Page 10 of Priestly Sins

“How are you?”

The confusion returns and this time she doesn’t bother to hide it.

“I’m sorry?” It comes out as a question.

“How are you? Guessing the last couple of weeks have been hard for you.”

She nods, but says no more.

“How’s Clara?”

She looks around like I’m setting her up.

“No ulterior motive here,” I add. “Simply seeing how you’re doing.”

“Oh.” Her shoulders drop from her ears and her body slumps in the chair.

“She’s okay. It’s been a rough time for me and I think she’s reading that. And she misses her PawPaw.” Her voice gets smaller and then she adds, “I do too.”

Tears well in her eyes and I reach a hand out and rest it on hers in response.

“I’m sorry. Is there anything I can do for you?” It’s a pointless question—an impotent one. What could I do, even if I could help?

“No, but thank you for asking.” Her smile this time is small, but genuine. And I respond in kind.

Eventually she relaxes. I ask her to tell me stories about her dad. There are a few, mostly benign. I don’t get the impression he was dad of the year, but even so, he was hers.

Twenty minutes later, as I push open the door, I look over my shoulder. Her smile is genuine and relaxed.

“Thanks for this,” she says plainly.

“My pleasure,” I say looking her in the eyes, and I mean it. “Lock this up behind me? Want to know you’re safe.”

I leave with key lime tarts and a dozen butterscotch bars.

Eight

I’m preparing for Easter services when I get a call about my father’s estate. His attorney, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt, is as crooked as he was. Nonetheless, he has business to do, for which he’s been paid handsomely over the course of their relationship.

He asks me to plan a trip to Boston as quickly as I’m able. The estate needs to be settled. Several hiccups have thwarted both of us from finishing this paperwork. I agree and disconnect.

“Evelyn?”

She pops her head into my door and smiles.

“Yes, Father.”

“I need to take a trip the week after Easter. I’ll need someone to fill in.”

“How long will you be gone?”

“I’ll leave Monday and return Wednesday. Can you arrange with the Diocese to have someone fill in for those three days, please?”

“I sure can. Want me to book flights for you too?

“Thank you, but no. I appreciate you so much but you don’t have to handle my personal affairs. I’ll take care of those.”

“Of course, Father.”