Page 50 of Priestly Sins

I walk the two miles back to the main road, stopping at an abandoned gas station, before adding another five, until I call an Uber. The alibi is necessary even if it’s annoying. They drop me off at the rectory to shower and change into my blacks.

Twenty-Six

Back at my office, I chat a little with Evelyn for a few minutes. She and Tom will have all the kids and grandchildren over for Thanksgiving in two days. She is making her famous pecan pie and sweet potato soufflé, while her son is bringing the turkey. Potluck Thanksgiving seems like the way to go

Sirona:Level 2, west garage, A-22.

Me:All okay?

Sirona:Landed in Newark. You okay?

Me:Clara is fine. Exhale.

Sirona:Is this going to work? Sean, I’m scared.

Me:It will work. Promise.

Sirona:Thank you.

Me:See you tonight.

“Evelyn?”

“Yes, Father.”

“Looks like I have another emergency with my family that requires my immediate attention.”

Evelyn looks confused. Dead mother. Dead father. No siblings. She knows of no family that could present such an emergency, but she’s too kind to ask and just nods.

“What do you need?”

“I can make the arrangements if you can get a priest here for tomorrow morning’s mass and for Thursday Thanksgiving services. Hate to even ask. I know you planned on leaving after lunch tomorrow. Can you bring in a replacement for me? If we can make that happen, I don’t see why you couldn’t take the rest of the week off.”

She nods, still perplexed. “Yes, Father.”

“I’m sorry, Evelyn, but I do wish you a very happy Thanksgiving.”

She smiles and closes the door behind her.

I grab my phone and text Bobby.

Me:Get my email?

Bobby:Yeah. You sure about this?

Me:Positive. Can you make it happen without it tracing back to me?

Bobby:Don’t see why not. When do you head out?

Me:Few hours. Anything I need to worry about before then?

Bobby:Nah, but I’d grab Benadryl.

Me:Explain.

Bobby:Best cocktail to knock out a wired kid.

Me:Oh. This is why I pay you an exorbitant hourly rate.