Leander’s day progressed along his usual schedule. He worked on the sermon and attended some scheduled appointments. A couple of parishioners interrupted him, and he took time to converse with them. After luncheon with Emil and Mrs. Dawson, he made his weekly visit to Mrs. Hockstad. As he promised Emil, he limited himself to one vodka tonic. When the visit finished, he walked back to the parish house.
As he approached, the faint smell of smoke grew stronger. Oh, no, the church?
Before he could tell what was going on, one of the older day nursery boys ran to locate him.
“Reverend Norris, come quickly. It’s the day nursery,” the boy shouted between gasps for breath.
By the time he arrived at the church grounds, he, too, could hardly breathe. Not only was he winded from the sprint, but th
