Free When I Knew You by Desireé Prosapio Page B

it. Then he called me a week ago—"
    "What? He called last week?" I thought of my mother on the tape, her memory starting to slip right about then.  
    Father Vincent nodded. "Out of the blue. He was very upset. Wouldn't tell me why." He lifted one end of the envelope, his fingers lingering over the shiny packing tape, pushing down on a tip that had curled up. "He wanted to know exactly where I'd put it." His eyes met mine. "He said 'Katarina will be by to pick it up soon.' And here you are." He paused, then pushed the envelope toward me purposefully. "I imagine there's something pretty important in here."
    Trust no one, Katarina.
    "I don't really know. But I appreciate you taking care of it all this time." I reached across the desk and took the envelope. It was light as if it contained only air. I rose, painfully aware of my sore back and rib.
    Father Vincent looked disappointed, then rose from his chair. Maybe he hoped I'd open it in front of him. "If you need anything, let us know."
    "I will. Thanks again."
    The phone on his desk buzzed. He reached over and pressed a blinking button on the phone.  
    "Father? There's a man here to see you."
    Father Vincent reached over and pressed a button. "I'm almost done, Rosa."
    I smiled my thanks and began to move toward the door, giving a little wave before reaching for the wrought iron handle.
    "Okay." Rosa's voice over the intercom got softer. "He said it's about Antonia."
    I froze, my hand inches away from the handle. My hand began to shake and I stepped back away from the door. Father Vincent was pale, his eyes wide. The shaking in my hand was extending to my arm as I pulled the envelope to my chest and desperately surveyed the room for another door. There was one, just to the right of his desk. He nodded and waved me to it, then returned to the phone.
    "Thanks, Rosa. Just a moment."

    The adjacent room was small with a tiny window and full-length mirror, the scent of incense heavy in the air. Along one wall was a collection of robes, gold, purple, blood red, and the fabric looked heavy. Bright brocade trimmed the sleeves of a few, others were plain, about half of the robes draped down to the floor while the other half looked like they belonged on children. Directly across there was a small wooden bookshelf and a hard chair. There was no other door.
    I held the envelope to my chest and stood against the wall to one side of the door. I heard Father Vincent talking again.
    "Rosa, I'll be right out..."
    There was some commotion and I heard the door in the other room creak open to the protests of a woman.  
    "It's fine, I'll just take a minute..." another man's voice boomed.
    I felt pinned in place. Eliah. It was Eliah.  
    I closed my eyes and worked to calm my breathing. It was possible I was overreacting. Maybe he was here because he ... needed spiritual counseling. He couldn't possibly know my mother. Maybe Abuela had called him. Maybe he was trying to help.
    "I'm sorry, sir," Father Vincent's voice rose to meet Eliah's. "I was tied up for a moment. Is something wrong?"
    "Yes, yes, there is something wrong. I'm looking for Father Henry."
    My blood went cold. How did Eliah know about Father Henry?
      "I'm sure Rosa told you he retired two years ago. Is there something I can help you with?"
    A chair creaked in the other room, then I heard pacing. "I really need to find him," Eliah said. "It's for a dear friend."
    "I'm not sure I understand," said Father Vincent. "Do you know Antonia?"
    "No, no, but I know her daughter. Katarina." I heard Eliah's voice break as if he was choking back a sob. What the hell?
    "Are you all right?" Father Vincent sounded concerned.
    "It's just that there was a fire and Katarina..." Eliah's voice faded.
    "It's okay son. Take your time."
    "Thank you... It's just so awful."
    Did he think I was dead? If he started the fire, he had to know I wasn't in there. Unless he didn't bother to look, figuring the pills he gave me would have knocked me out.  
    Eliah