CHATER 36 - CHINA
Mr. Chen just looked at the young woman. His eyes seemed to penetrate into the dark heart of the captive. He didn't take the bait she offered. The father-in-law just stared and didn't ask what the enigmatic statement about not being Catholic meant. He thought he knew the source of her hatred.
David and Chantal were about to speak but one glance from Mei Li’s father-in-law silenced them. It appeared that the father-in-law could read the psyche of this unsettling young woman quite well.
"I hope I killed him this time. I hate all Catholics and this monk is 'Exhibit A' of Catholicism, and so I want him gone. Why he even likes Buddhists, Jews, Muslims, and Protestants! I read about it in the newspapers and heard him on the radio."
The father-in-law smiled. "To hate any one entire group only creates a prison for yourself. I'm learning that these days. We all need to work together to break this vicious cycle. When was the other time you tried to kill Brother Francis?"
The youth waved her head in the direction of David and Chantal. “Those two know.”
The forensic psychologist and the detective got it in an instant. "A lot of folks thought that was an accident, but you must have been the one who shot Brother Francis last year during hunting season," the detective roared. Lots of people thought the menacing letter found in the monastery mailbox from the one who admitted to the attempt on Brother Francis’ life was simply the writing of a crack pot. Maybe it was.
Chantal calmed her husband, who was beginning to lose his temper.
"The only thing accidental about those events is that the monk didn't die. I was raised a Catholic and have no time for the Church anymore. I need my freedom."
Chantal spoke up. "I think Brother Francis would tell you that, whether you believe in God or not, we are all created to be free. No one is keeping you inside or outside of Christianity. It's time for you to take charge of your own behavior and not let your hatred be an excuse for not being a decent person."
The Chinese government graciously sent a police van to put the would-be murderer in incarceration until she could be returned to the United States. Chantal and David flew back to Pennsylvania and their prisoner was escorted back by an air marshal on a different plane. Her intended victim had forgiven the woman and offered to facilitate treatment she would need if possible.