Harker ripped the sheet off the doodlepad and pocketed it. He hung poised over his desk, deep in thought, his active mind already picturing the interviews he might be having with these people.
After a moment he reached for his phone and punched out the coordinates of Father Carteret's private number. Might as well begin with him, Harker thought.
A pleasantly monkish face appeared on the screen after several rings. "Yes? May I help you?"
"I'd like to speak to Father Carteret, please. My name is James Harker."
"Pardon, Mr. Harker. Father Carteret is in conference with Bishop O'Loughlin. Would you care to have him call you when he's free?"
"When will that be?"
"A half hour, I'd say. Is your matter urgent?"
"Reasonably. Tell the Monseigneur I'd like to make an appointment to see him some time today or tomorrow, and ask him to call me at my office."
"Does he have your number?"
"I think so. But you'd better take it anyway, just to make sure. MON-4-38162."