The Statement by Brian Moore

informed him that you were leaving St  Cros that same evening.’
    ‘Pure coincidence, Father Abbot. These days I can’t afford to stay long in any one place. But one thing puzzles me. How could Dom Vladimir think I had anything to do with this man’s death?’
    ‘I’m not able to speak for him, Pierre. But he did point out that Tanenbaum is a Jewish name.’
    ‘Tanenbaum? Who? Oh, yes, the man who was shot.’
    ‘Pierre, we all know that the Jews are the ones who are seeking revenge. Look, I’m not accusing you of killing this man. But, as Dom Vladimir pointed out, you might have been forced to defend yourself.’
    ‘Father, I’ve the greatest respect for Dom Vladimir. I revere him. But, if I may say so, perhaps he has been reading too many detective stories lately.’
    He kept a smile on his face as he said this. And at the same time stared directly into the Abbot’s eyes. He’ll believe me. It’s too Grand Guignol for him to believe otherwise.
    But the Abbot did a worrying thing. He rose from his chair and went to look out of the window at the school across the road. The lunchtime break was ending. An electric bell shrilled, calling the boys back to lessons. The Abbot did not turn round. He spoke in a quiet, careful tone.
    ‘Pierre, this is a difficult time for all of us. You know about the Cardinal’s commission?’
    ‘Yes, Father Abbot.’
    ‘And did you know our Bishop has been sending two priests around with a copy of your photograph and instructions that we are not to admit you if you ask for asylum?’
    ‘No, I didn’t, Father Abbot. Of course, I wouldn’t have embarrassed you, if I’d known that was the case.’
    ‘Wait. I didn’t mean it that way. If I hadn’t had this call from Dom Vladimir, I’d have ignored the Cardinal’s order. I am an independent prelate and I don’t have to obey the archbishopric. But now, I don’t know what to think. You may have wanted to spare Dom Vladimir any involvement in this matter. As you may want to spare me. But I think, for all our sakes, that I need to know the truth. Of course, under no circumstances will it go further than this room. You have my word on that.’
    ‘And you have my word, Father. I’ve never heard of Monsieur Tanenbaum. I’ve never set eyes on him.’
    ‘Well, that is good news,’ the Abbot said. But he kept staring out of the window.
    He doesn’t believe me.
    And then the Abbot said, ‘Pierre, I feel badly about this, but I must think of the school, the parents, and our duty to avoid any scandal at this juncture. As you know, I’ve always supported you and I’d be happy to keep you here, just as in the old days. But I’m worried. Some of our monks might not agree with me. And with all the publicity you’ve received, I can no longer be sure that, if you stay here, they will remain ignorant of your identity. Therefore, I don’t feel I can offer you a bed, not even for tonight. However, I’ll be happy to help you financially if you can find a pension or somewhere to stay for the period you might have spent with us.’
    Now, at last, the Abbot turned round to face him. It had been said. One could always tell when the tide had turned, when, in fact, it was dangerous to say or do anything that let them know you knew they had changed sides.
    He got up at once. ‘Father Abbot, thank you. God bless you. I’d ask one favour. Pray for me. I need your prayers now, more than ever.’
    ‘Of course I will,’ the Abbot said. ‘And money?’
    ‘No, no, I’ll be all right.’
    ‘Will you be able to find somewhere to stay in Aix?’
    ‘I think I’ll move on. And, please, Father, if you’re speaking to Dom Vladimir, I’d be grateful if you would reassure him about that man’s death.’
    ‘Yes, of course I will.’
    They went out of the parlour and down the hall to the front entrance. As they did, they passed the little office of the père hospitalier . He saw the new hospitalier , Father Blaise, look up from his desk.
    He