Page 26 of Priestly Sins

Back in the same chair, still warm from my last turn there, I grab my phone and open the reading app. I’ve never used it before. Never had this much time while I’m out. I downloadBag of Bonesand pick up where I left off.

“Father O’Ryan?”

I lift my head and nod at the man who’s come around the front desk. “Sergeant James Cox, New Orleans PD.” He extends his hand, and I take it.

“Sean O’Ryan, nice to meet you.” His grip tightens for a quick second before releasing it.

“We released Henry Tremaine. Wrong person. Sorry for wasting your time.”

He holds my gaze but doesn’t step back or offer anything further.

I nod, assessing. “Does he need a ride home?”

“He walked out about an hour ago.”

I look at my watch. It’s almost three-thirty.

“Glad that’s taken care of,” I say, reaching in my pocket for my car keys. “Have a good night.”

“Yeah. You too.”

My car has two slashed tires when I return to it. I call a tow and order an Uber. By the time I get home it’s after five. No run this morning. I’ll be lucky to survive the day.

Fifteen

“That’ll be six forty-two.”

“Does that come with a car wash?”

“What?”

“Just seems high. Wondering if there’s anything else in the bill besides the tires.”

“Nope. Two low-profile tires, plus balance and alignment.”

“Gotcha. What time do you close?”

“Five. You need an inspection, by the way.”

“Do it. Thanks! And I’ll see you before five.”

I hang up.

* * *

Last night’sadventure cost me my morning run.

Confessions this morning cost me my sanity too.

I grab an afternoon cup of coffee, turn the phones on silent, and head to my office.

Three hours later, my neck muscles pinch, and my full cup coffee is now cold.

I leave, not bothering to check the messages, and grab a shower hoping that will wake me up.

I settle in with Stephen King, skipping dinner, and not caring enough to do anything about it. I read until I fall asleep and have dreams of Maine lighthouses and lake cabins.

I wake and am back on track. My neck is hating the grueling pace I set this morning, but sleep being off can’t be handled with kid gloves, so I’m back on schedule and wishing I hadn’t gotten toyed with by the NOLA PD two nights ago.