I ran into Sister Agatha almost immediately. She looked scared to death. She must have heard the sounds outside.

“Oh, dear child. We tried to call you. I was preparing to leave to visit my family out of town, but I’m so glad the Lord brought us together first.”

I blinked at the onslaught. “What?”

“Father David was attacked last night. He’s in the hospital. Didn’t you check your messages?”

I shook my head, feeling numb. I had thought the missed unknown call had been another telemarketer. “Is he okay?” I asked, mind racing. “Take me to him. Please.” Roland couldn’t visit him. I was all he had. I needed to know what happened.

“Of course, child. I’ll take you myself.”

Thankfully, she had parked out front. She took my fear of the Demon as merely a result of the shock of hearing that Father David was hurt. I didn’t dissuade her, and didn’t see any Demons waiting for me. We reached St. Luke’s Hospital in less than five minutes since it was practically across the street, and were standing outside his room only minutes after parking. The waiting room had held several familiar faces, all from the church. They nodded sadly at me as I raced past them.

The nurse assessed me, glanced at the Sister beside me, and seemed to deem me trustworthy. “He was severely beaten early this morning. Luckily, the janitor found him in his office. He was awake, but delirious. He’s sleeping now, but I think he will make a swift recovery. He did sustain some serious damage to his ribs.” I nodded, lips tight as she opened the door. “Do not wake him.”

“Has… has he said anything?”

She studied me, deciding if I needed to know that information. The Sister’s presence sold her, because she answered as I stared at his motionless form. “He kept repeating help her, and I’m so sorry, Father.” She glanced at him, shaking her head. “Like I said, head trauma can bring about the most bizarre statements. I once heard a man — fully awake — telling me it was of vital importance that he speak to President Hoover. This was last year,” she shook her head sadly. “Don’t worry child. We’ll look after him. He needs rest to heal.”

Sister Agatha was sobbing beside me, clutching her rosary as she prayed under her breath.

“Thank you.”

“As long as you can be as considerate as the other guest he had, I’ll let you go in to see him.”

I was suddenly standing directly in front of her, holding her upper arm. “He had another guest?”

The startled look on her face slowly morphed to an understanding, but still displeased look at me gripping her arm. “Yes. Shortly after he arrived. A young man. He was here long enough to pray beside him, and then left. I watched him the entire time. You aren’t the only one to love this man,” she added softly.

I nodded, releasing her. “I’m sorry. This is just… unbelievable,” I whispered. Had it been Nate? Surely the Demon hadn’t come by. She had said a young man, but there weren’t any young men that worked for the church. A relative?

I realized the nurse had left, so I slowly approached Father David, wondering what the hell I was going to tell Roland, and how it was related to my troubles. Could it be a simple theft? I asked Sister Agatha this, feeling her standing behind me, still murmuring her prayers.

“The office was in shambles, and although the donation box was left untouched, several of the golden crosses Father David adored were missing from his desk. The police will find out for sure.”

I nodded, taking one last look at Father David. His face was scratched and bruised, and he had a bandage wrapped around his temples. “Can you have the police watch over him?”

“I will ask.”

“Thank you. Can you take me back, please?”

“Yes, my dear,” she said, placing an arm around my shoulders and guiding me away. I would call Roland on the way home. He had to know about this. Immediately.

Theft? Or the Demon?

I had no idea, but I did have suspicions…