Contents
Part Two — Chapter Sixteen — October 2008
Overview
Sister Margaret Jean recognizes Lucky and John at St. Monica’s and is torn between reunion and risk. After confirming details—the eyes and a familiar cross—she denies knowing them, flees, and records their license plate. She goes directly to DA Valerie Mann’s office, signaling a decisive handoff to authorities.
Summary
In October 2008 at St. Monica’s in New York, Sister Margaret Jean immediately recognizes the arriving pair as John and Lucky. Hearing John speak confirms it, but shock stills her. She considers calling Valerie Mann, hesitates, and watches the pair light candles, noting John’s age and Lucky’s rough appearance.
When Lucky blows out the candles, Sister Margaret Jean rushes toward them. Up close, Lucky’s green eyes—like Valerie’s—and a once-familiar gold cross convince Sister Margaret Jean that this is the lost child. Fearing a misstep could shatter everything, she freezes between reunion and caution.
When John addresses her as “Mary Jean,” Sister Margaret Jean denies knowing him and bolts from the church. Outside, she records the SUV’s license plate, choosing secrecy and control over confrontation.
She hails a taxi to Valerie Mann’s office. For the first time, she enters the building and asks security to summon the Manhattan DA, insisting the matter is urgent and cannot wait, effectively escalating the long-buried past to legal authorities.
Who Appears
- Sister Margaret JeanNun at St. Monica’s; recognizes Lucky and John, denies knowing them, notes their license, and seeks DA Valerie Mann.
- LuckyYoung woman at the church; lights then blows out candles; identified by green eyes and a familiar cross.
- JohnMan accompanying Lucky; calls Sister Margaret Jean “Mary Jean,” prompting her denial and flight.
- Valerie MannManhattan DA; summoned urgently by Sister Margaret Jean after the church encounter.