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Suddenly John Carmody stopped before the cardinal. He frowned and said, You really think I'm
the only one qualified for this mission?
Best qualified, Faskins said. He straightened a little and placed his hands on the arms of the chair
as if to shove himself upward and out on the strike.
I've told you once why this is so urgent. Once should be enough; you're an intelligent man. You're
also dedicated to the Church. Otherwise, you would not have been considered for the episcopal seat.
The reproach, although unvoiced, was detected and briefly con-sidered by the priest. Carmody
knew that his decision to marry again, almost immediately after the Church had relaxed its disci-pline of
celibacy, had disappointed the cardinal. Faskins had worked hard to make sure that Carmody would
become the bishop of the diocese of the colonial planet of Wildenwooly. He had fought a political battle
with those who believed that Carmody was too unorthodox in his methods of carrying out Christian
policies. None questioned the orthodoxy of his belief; it was the offhand, or freehand, way he acted that
was in doubt. Was it suitable that such an eccentric -- one of the kinder words used -- should wear the
mitre of a bishop?
Then, when Carmody had seemed to be in, he had married and thus removed himself from
consideration. And the accusations of his enemies seemed to be vindicated. But the cardinal had never
directly reproached Carmody.
Now, John Carmody wondered if the cardinal was not using this betrayal as a lever? Or did he
himself just feel so guilty about it that he was projecting?
Faskins glanced at the pale yellow letters flashing on the screen at the end of the great room. You
have two hours to get ready, he said. You'll have to start now if you're going to get to the port on time.
He became silent, his gaze remaining on the clock.
Carmody laughed softly and said, What can I do? I'm not being ordered, just told I must
volunteer. Very well. I'll do it. You knew I would. And I'll get started packing. But I have to tell Anna.
It's going to be a hell of a shock to her!
Faskins shifted uneasily. The life of a priest isn't always an easy one. She knew that.
I know she knows it! Carmody said fiercely. She told me what you said to her after I asked for
permission to marry. You painted a black picture indeed!
I'm sorry, John, Faskins replied with a slight smile. Reality is sometimes not golden.
Yes. And you're noted for your reticence -- 'Few Phrases' Faskins, they call you -- but you
talked up a tornado with her.
Again I'm sorry.
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Forget it, Carmody said. It's done. I'm not the least bit sorry about Anna. My only regret is that I
couldn't have married her years ago. I baptized her, you know, and she's lived all her life in my parish.
He hesitated, then went on, She's pregnant, too. That's another reason why I hate to give her this
shock.
The cardinal said nothing. Carmody muttered. Excuse me. I'll only be about ten minutes packing.
I'll phone Anna and get her home. She can ride to the port with us.
The cardinal, unable to repress his alarm, stood up.
I don't think I should be with you, John. You two should be alone for a while, and the only time
you'll have will be on the ride to the port.
Nothing doing, the priest said. You' re going to suffer along with me. Anyway, I don't intend to
be alone. Anna can go with me as far as Springboard. There'll be a long wait there, and we can be alone.
You're coming down with us!
The cardinal shrugged. Carmody poured another Scotch for him and went to the bedroom. He
unfolded a suitcase and threw it on the bed. One small case would be enough for him. Anna, even though
her trip would be short, would probably insist on taking two large ones for herself. She liked to be ready
for any sartorial emergency. After unfolding two cases for her, he pressed a tiny button on the flat disc
strapped to his right wrist. Its center glowed; a pinging rose thinly to his ears.
He continued to pack, not wishing to waste any time and knowing that she would soon respond
to his call. But when all his clothes were packed, and he noted that ten minutes had passed, he began to [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]