Asprin, Robert Lynn – Catwoman – Tiger Hunt (With Lynn Abbey)

“Tell me, child,” Sister Theresa said, hardening her voice. Most of those who came to the chapel were convinced that nuns were agents of divine authority who must be obeyed and who rendered judgment before they showed compassion. It was myth, of course, but useful at times. “You came here to tell me, and now you must do so.”

“Sister Theresa . . . ?”

The young woman’s head came up slowly. When their eyes met, and the nun recognized her, the battered woman lost the last shreds of her composure. Wailing, she flung herself facefirst into Sister Theresa’s lap.

“Rose . . . Rose . . .” Sister Theresa stroked the dirty blond hair. “Rose, what happened? How did it happen?” Her own tears leaked onto her wrinkled cheeks. “Rose, why did you wait so long? You didn’t have to suffer this. There’s a place for you here, always. Always.”

The girl didn’t answer. She couldn’t answer. The sound of Sister Theresa’s voice—the almost forgotten but now remembered strength of it—allowed her to feel safe, but the illusion would be shattered if she moved. If she moved, she’d have to think. She would have to feel the terror and pain that had driven her back to this sanctuary. She’d have to answer Sister Theresa’s questions.

Sister Theresa sensed the change as mindless despair gave way to denial. She knew the process too well not to recognize it. She stroked Rose’s hair a few more times—for sentiment’s sake—then took a deep breath and shoved the girl away.

“Tell me, Rose. Tell me the whole story. From the beginning. Don’t leave anything out. Our Heavenly Father knows you can’t tell these old ears anything they haven’t heard before.”