time, and no one knows how long that will be. But you’ll never be alone, my child, not if you pray for the Holy Spirit to attend you. You’ll be in my prayers day and night. There’s a chapel in the hospital there. Attend to your Holy Office whenever it’s possible. I trust in your basic goodness and wisdom, your instincts. There are no precedents to follow in this situation, Catherine. Do you understand that?’
    “Yes.” She nodded, suddenly frightened.
    “Remember you can call here day or night if you should need anything. Don’t forget. This mission of yours is holy. Treat it with respect and reverence, and you can never doubt that God approves. Go along now and prepare for your journey.”
    “Bless you. “ Catherine sank to her knees and kissed the ring on the holy woman’s finger a second time.
    While the Holy Mother went back to her office to discuss certain matters with the Norwoods, Catherine hurried to the dormitory to assemble the few items she would need. She made a detour into Michael’s old room and pulled something from the drawer that had been left as an oversight. She put it in the large pocket of her habit to be given back at a later date.
    With satchel in hand, Catherine stepped out from the somber passageway into the courtyard. The warm sun fell on her face, stinging her eyes and blurring her vision of the Holy Mother and the brothers conversing near the dark blue automobile.
    “Sister?” the older woman said, taking Catherine in her arms for a brief embrace. “Godspeed and a safe journey. Michael will recover. Never fear.”
    Though Catherine felt small and alone, and thought how easy it would be to run back inside and shun the world, the Holy Mother’s prophecy gave her new faith.
    As for Jeffrey Norwood, he’d climbed in the car and had started the engine. She couldn’t look at him without seeing Michael’s precious face and that’s all it took to strengthen her resolve. His father wss impatient to be on his way.
    Philip stood on the other side and opened the door so she could climb in the back seat. She settled against the plush upholstery. How incongruous she appeared against such a backdrop. In seconds they were off.
    Once they reached the open road, he pressed on the accelerator. It was apparent to Catherine he was very adept at handling a car at high speeds. She knew that skilled, experienced hands were on the wheel. He was a brave man to have gone after all those helpless men and children floating about in storm tossed seas.
    Holy Mother had allowed her to read the news clippings concerning the rescues. Michael was proud of his father as well, even if he didn’t quite understand the magnitude of the circumstances. It was strange to be riding in the car with this man after hearing about him for so many months.

CHAPTER THREE
     
    Jeffrey