‘I’ll let the mortuary technician know we’ve finished, then we’ll be on our way.’

*

Father Chris was quiet on the journey to Southwark. Something was clearly preying on his mind.

‘I can’t stop thinking about how she died . . . helpless, unable to move or shout for help,’ he said after a while.

‘It’s bizarre . . . her body was mummified, and face contorted . . . yet I saw her as I imagined she would be . . . a beautiful young woman who devoted her life to God. Yet, as a man of faith I ask myself: where was her God when she needed him most.’

‘Doesn’t the bible say he moves in mysterious ways?’ Jane offered.

‘Actually, it doesn’t,’ he said. ‘The words are from a poem called “Light Shining out of Darkness” by William Cowper, encouraging us to trust God’s greater wisdom in the face of inexplicable tragedies.’

‘As you can probably tell,’ Jane admitted, ‘I’m not very religious. But I do believe we will find the person responsible for her death.’

‘Really, after all this time?’ he asked.

‘I’ve a good success rate investigating murders, and believe me, I don’t give in easily,’ Jane assured him.

‘I’m sorry for being so gloomy. I have every faith in you succeeding,’ he said.

‘Can I ask you something about the nun?’

‘Of course. I don’t have a problem talking about her, although seeing her lifeless body brought back some sad memories.’

Jane thought it best not to ask about those memories. ‘When a nun dies of natural causes and is placed in a coffin, would her hands be put in a praying position like you did earlier?’

‘Yes, usually with a wooden cross placed in the hands.’

‘What about rosary beads?’

‘Sometimes they’re wrapped around the hands. Why do you ask?’

‘Barry May said the nun’s hands were clasped together like that when he opened the coffin. A wooden cross and rosary beads were in her hands. It’s possible someone religious did that after she was killed.’

Father Chris was taken aback. ‘Are you suggesting someone connected to the convent killed her?’

‘I can’t rule it out.’

‘I’ve never heard of a case where a priest, a nun or anyone connected with a religious order committed murder. Have you?’ he asked bluntly.

‘No, but that’s not to say it’s never happened.’

‘It could have been a layperson who worked at the convent who killed her,’ he suggested.

‘Would a convent employ laypeople?’ Jane asked.

‘Of course, especially if building or electrical work needed to be done.’

‘Then the diocese might have records or receipts regarding any work of that kind.’

‘Let’s hope they do,’ he said.

Chapter Twelve

CHAPTER TWELVE

Approaching the Elephant and Castle roundabout, Jane asked Father Chris for directions to the archbishop’s house.