Cate stepped up to Helena and gave her a hug. “How are you, Sister?”
“Hanging in there, Cate,” Helena replied. “You?”
“The same. Hallam’s trial has begun and I’ve been giving testimony for the past two days. I’m grateful for the break.” Cate turned to Pfluger. “And who are you, soldier?”
Pfluger saluted Cate, and Cate returned it. “Chief Petty Officer Jedidiah Pfluger, Construction Battalion 3, Ma’am.”
“Navy man, eh.”
“Yess’m, ma’am. We here ta clear them dang ol’ trees, man, talkin’ ’bout makin’ us a perimeter ‘round th’ village, yep.”
“I see.” Cate turned to Helena and whispered in her ear, “What did he say?”
“He said they came to clear the trees around the village. The Colonel wanted a killing zone around the village.” Cate nodded.
“Here’s the Monstrance you requested,” Doctor Flynn Hart said as she handed the bucket to Helena.
“Thank you Flynn,” Helena replied.