Sha Qing

Chapter 45: Elegy Of The Rabbit(1)

After eating their breakfast, Leo and Li Biqing decided to visit the church in town.

According to the information provided by the county police, before Bellary returned, both of her daughters stayed in the orphanage run by the church and a priest named Smith took care of them. Bellary was now detained as a suspect, and the youngest daughter Debbie was returned to Father Boyce's care.

"Father Boyce? Are you familiar with him?" The federal agent asked the county police.

"Yes, he's been serving the church in this town for nearly two decades. I have never seen a more dedicated clergyman than him and his life is very simple. He's also kind- every child in his eyes is an angel, therefore, he's happy managing the orphanage's tedious affairs." The policeman replied.

"Sounds like a saint." The Chinese young man commented in a low voice.

The federal agent shrugged, "I don't deny that there are real saint-like people out there. But this year, the ratio of villains versus those kinds of people is akin to a lake versus this cup of coffee in my hand."

"That's such an exaggeration." Li Biqing smiled. "We might as well visit the priest and chat with Debbie, By the way, are you sure that you can, Leo?"

The black-haired detective calmly nodded.

********

The only Catholic church in the town was located on the outskirts which was close to the forest, and it looked really old and quiet.

Leo and Li Biqing found Father Boyce half-kneeling on the floor when they arrived. The gray-haired man in his forties was listening intently to a three-to-four-year-old black boy babbling about the painting he made.

"What is this ... a whale? Yes, it looks a bit thin. Do you want to feed it some ... small fish? Yes, it eats those ... Oh, you also want to eat? No problem, I will inform a Sister, and we shall eat fried fish tonight ..."

Leo stepped forward, "Father- "

"Please wait." The priest replied without glancing at Leo. He continued to whisper to the child until the latter held the picture book contentedly and followed the nun who came to him. It was only then that the priest stood up and said to Leo, "Sorry, if children are not allowed to finish what they want to say, they'll become frustrated. May I ask what you want from me?"

Leo and Li Biqing stared at the priest, his face was slightly longer, his forehead was wide, and his gray-blue eyes are deep and clear, and his body is a little thin. He looked like a tall bamboo under his old and clean black robe. His appearance is like that of a respectable elder.

The federal agent showed his ID. "We are here for Renee's case. I heard that her sister was adopted by the church's orphanage?"

Father Boyce showed some disapproval. "Debbie is only five years old. Young man, I don't think I can help the FBI in regards to that."

"How do you know without trying?" The agent asked. "Are you worried about the child? I promise that we will try our best to be gentle so that we don't aggravate her. "

Father Boyce hesitated for a moment, but he eventually agreed, albeit reluctantly. "Come with me. I will take you to her room." He turned around and said, "While you ask your question, is it alright if you let me stay in the room? This child is shy in front of strangers."

"No problem." The agent replied.

********

Leo and Li Biqing saw Debbie sitting on the carpet by the small bed, playing with an old rabbit-shape, pink radio cassette recorder. The tips of both its ears had already faded its color, and one side has a crack. It looks like a girl's toy which had been with its owner for many years.