“Yes.” “I read he was in trouble, but then it turned out he had been falsely

accused. I hope he’s doing well now.” “Very well. Or he was, until now.” Rooney

took a sip of his beverage and sat back. “I take it this has to do with your

mother’s disappearance?” “Yes.” Rooney nodded and glanced at Knox. “Do you work

with John?” “Yes,” said Knox before Puller could interject.

 

Rooney nodded again and folded his hands over his small belly. “It was a long

time ago. Why the sudden interest now?” “Fresh developments. We can’t get into

those, but it has stirred renewed interest in the case.” “And you’re with CID.

Are you investigating this matter officially?” Puller gazed at the retired

priest a bit suspiciously.

 

Rooney smiled. “I spent nearly all my professional life working on military

bases. You get to know the people, the process, how things are done. I had a

great many friends among the CID community, John. You pick up on things.” “I’m

here in a personal capacity, Father Rooney. Knox here is really doing me a

favor.” “And are you with CID as well, Ms. Knox?” She shrugged. “It’s a bit more

complicated than that.” Puller said, “The night my mother went out and didn’t

come back it was described that she was dressed in her Sunday best. St. Mary’s

was within walking distance and she didn’t take the car. I wondered whether she

came to see you.” Rooney took a minute to consider all this before clearing his

throat and saying, “Jackie Puller was devout in her faith. As the wife of a

one-star she was expected to participate in many efforts and organizations at

Fort Monroe, and she did. But the efforts she expended at St. Mary’s came solely

from her faith. I can’t think of one significant undertaking at the church for