"You know, Assumpta, I think this international cuisine agrees with this crowd." Soibhan continued, "I wouldn't have guessed it.
But look at it! There's hardly a spoonful in any pan to take home!"

"Well, of course it does! We're such a cosmopolitan lot!" Brendan added with a faint sarcastic smile. "Actually I think it's the
‘carry-in' quality not the international flavor that appeals to Assumpta. I don't know when you've looked happier, Assumpta.
And all just because you're not volleying between kitchen and bar all night."

Assumpta nodded. "There ya go."

"What you need then," Siobhan proceeded, "is some dependable kitchen help."

Peter had edged towards the conversation, and on hearing Siobhan's comment could hardly suppress his smirk. He stole a
glance to Assumpta who was experiencing the same problem.

Bending down she grabbed a tub of glasses. "You've hit it dead on, Siobhan!" She replied as she started for the kitchen.

Brendan who was well loosened by this point in the evening turned to Peter. "Hey you've got the trophy, there must be some
latent culinary talent there. You might be just what this place needs!" Brendan looked down in his glass and started laughing out
loud. "A priest and a publican! At least if anyone dies while waiting for service they can have last rites!"

Padraig nodded and added. "I just hope he confines himself to the kitchen. I like the waitstaff to be better lookin!' No offense,
Father!"

"No argument from me." Peter started feeling a bit awkward as Brendan's innocent tease continued and began to mill around
the room.

As Assumpta set the tub on the counter the phone rang and she answered it. "Fitzgerald's"

"May I speak with Assumpta McGarvey please?" McGarvey? What on earth....Assumpta answered, "Speaking."

"This is St. Mary's hospital in Dublin calling. My name is Cassie Morris and I'm the admitting nurse in the trauma ward. Your
husband has been in a road accident this evening Mrs. McGarvey. He was conscious when the paramedics arrived and asked
them to contact you. We found your phone in his wallet. Your husband is the operating room presently and his attending
physician recommends that you and any other family come to the hospital promptly. His condition is critical. If he has other
family members, parents, brother or sisters, that need to be notified, I'd be happy to contact them for you."

The nurse waited for some response. "Mrs. McGarvey? Mrs. McGarvey?"

"Uhhh. Yes let me get his parent's phone. They have a business and spend a lot time in England. I don't know if you'll be able to
reach them." Assumpta fumbled through her address book, gave the nurse the number and her assurance that she would be
heading to Dublin immediately.

Peter wandered over to Assumpta who faced away from the bar. A sinking feeling struck him as he approached. Something
was wrong. He placed a hand on her shoulder and she slowly looked up at him. A cold chill ran through her and she leaned into
him, oblivious to some curious looks from Brian, Ambrose, and Niamh. Peter guided her into the privacy of the kitchen. Her
expression was alarming him. "What's the matter?"

"Leo was in an accident. Road accident. I don't know what happened yet.... I really don't know anything. But the hospital
called me. They called," her composure was rapidly deteriorating, "they called Mrs. McGarvey, Peter! That's who they called.
That's who...." She placed her hand on her mouth. Peter felt like the world was crumbling down around him. He stroked her
hair and closed his eyes tight. So tight that he hoped to shut out the harsh reality that was penetrating them both. "Sh.. Sh.." He
drew her in his arms. "I love you."

Niamh entered the kitchen to find Assumpta and standing very close with Peter's hand on her arm. Niamh was picking up very
strong and peculiar vibrations. She wasn't sure what it was about but she felt certain she had chosen the wrong moment to enter
the room.

As she started to step back into the bar Peter saw her in the corner of his eye and spoke."Niamh! You can come in." A bit
embarrassed but he acted on his instincts that either bravado or secrecy from Niamh would be equally unnecessary and
unhelpful. "What's the matter?" Niamh asked.

"Leo. Leo's been in an accident. A bad one. As soon as I get myself collected I have to head up to Dublin. St. Mary's."
Assumpta stated with a quavering voice. "They couldn't tell me anything else."

Niamh looked incredulously at them. "You're not going to drive up there alone I hope!"

"I'm taking her," Peter said matter-of-factly.

"No, Peter." She shook her head. She knew that being with Peter would only elevate her emotions. It was more than she could
handle. Even though she desperately wanted his company, a very strong voice within her screamed for solitude and she knew
she must heed it.

"Assumpta..." He began to protest.

"Peter I need to be alone. Please!"

He hated the thought of Leo right now and Assumpta's legal or, worse, spiritual obligation to him. He couldn't just sit back and
let her go, yet he understood her need to sort herself out alone before she got there. He knew in his gut she was right. Typically
Peter was the best man you could find to have at your side in a crisis. Not this evening, not this crisis. And was she even in any
shape to drive herself? She was visibly distraught. Peter looked flushed and almost as distressed as Assumpta.

"How about letting Niamh drive you?" he asked.

Niamh was at a loss for seeing the logic here. She was more than glad to drive her friend to Dublin tonight, but if Peter offered
why did neither of them think it a good idea? It is after all, a priestly duty to go to hospitals and be present when tragedy
strikes. Unless of course the tragedy involves the woman who the priest is love with, then maybe it's not such a good idea.
Niamh had made a choice long ago that the notion of Assumpta and Peter together was absurd no matter what she witnessed
to the contrary. She held onto it with unshakable conviction, as though all heaven itself rested on the fact. She wanted to believe
it was simply a a strong friendship between them, nothing more. But everything she'd seen in the last five minutes conveyed a
different story. It was harder with each moment to think otherwise.

Assumpta straightened up. "No. You know what? I really don't feel too bad. Really. I can drive myself, thanks. I'll call when I
get there. I'll be fine. I really would like to be alone with my thoughts. OK?" The question was a mere formality; she was not
asking for either of their approval. She looked earnestly at Peter then at Niamh.

Niamh's face went grave with thoughts of the worst possibilities concerning Leo. "But what about once you get there? You
don't know what you're going to find, how he's going to be...."

"Niamh, thanks, but you don't know how this is catching me." As she continued she looked at Peter, "I do want to be alone, at
least at first. If I need support, from either of you, I'll let you know. I'll call," she added with force and certainty.

"And give a call when you get there." Peter asked.

"I will, I promise." Her expression softened for a moment. Peter and Assumpta seem to be talking to each other around her. It
was something that made her feel a bit like a child whose parents were talking over her head. Niamh saw the undeniable truth
of their relationship unveiled in these few exchanges.

"Time is wasting." Assumpta grabbed her purse and jacket from the counter where she had tossed them earlier. She looked at
Peter and then looked down and somberly spoke, "Say a prayer." She returned her friends gazes and added, "both of ya."

Niamh clapped onto her friend with a strong embrace. "We will. Drive careful now."

Peter teetered uneasily towards her then halted. "Assumpta...." As he spoke her name his heart welled with love and he gave
her a steady smile.

His message was not lost on her. "I know." and for the first time since she had received the phone call she smiled. "I'll call," and
she headed for the door.

There was going to be plenty of clean up to do. An hour before Peter had been looking forward to the moment when
Assumpta would lock the door and they could at last spend sometime alone together. It would have been their first evening
enjoying each other's company as a couple, even if it was doing dishes and emptying ash trays. "I guess we should get busy," he
said over his shoulder to Niamh.

The group had thinned out a little in the short period they had been in the kitchen. Ambrose had gone home to releave the
babysitter; Eamonn had left. So had Father Mac and Mike Ryan. The others were still there. Shamey, Brian, Padraig, and
Soibhan were playing a hand of poker. Liam, Donal and Brendan looked on. Shamey laughed loudly at Padraig's quips as
Peter and Niamh bussed the bar and the tables. Brendan called over, "Isn't that just like management? To take off without
tidying up? Where'd she head off to anyway?"

Niamh was quick to answer. "Leo was in a road accident tonight. She got a call to go to St. Mary's Hospital. She doesn't
know any details, just that he's in surgery."

"How bad is it? Any idea?" asked Brendan.

"Well they're calling in the family to get there immediately." Peter sighed. "It doesn't sound very good. But they weren't able tell
her much."

"Oh my God, that's awful!" Soibhan said and looked up to Peter. "Peter, what we can do?"

"Pray." Peter said in an absent voice. Then he considered Assumpta's request as she left and realized what needed to happen
next. "We can go to the church is what we can do." Peter headed out the door, "Feel free to join me."

Upon entering he saw Fr. Mac and Michael rising from their knees. "Father Clifford, I hoped you would join us." Adding with a
slight frown, "I thought you'd be here more directly."

"You know?"

"Assumpta came out of Fitzgerald's just after we did, quite jumpy! Michael asked her what was the matter and she gave us a
hasty explanation. On hearing the news we came in to say a prayer and light a candle."

The sound of footsteps and chatter followed behind Peter as the rest from Fitzgerald's made their way into the church.

"Perhaps, Father, you would be good enough to lead us in a prayer?" Peter asked the elder priest as the remainder of the group
from Fitgerald's filed into the church.

Father Mac could see that Peter was quite distressed and understood the nature of the problem better than anyone else in the
room.

"Very well," he agreed. As the priest moved to the front of the church he turned to others still filing into the pew and addressed
them as he opened his Missile. "Let us offer a prayer for our brother, Leo McGarvey."

Peter knelt in a pew along side the others. "And for Assumpta Fitzgerald," he thought, "And for me."

"Lord have mercy. Christ have mercy," echoed through the sanctuary.
 

"Peter, make sure Assumpta doesn’t blame herself if Leo doesn’t make it. The way the two of you feel about each other didn’t
cause this."

Father Mac strides down the aisle "Father Clifford, we need to talk."

"I’m sorry Father but now is not the time."

Peter turns back to Siobhan, takes her hand and smiles, "I’ll be there for her Siobhan, thank you." He kisses her lightly on the
cheek and sprints out into the torrential rain.

Angry Father Mac shouts after him, "Father Clifford, I said I want to talk to you, now."

Huddled together under his umbrella Brendan asks Siobhan, "What was that all about?" Siobhan puts her arm through his. "Take me home, I’ll explain everything when I’m warm and dry."

A cheery fire is burning in the grate, Brendan and Siobhan dressed in robes are nestled on her sofa, sipping cocoa. "Now tell
me what that business between Father Mac and Peter was about."

"You really don’t know?"

Brendan shakes his head. "Men are so observant." Siobhan takes Brendan’s hand and places it over her mildly pregnant stomach. "Peter won’t be christening our baby."

"But why?"

"Assumpta."

"Ohhh. Enlightenment dawns."

Peter is making tea in his kitchen when the phone rings. He races to it. "Assumpta?"

"Oh Peter," and she starts to cry. "I love you, Peter."

"I’m on my way."

Niamh is staring gloomily into a mug, sitting at her kitchen table. Ambrose already dressed for bed comes through the door. He
places a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Don’t worry so, Leo is in good hands."

"It’s not Leo I’m worried about. I mean I am worried about Leo but I’m more worried about Assumpta."

"She’ll be fine. You know they were never really close."

"It’s not that. I saw something tonight. It made me realize that there’s something between Assumpta and Peter."

"They are just friends, Niamh good friends."

"Ambrose you saw how she leaned against him after the call. Then they went into the kitchen. When I went in there, there was
something about the way they were standing. It said they were a couple. I don’t know why I didn’t see it before."

"Are you saying that they..."

"No, no I’m not even sure they realize that they are in love."

Peter stops a nurse in the hallway, she points down the hall and he rushes off. He reaches the waiting room and sees Assumpta
sitting with her head in her hands, her hair falling across her face. He has never seen her as small and vulnerable before. Peter
goes down on one knee in front of her. Assumpta! Assumpta looks up, puts her arms around his neck and sobs into his
shoulder. Peter holds her closely.

After a minute the doctor enters, at a loss as how to start he clears his throat. "Mrs. McGarvey?"

"Leo?" Peter and Assumpta stand to face the doctor. Assumpta is trembling, Peter keeps his arm around her shoulder. He is afraid if he lets go she will fall to the floor.

"The best I can say is that he survived the surgery. His age and prior condition are his strongest assets."

Peter tightens his grip on Assumpta’s shoulder. "What are his chances?"

"I’m not going to beat around the bush with you Father. If Mr. McGarvey does regain consciousness his injuries are very
serious. There is considerable swelling to his brain, possible damage to the spinal cord, his heart is badly bruised, his spleen
ruptured and had to be removed. His chances of surviving are small. If he does live he will likely have at least one major
disability." Assumpta buries her face into Peter’s chest. "I’ll give you a minute to collect yourself and then I’ll take you back to
see him."

Peter and Assumpta follow the doctor into Leo’s ICU unit. The only sounds are the ominous swish, thump, swish of the
respirator and the beep-beep-beep of the heart machine. Assumpta is feeling quite sick to her stomach. Each swish thump
swish causes her stomach to lurch.. Leo’s face is swollen, bruised and half hidden by bandages. Peter reaches out and takes
her hand. He feels a chill run through her. "Only a minute." The doctor leaves them.

"Leo, it’s Assumpta. They said you were asking for me. I’ll be here when you wake up."

Peter and Assumpta are sitting on the sofa in the waiting room. It has been a long worrisome night. She has finally fallen to sleep
on Peter’s shoulder. He has been consumed by thoughts of the future. If Leo doesn’t survive. If he does but is seriously
disabled. If he recovers completely. How will each of these affect Assumpta. And through Assumpta himself. And finally the
guilt he is feeling for sitting here holding another man’s wife, wishing the other man had never existed. Peter puts his hand into
his jacket pocket and fingers the clerical collar he removed at Assumpta’s request hours ago.

Two men in dark suits enter the waiting room with a nurse. The nurse points to Assumpta and leaves. The men look at Peter
and Assumpta, and exchange a questioning look. The smaller man touches Assumpta’s arm. "Mrs. McGarvey"

Assumpta and Peter sit more upright. "Is it Leo?"

"No ma’am we’re from the Garda. We’re investigating your husband's accident. What can you tell us about his recent
activities?"

"Nothing."

"Ma’am?"

"We’re separated. I haven’t seen Leo in several months."

Peter doesn’t like the way this is going. "What are these policeman trying to say, what’s this all about?"

"And you are?" Peter takes the clerical collar out of his pocket and puts it on. "Peter Clifford, curate of Ballykissangel."

"Well, Father Clifford, Mrs. McGarvey, we don’t think your husband’s accident was an accident!"

A very distraught older couple enters the waiting room. Assumpta goes quickly to them. "Mr and Mrs McGarvey." The three of
them embrace.
 

"Okay. There are only so many ways a serious one-car accident can happen," holding up four fingers Ambrose counted off, "1. A true accident, like a blown tire or swerving to miss a dog. 2. An impaired driver, drugs or alcohol, even lack of sleep. 3. Foul-play. Leo is a journalist, one of his stories could have come back on him. 4. Suicide."

"Suicide!" exclaimed Niamh.

"It happens more than you think."

Padraig nodded his head, "But why interview Assumpta?"

Finishing his drink Ambrose’s boss said, "The victim’s personal life is always carefully checked."

"Do they know anything yet?" Siobhan asked.

"Only that the car showed no signs of tampering and Mr. McGarvey had no drugs or alcohol in his system." Ambrose’s boss
said as he stood to leave.

Peter sat silently watching Assumpta and Leo’s parents embrace. The muscle in his jaw flexed as resentment briefly flared.
Why had he and Assumpta avoided the truth so long. He felt cheated. His own mother, dead barely a month, should have had
the chance to know Assumpta. He felt certain she would have come to love her. But then, he thought, how could anyone not
love Assumpta. His own innate compassion drowned the tiny spark of jealousy. At least his mother had never had to go
through an ordeal like the McGarveys were about to. Peter stood, checked to make sure his clerical collar was in place before
he joined them. As the embrace broke Peter lightly rubbed his hand across Assumpta’s back for reassurance. There were tears
in her eyes when they met his.

"Mr. & Mrs McGarvey this is Peter Clifford my...My friend from Ballykay."

Peter swallowed hard, ’my friend’. Well how else could she have introduced him, he berated himself. Peter took Mr McGarvey’s hand.

"It was good of you to come Father. Hate to think of Assumpta going through this alone."

The McGarveys sat close together drawing strength from one another, steeling themselves against what they were about to
endure. Almost immediately they were joined by the Garda investigators. They were briefly interviewed but seemed to know
less than Assumpta had. When Dr. Williams joined them Peter stepped behind Assumpta’s chair, discretely laying his hand on
her shoulder. She was trembling. He squeezed gently trying to will her the strength she needed. As Dr. Williams described
Leo’s injuries and his limited prognosis Peter watched the older couple shrink and their world begin to crumble.

Peter waited until Dr. Williams took the McGarveys to see Leo, then he knelt in front of Assumpta and put his arms around
her.

A long ragged sob escaped her, "I don’t think I can bear this."

Peter whispered, "You’re the strongest woman I have ever known Assumpta. I love you."

Assumpta leaned into him. After a moment she took a deep breath and sat up. She put her hand to his face and ran her
fingertips across his cheeks. "Don’t ever leave me," she whispered.

Peter took her hand in his and kissed it.

Hearing footsteps coming down the hall towards them Peter stood but continued to tightly hold Assumpta’s hand. When the
McGarveys returned it was evident that the terrible reality of Leo’s condition had sunk in. Conservation now seemed
impossible. The devastation they were experiencing affected Assumpta strongly. She began to close out the rest of the world.
Only Peter remained real to her.

Niamh rolled over onto her side again. Too many questions ran through her mind to let her sleep. For three years she had
refused to see the obvious. The connection between Assumpta and Peter was more than friendship. Much more. Although she
dearly loved her father, having Brian Quigley for a parent was a bit like walking a tightrope. Since Niamh’s mother’s death
years before Assumpta had been the one unwavering presence in her life. She couldn’t bear the thought of losing her. It was
time she had someone who truly loved her. Peter was such a different consideration than Leo had been. Suppose they had to
go away. Guilt flooded her. Instead of being happy for her friends her first concern had been about herself. Ambrose snuggled
close. His arm pulling her closer to him. Niamh loved to lay this way. It made her feel so safe, so loved. Didn’t they deserve the
same. Peter really was a sweet man. After Ambrose, he was the most reliable man she had ever known. If anyone could ever
make Assumpta happy it would be Peter. Too bad he was a Priest. Ambrose softly nuzzled her neck in his sleep. At peace at
last, her last thoughts before drifting off were of how happy she wanted her friends to be and how she could help.

Another day crawled by, punctuated by five minute visits with Leo every two hours and endless cups of tea. Assumpta sat lost
in a fog, wishing that she and Peter had not returned to Ballykay after their life changing time at the lake. If they hadn’t been at
the bar, the phone call would never have found them. She and Peter, she still couldn’t believe it was true. Why didn’t he just
walk across the room and hold her now? Why didn’t he put the world back on its axis. He couldn’t. He was still wearing the
collar that had come between them so many times before. She was hardly one to talk. She was a married woman, albeit a
reluctant one. That husband's parents were sitting opposite her, waiting for the news that would change all their lives.

Peter felt trapped. He desperately wanted to sit with Assumpta, but somehow the presence of the McGarveys prevented him.
Neither did he feel comfortable in the role of ‘Priest’. He prayed but he no longer possessed the detachment required of a
Priest. Late in the evening the awkwardness of the situation began to wear on Peter. Leaving the window he had been staring
out of he went to where Assumpta sat. He softly laid his hand on hers.

"I’m going to call home."

She acknowledged him with a half-smile so poignant that he felt his heart wrench. There was a phone in the waiting room but
Peter needed some distance. He wandered down several long halls before he found one.

"Fitzgeralds," Niamh answered.

"Niamh, it’s Peter."

"Peter! How’s Leo?"

"No change. The doctor isn’t optimistic."

"How’s Assumpta holding up?"

Wearily Peter said, "I don’t know. It was bad enough before, but since the McGarveys got here she’s a bundle of nerves."

A nurse who had been hurrying down the hall stopped when she heard ‘McGarvey’ and tapped Peter on the back.

"Excuse me, is your name Peter?

"Hold on a minute Niamh," Peter said as he covered the receiver and turned to face the nurse.

"Yes, I’m Peter Clifford."

Realizing for the first time that he’s a priest, "I’m sorry Father" she said. "Young Mrs. McGarvey fainted and when she came
around she just asked me to find Peter."

Quickly Peter said into the phone, "I’ve got to go Niamh, Assumpta just fainted."

Outside an exam room Dr. Williams confided to the overburdened McGarveys and a frantic Peter."The last 48 hours have
been awfully hard on her. I want you to convince her to go home. At least for a few hours."

"She’s not easy to convince."

"If she doesn’t get some rest I’m going to admit her."

Peter looked questioningly at the older couple. Mrs McGarvey took his hand in both of hers.

"He’s right Peter, take that girl home. Leo wouldn’t want ..." tears fell down her cheek. Peter put his arms around her to
comfort her. Mr McGarvey patted his arm.

"You have to take care of Assumpta son."

Peter slipped quietly into the exam room. Assumpta lay on the table, her eyes closed. No one he had ever known could
command his emotions as she did. He leaned over the table.

"Feeling better?" he said as he brushed the hair from her forehead.

She opened her eyes, "I feel like an idiot."

With restraint he leaned his forehead against hers,"What happened?"

"I’m not sure. I was standing there and it suddenly occurred to me. Leo never told them."

"Told who? what?"

"He never told his parents about the divorce. That’s when the floor jumped up and bit me."

Peter looked at her closely and then helped her into a sitting position. He gathered her purse and jacket and said, "Come on,
we’re going home."

"Peter! I can’t!"

"Dr. Williams said we either go home right now or he’s going to admit you and give you something to make you sleep."

Even Dublin had little traffic that time of night. Peter easily navigated the van out of the city. The drive was very quiet. Near
Cilldargen Peter realized that Assumpta was watching him.

"What?"

"You’ve become a very good driver."

"Something else I owe to you." Assumpta rested her head on his shoulder. Near the lake Peter pulled off the road.

"Do you feel up to a little walk?"

"Definitely."

Helping her out of the van Peter pulled her into his arms and held her closely. For the first time since the phone call she felt free.
The moon wasn’t particularly bright but she saw the fatigue etched in Peter’s eyes and the darkening shadow of stubble across
his cheek. He had never been more appealing.

"Was it only Thursday we walked here?"

They stood arm in arm staring at the water for a long time. Peter pulled a small chamois jewelry bag from his pants pocket.

"I meant to give you this after the Food Faire."

Opening the bag, he removed a small heart shaped locket. He turned it over to show her the word ‘BELOVED’ engraved on
the back. As a tear swelled in her eye, she whispered softly "is this from Peter the Priest or Peter the Man???"
 

The moon shone softly on her face. Peter had never seen anyone so beautiful. He reached around her neck and hooked the
locket.

As he leaned forward he whispered, “You are my beloved.” Her arms went about him and they held each other. Then almost as a release from the tension of the last few days, his mouth found hers and the passion that they could no longer hide nor control, swept over them.

At length they came to the surface of their emotions. With her mouth next to his ear she whispered, “I didn’t think it was
possible for me to love anyone as much as I love you.” Those words! He softly kissed her again.

They walked along the shore, the moonlight dancing on the water. Peter said softly, “I need to take you home. Dr. Williams
said you were to go home and rest. And this is hardly resting.”

“My heart is resting,” she replied, laughing. “I know, I know," she said, as he was about to argue with her. She reached for his hand and they started walking back towards the van.

On the way home he held her hand and she leaned her weary head on his shoulder. He was trying not to let reality in. The last
little while had been the most wonderful of his life so far. Yet he knew that circumstances beyond anyone’s control would
decide what happened to his and Assumpta’s relationship. Of course, they loved each other. He knew that. He remembered
what she had just said. “I didn’t think it was possible for me to love anyone as much as I love you.” Yeah, she had said that. He
could hear it over and over in his mind. Echoing through his memory.

Niamh was behind the bar when they walked in. “Assumpta, are you ok?” she asked as she came around to help her into the
kitchen. Assumpta sat down at the table. “How’s Leo,” queried Niamh.

“He’s not doing very well, Niamh. He is in pretty bad shape.”

Suddenly Peter said, “Niamh, Assumpta has to get some sleep. Would you stay here with her?”

She looked from Peter to Assumpta and then back again. “Ah, sure, Father. I’ll just go tell Ambrose and make sure Kieran is settled.”

Niamh went quickly, banging the front door as she left. Peter turned to Assumpta. “Do you want a cup of tea?”

“No, I’ll probably sleep better if I don’t.”she said, putting her face in her hands.

Peter moved over to her and put his hand on her shoulder. “Niamh will be right back, and then I want you to go right to bed. OK!!?” he asked.

She looked up at him with those tired, beautiful eyes. “Yes”, she smiled, “I will.”

He leaned down and kissed her cheek. "I love you,” he whispered.

The phone was ringing. Niamh came to the top of her dream. Her eyes opened. She didn’t know where she was for a moment.
Oh, yeah. She picked up the phone. “Just a minute please.” She went to Assumpta’s door. “Assumpta,” she called, knocking
softly. She turned the knob and opened the door slightly. “Assumpta, someone’s on the phone for you.”

Assumpta turned over and jumped up. “Oh, God,” she cried. Wrapping her robe around her she headed out into the hall.
“Hello. I’m fine. Yes. Okay. Yes, I’ll be there as soon as I can.” She turned to Niamh. “That was Mrs. McGarvey. She said
that Leo woke up this morning and is asking for me. Oh, God, I don’t have my car. I left it there. Peter took me home."

“I’ll..I’ll go get him, you get dressed,” Niamh said as she buttoned her shirt.

As they drove, they were both silent. Each lost in their own world of thoughts. Leo was awake. Peter couldn’t even begin to
think about what that meant. Too many possibilities. The McGarvey’s didn’t know about the divorce. It was all so
overwhelming. God would have to take care of this one. Peter reached for her hand. “No matter what happens, Assumpta, I’ll
be there.” She looked at him. He could see the worry, but he couldn’t read it.

As they parked the car, and got out, she reached back in for her coat. She looked up, and noticed the man in the next car. She
recognized the car as the one parked outside the pub last night, when they got home. She had a passing curiosity, but she had a
lot on her mind.

The sound of footsteps echoed along the quiet hallways. They got to the waiting room. Mrs. McGarvey was there waiting for
them. “Oh I’m so glad you are here, Assumpta. And you too, Father. Samuel went home at about 4:00, but I wanted to stay.
I’ll go get the nurse.” She left and Assumpta looked at Peter. She didn’t say anything, and neither did he. The nurse returned
and took Assumpta with her.

Peter went over to Mrs. McGarvey. “You look like you could use some sleep, as well,” he said.

“I am really tired, but I just couldn’t leave.”

“Maybe you should go home, now that he has awakened, and get some rest,” said Peter sympathetically.

“Maybe I will now”, she sighed heavily.

As Assumpta approached the bed, she had a feeling of dread. All of the tubes and the monitors. The beeping and swishing kind
of made her sick. “Leo,” she said, as she touched his hand.

His eyes opened. “Assumpta,” he said softly.

“I’m here, Leo.” He tried to reach for her, but he was restrained by all the tubes. “Assumpta, I have to tell you something.”
 

'I just told my mother. This morning.'

'What?!'

'I told her that you and I were getting divorced.'

'Leo! You've been in a coma and the first words you utter are "Assumpta and I are getting divorced!"?

'They weren't the first words. I did say mum.'

Assumpta groaned. 'I don't believe you!'

Leo smiled slightly at her. 'Don't believe me? You were the one that fell in love with a priest!'

Assumpta glared at him.

'Joking,' Leo replied.

Meanwhile, Fr Mac hadn't been idle. He had been chatting with an old bishop friend of his, who was pulling a few strings for
Peter. 'I really appreciate it Father. I know that it will please him. I think he's under a lot of stress at the moment.' Fr Mac said
his goodbyes, hung up and smiled. 'Shalom.'

Padraig, Brendan and Siobhan ambled into the pub. Padraig looked at Niamh and smirked. 'Is he dead yet?'

'Padraig!' Niamh said, shocked. 'Have you no respect?' The entire bar looked at her. 'Ok, ok. Stupid question. No he's not dead. He's awake.'

Padraig handed two fivers over to Brendan. 'Are Peter and Assumpta still happy and, well all that?'

'As far as I know,' Niamh replied.

'Ha,' Padraig smiled, taking his two fivers back.

'Ahh pubs,' Siobhan smiled.

Peter sat uncomfortably in the waiting room with Mrs McGarvey. He fidgeted some more and looked up at the lady.

'Please, don't be polite on my account. I know who you are Fr.'
 

"What do you mean ‘hasty'? We talked about the divorce earlier that evening on the phone. Right before.... what day is it?"

"It's Sunday. You only missed a weekend."

"Not bad... Anyway. It didn't strike me as hasty. It struck me as the irrefutable shape of things to come."

"Leo, I've been thinking so much the past three days I have the headache to end all headaches. I'm not so sure now I can go
through with seeking the divorce. I would like to wait and see how your recovery goes before we talk about us. I can wait.
You need to get well. That's what we need to focus on."

Leo drinks in the seriousness of Assumpta's expression, the total absence of color from her skin, the sunkenness of her eyes,
and finally her words. He lets out a laugh. "Poor Assumpta. Too bad you're such a bad Catholic, you'd make a terrific saint.
Saint Assumpta of the Broken Heart. Really." He paused, the laugh and speaking were causing him distress. After a minute he
continued, "It's no wonder you're at odds with the church all the time, I don't think they live up to your standards. Am I right? I
know I'm right. So your sense of duty is demanding that you set aside your feelings and care for an invalid husband. Touching."
Leo paused again. Assumpta was poised to respond but being mindful of his condition she was unsure if it would wise to be as
direct with him as he was feeling the freedom to be with her.

He began again before she had decided what to say. "Umm, Assumpta. Take my hand." She obliged him. His skin was
unusually cool and uncomfortably moist, but yet he retained his typical firm clasp. "I don't mean to make light of your
reconsidering your decision. I know a lot of thought has gone into it." And gave her an easy smile. "Let's back up a minute, Ok.
When we talked the last time how did I react to your request?"

"Matter of fact. Resigned, apathetic, hopeless.... I don't know."

"Matter-of-fact is pretty accurate. But not because you want a divorce. Because I do."

"What?"

"Feb 17, 1998. What day is that?"

"I haven't a clue. It's around the time you left."

"The very day. It's the day I woke up and smelled the coffee." He squeezed her handle ever so slightly but she knew that had
he had intended it to be more. "I got up that morning and realized something. We both had gotten married for the wrong
reasons. You remember how I wanted to be a novelist in college and got into to journalism to find a way to pay the bills?"

"Oh yeah." She smiled and nodded recalling his collection of spiral notebooks filled with story starts, all of them under 10 pages
long. "But once the journalism bug bit ya, I didn't think you ever looked back. You loved the field as soon as a got a taste of it.
I have hard time trying to imagine you as a novelist these days."

"Tell me about it!" The idea was pretty amusing to him too. "But yeah, the romantic in me has always lingered. I was guilty of
being in love with love, in love with the past. In love with Assumpta Fitzgerald circa 1994. Those 4 years we were apart both
of us changed. A LOT! As soon as I saw you in Ballyk all my past feelings came back, so real I couldn't think of anything else
but getting back with you. I should have thought of one thing though..."

"What's that?"

"Getting to know you all over again. It would have helped. Helped both of us. But we were too in a hurry. You to run away
from your situation, me to run back to 1994. We neither of us succeeded."

"No," she said softly.

"Your not the same person and I'm not the same person we were then. And I'll tell you one thing that has changed about me in
the last 4 years."

"What's that?"

"I hate small towns."

The nurse entered. "Mrs. McGarvey it's been 10 minutes. I'll have to ask you to leave."
 

"I'm sorry Mrs. McGarvey but I don't know what you're talking about."

"The sordid little affair you've been having with my daughter-in-law. I have a good mind to inform your Bishop."

Peter looks at her with disbelief, "Mrs. McGarvey I'm afraid you are mistaken."

Mrs. McGarvey shakes her head. "Leo told me all about it."

Peter very firmly said, "I swear to you Mrs. McGarvey, Leo was mistaken."

"But I've seen the way you two look at each other."

"I don't deny that I'm in love with Assumpta. As for speaking to my superiors, I already have. I'm leaving the church as soon as
a replacement can be found. But I swear to you I have never broken my vows. Assumpta and I have not been having an affair,
she's not that sort of person."

"But Leo said your affair was responsible for them breaking up."

Peter took her hand, "Mrs. McGarvey Assumpta and we didn't even admit we had feelings for each other until a few hours
before the accident."

Unbeknownst to either of them Assumpta had been standing a few feet behind them listening. Now she steps forward, very
hurt, looks at Mrs. McGarvey. Mrs. McGarvey clearly embarrassed sputters, "Assumpta, I...."

Assumpta holds out her hand to Peter, "Peter would you take me home?"

Peter stands and takes her hand. "Goodbye Mrs. McGarvey. I won't be back." Assumpta definitely says. They walk out.

The detectives had watched with great interest. "What have we got on the Priest?"

"Peter Clifford, age 30, born in England, both parents deceased. Degree in Astronomy, no record, here or England. Joined the
church straight out of University. Well respected. Requested the transfer to the boondocks himself, after a parishoner
developed a crush. Not a hint of scandal, well liked in the community."

"DAMN"

The second detective smiled ruefully, looked down at his notebook. "Made an official request to be allowed to resign from the
Priesthood morning of the accident."

"Well, well, well..What about the alibi?"

"From about 4pm on, both the Priest and Mrs. McGarvey were in full view of at least 30 people."

The first detective slaps one hand into the other "What!!"

"Some sort of village food faire, the Priest won by the way." Exasperated, "What about Blanchard?"

"Well we may have something there. It seems....."

Assumpta had just finished closing and cleaning up when Fionn began to whine and scratch at the back door. Just what I need
thought Assumpta. But guilt for her recent neglect drove her upstairs to grab a jacket. Fionn was very agitated by the time she
returned. She had just attached the leash when the phone rang. "Hold on Fionn, Fitzgeralds"

"I just called to say goodnight and pleasant dreams. What's wrong with Fionn?"

"He won't settle down, I'm taking him out."

"I'll go with you."

Fionn practically drug her out the back door.Half an hour later the sound of breaking glass echoed down the streets, seconds
later flames lit up the windows of the pub. Kathleen stuck a frightened head out the door of her shop. Eyes wide, she ran
across the street and began to pound on the door to the pub "Assumpta! FIRE! FIRE! Assumpta!" Terrified she scuttled
across the street to the Garda house.

Ambrose and Niamh had already opened the door. "Ambrose! I can't wake Assumpta."

Ambrose rushed to the pub door and began to pound "Assumpta! FIRE!" Niamh and Kathleen stand in terrified silence. Lots
of people fill the street. A bucket line forms. There's no entry into the pub. The entire ground floor is engulfed in flames. they
fight on. Flames engulf the bedroom windows.

Brian shouts, "It's hopeless, all we can do is keep it from spreading."

Niamh stands starring at Fitzgeralds tears running down her face. Brendan sprints across the bridge to the small knot of friends,
"I couldn't find Peter."

Almost as one, Niamh, Siobhan, Kathleen, Brendan and Padraig look to the upstairs as it collapses. Niamh covers her face and
cries, "Oh God we've lost them both." No one speaks for several minutes.

Kevin shouts, "Look."

Coming down the street at a dead run are Peter, Assumpta and Fionn.

"What's happened? OH MY GOD!"

At the sound of Assumpta's voice Niamh looks like she's about to faint. "You're not dead. Either of you."

Everyone embraced. Kathleen stepped forward, touched Peter's arm and took Assumpta's hand. Tears running down her face
"Thank Heavens." Peter put his arm around her, Assumpta kissed her cheek.

The flames are out. Assumpta is in shock. She stands staring at the fire gutted hull that was her home and livelihood. "I've lost
everything."

Peter and Ambrose stand looking into the mess with a flashlight. "I still don't understand why anyone thought I was dead."

"You weren't at home or the church."

"So everyone just assumed I was with Assumpta."

"You were, just not here. Do you smell that?"

"Petrol."

"Keep an eye on Assumpta. I'm going to call those Dublin detectives. This was arson."

Niamh is sitting on her sofa holding Assumpta's hand. "Where were you? We were all so afraid."

"Fionn wouldn't settle down. He kept insisting on going out. But once we got out he just headed for the hills. He refused to
come back."

Ambrose looking very concerned said, "Lucky for you. That dog probably saved your life. I think we'll find it was a fire bomb.
Someone made an attempt on Leo tonight too!! The Dublin boys want you in protective custody. Peter as well."
 

"Someone tried to eliminate the wife tonight, as well. Waited for her to close up her pub, she lives upstairs, gave her time to go
to sleep. Then BAM!! Firebomb through the front window."

"Was she hurt?"

Shaking his head Detective Martin said, "No, lucky for her, her dog wouldn’t settle down, so she took him out the back door
for a walk."

"Okay Tom," said detective Arins, "I wanted a uniform with McGarvey at all times, no one to touch him unless approved by
Dr. Williams or the head nurse. He’s in a bad way. So I want a lid kept on what happened here tonight," pointing to the
McGarveys, "round the clock on those two as well."

"I’ve already sent a car to fetch Mrs McGarvey and her Priest."

Scowling detective Arins looks up at Martin.

"Why the Priest?"

Martin smiles, "During the fire, someone went looking for the priest. When they couldn’t find him it seems most of their friends
assumed they had been together, in the fire."

Arins’ eyes open wide. "And where was he?"

"Apparently helping her walk the dog."

"Interesting."

A fine mist has settled on the crumbled remains that once had been Fitzgeralds. As dawn breaks that unpleasant wet ashtray
smell blankets the street. Assumpta stood in a trance, focused on what had once been her life.

For a moment she saw her mother and father standing there, arm in arm, the way they never had in her lifetime. She saw the
child she had been, the teenager, the look on her mother’s face the day she left for university.

A very young Garda officer came out the door of the Garda House.

"Ma’am, Ma’am."

Peter had to touch her shoulder to break the spell.

"I’m sorry, what did you say?"

"We really have to go."

"Right,"

Reluctantly Peter and Assumpta climb into the back seat of the Garda car. As it pulls away Assumpta stares at the rubble as if
she’s leaving home for the first time. A sob catches in her throat.

Peter took her hand in both of his. She looked down with a melancholy smile. Later as the car passes St Joseph’s Peter looked
back over his shoulder. Assumpta watched with concern.

"Peter, I’m sorry...."

Her hand still in his, Peter placed them on his heart.

"That was then."

The police interview room is windowless, half a dozen empty paper cups sit on the table. Detective Arins half heartedly smoked
his last cigarette. Peter and Assumpta have finally convinced him they had nothing to do with the attacks on Leo or the
firebombing of Fitzgeralds. He evens feels sorry for them. How awkward things must be in that little village. Talk about life in a
fishbowl.

"But why can’t I just go to England with Peter?" An exhausted Assumpta pleaded.

Detective Arins just shook his head.

"As I’m sure you’re already aware I’m in the process of leaving the church. Assumpta and I have made plans. We could go to
my mother’s house. No one..."

"I’m afraid I have to insist on protective custody for Mrs McGarvey. Whoever is making these attempts is very, very
dangerous. The only way she’ll be safe is protective custody."

Assumpta rested her head on her folded arms on the table. After a second she looked up from the table, "Couldn’t Peter come
with me."

Detective Arins shook his head.

Peter rubbed his hand across her back. Peter looked at Detective Arins.

"He’s right Assumpta."

Jerry knew Detective Arins wouldn’t be happy, but he had to let him know. He played absentmindedly with the phone cord
waiting for the right moment.

Finally he said, "I’m getting worried about Mrs McGarvey."

"Why," said detective Arins, annoyed.

"She’s not eating, she depressed and those nightmares of hers are getting more frequent. I’m not sure how much more she can
take."

Detective Arins blew out his breath, "L O V E L Y, then my news will absolutely send her into a tailspin."

Jerry waited for the bombshell.

"Her husband died about two hours ago."

Jerry close his eyes and swallowed hard, "Do you want me to tell her?"

Arins thought for a moment. "NO.. I’ll come down myself."

Jerry tapped on the bedroom door "Assumpta, someone to see you."

She had been getting ready for bed, she wore pajamas and a robe. She was still pulling the hairbrush through her hair as she
walked through the door.

She saw him and stopped.

"PETER!!"

He hadn’t seen her in 3 weeks. She took his breath away. Her skin was almost translucent. He finally found his voice.

"Hello Assumpta." For the first time she realized there were others in the room. She looked at them.

"What’s going on?" She asked suspiciously.

Detective Arins smiled sympathetically. "We’ll leave you alone."

He motioned to Jerry and Mary Francis and they left the room.

When the protective custody Garda and Arins had left, Peter quickly crossed the room.

He stood in front of her for a second then he put his hands on her arms. He started to pull her to him, she looked at him and
then toward the other room. She hesitated, he pulled her close.

She felt a distance in the embrace. She looked up at him.

He took her by the elbow and guided her to the couch.

"What’s wrong Peter? It’s not Niamh," her voice breaking, "or the baby?"

"No, Niamh and Kieran are fine. Assumpta," he put his hand to her face, "Leo is dead."

She just stared, a single tear rolled down her cheek. She shook her head.

"Isn’t this nightmare ever going to end." She put her face into her hands.

Peter put his arms around her and just let her cry.

After a while he put his lips next to her ear and whispered, "I Love You."

She put her arms around his chest and pulled him close, this is where I belong.
 

"Is she ok?"

Mary Francis nodded. "How often does this happen?" Peter asked very concerned.

"Couple of times a night," she said.

"Can I talk to her?" he asked.

Mary Francis stepped away from the door. "Good luck we could all use some sleep."

Peter tapped lightly on the door.

"Come in," called Assumpta softly.

A small bedside lamp dimly lit the room. Huddled against the pillows sat Assumpta, trembling, dark circles under her eyes, tear
stains on her cheeks.

"Are you ok?"

Embarrassed she shrugged. He sat on the bed and held out his arms.

"It’s always so real, so very real," she said.

"What happens?"

"The pub’s on fire, everyone’s trapped. I can’t get to them," she sobbed.

Peter held her close. "Who is trapped in the pub?"

"My mother and father, Niamh and the baby and you."

Peter lifted her head, brushed the hair away from her face. They just looked at each other. After a moment he smiled.

"I know," she said, "it’s just every time I close my eyes, I see the flames."

Peter kissed the top of her head. Mary Francis brought in some cocoa and as they drank it Peter said, "Guess what I saw this
morning before I left Ballykay?"

Assumpta shook her head and looked up at him, "What?"

"Brian Quigley standing in the middle of what use to be the pub, blueprints in hand, directing the laying of the new foundation."
Assumpta smiled. "He promised me it would be ready for occupancy before Christmas, we can be home for Christmas."

Peter had been at the safe house a week. The four residents got on well and quickly slipped into routine. Assumpta’s
depression lifted, the future became a possibility. The nightmares lost their fierceness and soon were a ghost of their former
selves.

Mary Francis and Assumpta had already retired to their rooms. When Peter finished making up his bed on the couch, he sat
down at the table where Jerry was working on his weekly report.

Jerry looked up, "Anything I can do for you Peter?"

Peter looked down at his nervous fingers, "Now that you mention it, Assumpta and I have a favor to ask."

Mary Francis’ mother sat at the table, a gold chain dangled from the reading glasses perched on the end of her nose. She
carefully looked over the form.

"You’ve left a few items blank. We’ll have to fill those in, okay," she smiled, " Peter we’ll start with yours, .... occupation?"

Peter and Assumpta exchanged a nervous glance.

"I guess I’m unemployed."

"What did you do...before?"

Peter swallowed hard and said very softly, "I was a Catholic Priest."

Mrs Franklin peered over the top of her glasses at him, after a second’s pause she said, "Let’s put ‘cleric’," she wrote on the
form. "Address?"

"I did live at the curate’s house in Ballykay but now..."

"Put Fitzgerald’s Ballykissangel, my pub."

"Okay, now Assumpta you state you’ve been married before but you don’t say how it ended."

Assumpta fingered the small heart shaped locket she wore, "I wasn’t sure. You see I was getting divorced when he.... he died."

Mrs Franklin looked sympathetically at her "Widowed, the date of death?"

"The 15th."

"Of ...."

"June"

"What year?"

"This year."

Somewhat surprised Mrs Franklin said, "you mean last week!"

"Yes."

She looked over the top of her glasses, first at Assumpta and then at Peter. Well she always said you saw it all as a registrar!
She smiled to put them at ease. She patted Assumpat’s hand, "Okay, paperwork all done. I’m ready when you are. Jerry if you
have the rings I think we’re just about ready to start."

Ambrose stood in the kitchen door watching Niamh feed Kieran cereal. He hated to break the idyllic scene but he knew how
much she would resent any delay. "Can you take a break?"

"Not without a noisy mutiny."

Ambrose held up the envelope he was carrying. "Trade you."

"What is it?"

"A letter from Assumpta."

Niamh jumped up, grabbed the envelope, kissed him on the cheek and handed him the dripping spoon. She had already ripped
open the envelope and begun to read before Ambrose had a chance to give Kieran the bite.

"Oh my God!" Niamh read the second page "Oh my God!!" She looked at Ambrose, "do you know what’s in this letter."

"I haven’t read it."

"Do you know what has been going on or not?"

"Well.!."

"How long have you known Peter wasn’t in England?"

Ambrose concentrated on Kieran’s cereal.

"Ambrose!"

Avoiding Niamh’s eyes Ambrose said, "Detective Arins and I talked. Assumpta was having such a difficult time I just
thought..."

"You could have told me,’ she said, hurt.

Ambrose concentrated on the empty bowl.

"And the rest...."

"I wanted to, Niamh, but its my job. I can’t..."

"Assumpta’s my best friend, you should have told me."

Ambrose stood, wiped his fingers on the cloth and put his arms around her.

"I miss her so much."

"I know."

"I should have been there."

"I know."

Detectives Arins and Martin wearily sat in the interrogation room. It had been a long case, and they hoped to get enough
information from Michaels to clear everything up and close the case. They had no charges against Michaels so they had few
reasons to doubt him, if his story were creditable.

Questions and Answers:

Q: Why was Blanchard so determined to kill McGarvey?

A: Back in September Blanchard spotted McGarvey at his club. Blanchard recognized him and started to sweat. Thought
McGarvey was on to him.

Q: What was he afraid of McGarvey finding out?

A: I don’t know, Blanchard always had half a dozen irons in the fire. Could have been any of them. So he started keeping tabs
on McGarvey. When he went to live in that little village Blanchard thought he was safe.

Q: What changed his mind?

A: McGarvey came back, didn’t he. Showed up at the club. That’s when Blanchard started following him.

Q: What did you know about the first attempt?

A: Blanchard told me he had been following McGarvey for several days. That night traffic was lite and he just waited for his
chance. As soon as the road emptied he swerved over, forced him into the bridge abutment. He hadn’t planned anything but he
took advantage of the situation. When it looked like McGarvey wasn’t going to make it he was well pleased. He panicked
when McGarvey started to come out of it. He kept on and on about ‘what if McGarvey could identify him.’ He searched
McGarvey’s flat, nothing there but what if the wife had something, after all she had seen him sitting outside in the car.

Q: You’re telling us he caused a car crash, murdered a man in hospital, tried to barbecue the man’s wife by firebombing a pub
and all because he thought, maybe McGarvey might be checking him out. What if McGarvey was just a punter, liked the club.

A: I don’t think that ever occurred to Blanchard, he was kind of single minded.

Q: Sounds like Al Capone, but not even Al Capone tried to shoot it out with half the police force.

A: He won’t be missed

Q: You’re sure no one else was involved?

A: Blanchard liked to play things close to his vest, besides he had employees not a gang or really even friends...

Jenny Clark walked swiftly down the street, she was terribly excited. Peter was home! Her mother had come home from work
with the news. Peter had made a point of coming into her mother’s line at the supermarket to say hello. Jenny was sure he had
come back for her. She stopped outside the Clifford home, there seemed to be a lot of people here. Should she wait and see
him alone? No. She couldn’t wait. She had to see him now. She knocked on the door.

Peter’s brother-in-law Mark answered the door.

"Yes?"

"Is Peter here?"

"Are you a friend of Peter’s."

Jenny smiled broadly, "Yes you could say I’m a very good friend of Peter’s."

"Well then come on in. We’re having a little party," he said as they stepped into the livingroom, "for the happy couple."

The livingroom was full of Peters relatives. It was decorated with paper bells and a banner that said, "Congratulations Peter and
Assumpta." Jenny looked around, trying to take it all in.

Mark handed her a glass of champaign. "I’ll find them, Sandy have you seen the newlyweds?" He asked.

"Kitchen, I think they’re still on the phone. Seems like half that little village they live in wanted to congratulate them."

Jenny put her glass carefully on the tray and slipped out.