The Body in the Bouillon by Katherine Hall Page Read Free Book Online Page B

but he has a way of getting under my skin—and it’s only been one day!”

    Everything was suddenly clear. “So,” said Faith, “you can’t stand your new divinity school intern.”
    â€œI loathe him. So will you. He’s arrogant, pompous, self-centered, stupid, and he smells.”
    â€œWell, at least you can tell him to take a bath. Hint around.”
    â€œIt’s not good old BO. It’s some kind of horrible men’s cologne.”
    â€œAnd what is this creature’s name?”
    â€œCyle—as in ‘Kyle,’ but spelled with a ‘C’—and you can bet it didn’t start out that way. We met this morning to discuss what he would be doing, and he started interviewing me! Before I knew it, he was offering advice about my sermons, ways to keep the congregation alert, and suggestions for a new wing for the parish hall. I began to feel a knot in my stomach that is just starting to go away now.” He took a mouthful of scotch.
    â€œHow long will he be here?”
    â€œUntil the first of March, and there’s no only about it.”
    Faith was a little surprised at the intensity of Tom’s reaction. Cyle must really be something. Tom was the least judgmental person she knew. Turning the other cheek, living and letting live—this was Tom. At the moment he was sounding more like her.
    â€œI suppose what is actually troubling me is contemplating the kind of damage a person like this will do in the future. Imagine going to him for comfort. The sole thing that is going to make this bearable is for me to finagle my way onto his ordination committee.”
    â€œWhy do you suppose he wants to be a minister? He sounds more like someone who thinks of call waiting rather than the ‘call.’”
    â€œI’ve been wondering the same thing myself—it has to be the idea of a captive audience every week. Maybe I should try to steer him into politics—or TV evangelism.”
    â€œAnywhere but your church.”
    â€œExactly.”

    Tom stretched his long legs out. Winnie-the-Pooh had gone back to the Hundred Acre Wood, and they tucked Ben into bed before sitting down to eat. As they ate, Faith told Tom about her visit to Hubbard House, eliminating Sylvia Vale’s mistake but mentioning the tight spot they were in and how she could help.
    â€œI don’t see why not,” he said. “I’ll be able to pick Ben up occasionally.”
    â€œAnd I know Pix will help.”
    â€œHave you uncovered any skulduggery yet?”
    â€œNot yet. Everything looks like it’s on the very up and up.”
    â€œWhich is what I’ve thought all along. Chat’s friend may have been imagining things.” That reminded Faith of Farley’s ghost, and she gave Tom a hilarious account of the thoughtful wraith.
    They cleaned up the kitchen and soon after climbed into bed.
    â€œFeeling better, sweetheart?” Faith asked softly.
    â€œAlmost,” Tom answered, reaching for her under the blankets.
    Â 
    Sylvia Vale greeted Faith at the door the next morning with exuberant relief.
    â€œYou’ve come back! That’s marvelous. Mrs. Pendergast said you would, yet one never knows.” She sighed. “It used to be so easy to get help in the old days. I’ve been here since Hubbard House opened, you know.”
    â€œI’ll be able to come weekdays until everyone is back. Please don’t worry.”
    â€œI won’t,” she said brightly, but Faith wasn’t sure. Sylvia Vale seemed like someone who enjoyed her worries.
    â€œI’ll get to work, then,” Faith said, moving toward the corridor that led to the annex.
    â€œJust a minute.” Sylvia darted into the office and returned with a thick cream-colored envelope. “All the Pink Ladies are invited, of course.”

    Faith took the envelope and thanked her, moving more quickly to avoid both the appellation and the