CHAPTER FORTY THREE – AN EASY SLIP

The two girls shared a quick hug before making their way back to the pantry. As they emerged into the kitchen, they heard a commotion from the direction of the chapel. "Fire!" someone yelled. "Fire in the chapel!" The sounds of running feet and panicked voices filled the air. Maria grinned at Rebecca. "That should keep them busy for a while. The 'fire' is just a bunch of wet leaves smoking in a bucket, but it'll take them some time to figure that out." Rebecca couldn't help but laugh. "You're a genius, Maria." "Now go," Maria urged. "Before someone comes to check the kitchen." With a final grateful nod to her friend, Rebecca slipped out the kitchen door into the cool night air. The convent courtyard was eerily quiet, most of the commotion centered around the chapel on the other side of the grounds. Rebecca stuck to the shadows, her heart pounding as she made her way towards the high stone wall that surrounded the convent. As she neared the wall, Rebecca heard footsteps approachi