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.
Jane felt deeply sad, knowing Chris was returning to Malta, but pleased that he valued their short time together. She wished she could have got to know him better but knew she would see him again one day. She read the letter one more time before tearing it into tiny pieces and putting it in the bin.
Jane could only surmise what had happened to Melissa before Meade had witnessed her brutal death. It seemed Mother Adele and Sister Margaret suspected Melissa had feelings for Meade and caught her going to meet him. Whether Sister Margaret had attempted to strangle Melissa with her cincture would remain unknown. She thought Bishop Meade’s confession was credible and Malone was guilty of a cover-up, not just for the sake of the Church, but his own career as well.
Jane sighed, knowing she could never reveal the contents of Father Chris’s letter and Archbishop Malone would yet again escape prosecution.
Chapter Thirty-two
Jane, Stanley and Boon spent the next few days in Stanley’s office, compiling a report of the investigation for the commissioner. They had been instructed by DCS Salmon to ‘stick to the facts’, detail the interviews they had carried out and evidence they had uncovered. They were not to express any personal views as to who they thought might have been responsible for Sister Melissa Bailey’s death. When the report was completed, Salmon took it straight to the commissioner who had arranged a live press conference for nine o’clock, six hours prior to Pope John Paul II landing at Gatwick airport.
Stanley brought a portable colour television to work so they could sit in his office and watch the press conference.
The commissioner introduced Archbishop Malone, who was standing to one side dressed in his formal attire.
‘That smug smile on Malone’s face is a giveaway,’ Stanley remarked as he turned the volume up.
The commissioner smiled. ‘This is an auspicious and historic day, with the first ever visit of a reigning Pope to the United Kingdom. With that in mind, I won’t keep you long as I know you will be wanting to get to Gatwick for Pope John Paul II’s arrival in a few hours. As you know, a coffin containing the body of a woman was unearthed at a building site in Bickley nearly two weeks ago. She has been positively identified as Sister Melissa Bailey, who lived and worked at the former Sisters of Mercy convent. It is believed she died in August 1962. Following a post-mortem, the Bromley coroner asked for a criminal investigation to be carried out. This was overseen in a meticulous manner by Detective Chief Superintendent Salmon, who compiled a report for the coroner and our solicitor’s department.’
‘I hope Barnes isn’t watching this!’ Stanley exclaimed as the commissioner continued.
‘Although Sister Melissa’s death has been deemed an unlawful killing by the coroner and a thorough investigation has taken place, I’m sad to say there is insufficient evidence to identify those responsible. However, Sister Melissa’s death will remain on file, and should any new evidence come to light the investigation will be reopened. I’ll now hand over to Archbishop Malone to say a few words.’
Malone stepped forward. ‘I would like to thank the commissioner, DCS Salmon and his detectives for their hard work and dedication in investigating Sister Melissa Bailey’s death. When I was the diocesan bishop, I often visited the Sisters of Mercy convent up until the day it sadly had to close. To the credit of the now departed Mother Superior Adele Delaney and all the sisters who lived and worked there, I found it to be a happy and peaceful place where orphaned children were lovingly cared for. I’m relieved to say there is no evidence that anyone in the convent was involved in Sister Melissa’s death. However, I hope that one day the person, or persons, responsible will be caught and brought to justice.’
‘Why did Bishop Meade commit suicide?’ a journalist asked.
‘Since his death, I have been made aware Bishop Meade was suffering from severe depression. I can’t go into the details as his suicide is currently being investigated by the diocese and there will be a coroner’s inquest. However, I can tell you it is not connected to the death of Sister Melissa Bailey. Thank you for your time and may God be with you.’ He made the sign of the cross.
Jane felt sickened by Malone’s lies, but knew she could never betray Father Chris by revealing the truth.
The commissioner stepped forward. ‘I would like to add that the tragic death of the Bromley News Shopper journalist, Rebecca Rogers, is not connected to the Melissa Bailey investigation and a man has been arrested and charged with her murder. Now, unless there are any further questions, we need to make our way to Gatwick airport.’
The journalists, cameramen and photographers quickly packed their belongings away and hurried out of the room to make their way to Gatwick.
‘What a load of shite. They water it down by saying “her death”, when they know full well Missy was murdered!’ Boon exclaimed.
Stanley shook his head in disgust and turned the television off. ‘It’s just as Barnes predicted — a fucking cover-up!’
Boon frowned. ‘As I see it, the commissioner is perverting the course of justice. We should do something about it.’