Unholy Murder

Robert was ashamed to tell me he panicked and ran back to the presbytery. He assumed Melissa was dead and blamed himself for what had happened. At first, he didn’t know what to do, then decided he had to tell Bishop Malone. To his surprise, Malone turned up at the presbytery later that morning.

It transpired Mother Adele had called Bishop Malone and informed him that Sister Melissa had left the convent, but prior to doing so she had confessed she was in a sexual relationship with Robert. Robert knew Mother Adele and Sister Margaret were unaware he’d witnessed Melissa’s murder and were attempting to use him as a scapegoat to cover their sins.

Robert admitted the relationship but told Bishop Malone what had really happened to Melissa. Malone was incensed but wanted to avoid a scandal that would bring the Church into disrepute. To that end he told Robert to say nothing and in turn he would protect him and resolve the situation. Malone said he wouldn’t tell Mother Adele he knew Melissa had been murdered, but would play along with their story and sign a dispensation so it appeared Melissa had renounced her vows and left the sisterhood of her own accord.

When Robert made his confession to me, he was a broken man and full of remorse. I had not expected him to take his own life. I can only assume he wanted to unburden himself of his sins and could no longer live with his guilt over Melissa’s death.

My other reason for writing this letter is to tell you I have decided to leave the priesthood. It was not an easy decision but after all that has happened, I no longer feel I have chosen the right path in life.

I called my brother in Malta. He was overjoyed to hear my voice after so many years. He had had no idea where I was or what had happened to me. We both felt guilty about the way we had treated each other and agreed to resolve our differences. He wants us to open a restaurant together in memory of our parents. Everything on the menu will be from my mother’s recipe book.

I will never forget you, Jane. You are a wonderful woman, and I will always cherish meeting you and our friendship. If ever you are in Malta, please come to our restaurant where I will make you the best soppa tal-armla, and kwarezimal for dessert.

With love.