A little earlier, at dusk
Joseph followed a path he had happened upon a few days earlier and arrived at the greenhouse.
It had not been raining when he set out, but by now it had begun. Rainwater splashed up and quickly soaked the hem of his robe.
Father Stein was herding the chickens back into their coop. He had just shut the cage door when the envoy from the Vatican arrived before him.
"Alex Brown was infected with amoebae in Florida. His aggressive behavior may be related to brain tissue damage," Joseph said.
"Good. It isn't demonic possession." Stein remained calm. "I imagine the brothers can finally rest easy."
"Could you give me an explanation?" Joseph asked.
"What explanation?"
"How did Mr. Brown get from Venice to these remote mountains? I asked the others. Apart from mine, they didn't see any other helicopters."
Father Stein did not answer.
"Strangers came on the day Mr. Brown arrived, including a woman. Who was she?"
"We should not be discussing this." Stein picked up the hoe by the door and prepared to leave.
"I don't agree." Joseph stepped in front of Stein.
"What do you want to know from me?"
"The truth."
"I don't think I know any more than you do, Father Joseph. It's raining heavily. You should head back early."
"I'll report this to the Church," Joseph said. "Then more people will come to investigate. I believe they may not be as easy to talk to as I am."
Stein laughed.
"What's so funny?"
"What could they possibly do to me after investigating? Sentence me to death for using witchcraft, like the Inquisition? Young man, at my age, any nursing home would be better than where I live now. If you intend to threaten me, you should put more effort