Catherine headed for the interview room, where Father Duncan Stein was waiting. "Sorry to keep you waiting, Father," she said.
"Not a problem."
"I'm Catherine Willows. Thank you again for coming all this way."
"I'm also here to pick up the body."
Catherine grimaced inwardly. "Right. As I mentioned on the phone, I'm not sure we can release the body to you today."
"Ms. Willows, it is vitally important that the body is released today," Father Stein said. "Father Carollan-O'Malley deserves to have a decent burial, one recognized by the Church."
"I understand, Father Stein. I'll have to check with Doctor Robbins, our M.E., and it's up to him to decide whether or not to release the body."
"Ms. Willows, if you do not release the body today, I will get an order from the officiating bishop. He will force you to release the body."
Before Catherine could respond to the priest, an autopsy technician knocked on the door. "Ms. Willows, Doctor Robbins says we can release Father Carollan-O'Malley. CSI Brown checked it out already."
"Thank you, Tricia." Catherine glanced back at Father Stein, who seemed to have relaxed. "Now, Father Stein, do you feel up to answering some questions?"
"Certainly," the priest answered. He settled himself at the table Catherine indicated.
Catherine glanced down at the file folder Warrick had slipped her. "How long have you known Father Carollan-O'Malley?"
"Oh, goodness. Since he came to the rectory... ten years ago, maybe. He was recommended to St. Wilhelmina's by his superior at St. Luke-St. John's of Las Vegas, Father Randall Kent. Father Kent knew I had just lost the superior at St. Wilhelmina's, Father Augustus Von Schreck, and knew I could use some assistance."
"Where did Father Von Schreck go?"
"He died, Ms. Willows. He was very old. Eighty-five."
"I see." Catherine made a note on her paper. "Did Father Carollan-O'Malley ever express distaste at having to leave St. Luke-St. John's? Did he enjoy his work at St. Wilhelmina's?"
"Well, I should think so," Father Stein answered, surprised. "St. Wilhelmina's is noted for its charitable works. Father Kent recommended Father Carollan-O'Malley specifically because of the younger priest's desire to help people.""What was Father Carollan-O'Malley involved in?"
"Hmmm, let's see. He started our soup kitchen, which has been very successful. He also worked with several local homeless shelters and battered women's shelters, always collecting goods and clothing for them. Father Carollan-O'Malley was a wonderful man, so charitable and kind. I don't understand why anyone would want to hurt him."
Catherine pursed her lips and looked down at her file. "I think that's all I have to ask you toady, Father Stein. If you're ready, I'll walk you down to the morgue."
Father Stein stood, his face expressionless. Gently he tugged at the Roman collar he wore. "I suppose it is time, Ms. Willows," he agreed.
Catherine opened the door for Father Stein and led him down the short hallway to the morgue. Inside, Dr. Robbins was finishing an examination with Grissom. He nodded to the desk in the corner, where his newest assistant, Tricia, sat behind a glowing computer monitor. "We're here for the body of Father Carollan-O'Malley," Catherine informed Tricia. "This is Father Duncan Stein."
Tricia nodded. "All right. Father Stein, I just need you to sign these release forms and we'll release the body to you. How are you transporting him?"
"Mitch Donovan from Donovan Funeral Homes is coming," Father Stein replied, diligently signing the forms.
Catherine gave Father Stein a moment to collect himself. As she waited, she wandered over to Grissom. "That's about it," Doc Robbins was saying.
"Catherine," Grissom greeted her. "We're having a meeting at nine-thirty, okay?"
"Okay. I'll get some doughnuts on my break."
"Excellent," Doc Robbins said, smiling and rubbing his hands together. "Buy a few bear's claws, will you?"
"I always do," Catherine answered, rewarding him with a smile.
"Good. I'll have your test results within the hour, Grissom," Robbins said.
Grissom left the morgue, and Catherine returned to Father Stein. A short, balding man with horn-rimmed glasses was standing next to Father Stein. "This is Mitch Donovan," Father Stein said, introducing the man to Catherine.
They made the final arrangements to release the body, and Catherine left, leaving Father Stein to grieve for his colleague.