The long, narrow hallway outside the church sanctuary boardroom smelled of floor wax and wet overcoats.

A cold late-autumn rain drummed on the tall stained glass at the end of the corridor.

I stood beside the wooden coat rack in my dark clerical suit, straightening my pastoral collar with chilled fingers.

Helen came in through the heavy side door in a yellow rain poncho over her nursing scrubs, holding a thick manila folder stamped with the hospital’s seal.

Her rubber-soled shoes squeaked on the polished tile.