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

“You haven’t forgotten our old midnight caller, have you?”

Rose closed her eyes. The acute phase of the panic attack ended; she began to shiver. “I want to go home now,” she whispered.

Sister Theresa felt Rose’s heart pounding through their combined clothing. “You should sit in the sun a moment and get your breath.” She tried, and failed, to turn the grief around.

“No. I want— I’ll feel better when I’m back where I belong.”

Scowling slightly and getting a solid grip on the waistband of Rose’s skirt. Sister Theresa held her back. “We’ll call you a cab. You’re in no condition to be walking or taking buses. Second and Seventy-eighth, isn’t it?” Mother Joseph would be doubly unhappy if the girl got away before they knew where to find her again.

Rose began to struggle. The sisters had no qualms about subtle coercion, but they drew the line at overt restraint. Sister Theresa’s arm fell away.

“Don’t be a stranger,” she said, staring into Rose’s haunted, gray eyes. “We care about you. We want to know how you’re doing. We want to help. Come back and talk to us, Rose. Open your heart, then you’ll truly feel better.”

Rose looked at the ground, but her feet did not move. Sister Theresa knew it was time to set the hook.

“Saturday. Come for dinner. Roast chicken with corn-apple stuffing—just the way you always liked it . . .”

Eyelashes fluttered, but there was no answer.

“Say yes, dear. Make us all happy—“

Rose said yes without lifting her eyes from the ground, then she bolted. Her footfalls echoed on the chapel floor. She struck the fire bar on the outer door without pausing. They heard her race down the steps, then the door shut and she was gone. The chirping of the sparrows was the loudest sound until Mother Joseph found her voice.