make it happen.
Snod decided to make the best of it and enjoy the evening to come, picking out one of the nicer dress
shirts that Frankie had bought for him.
It was dark blue with silver buttons, soft and sleek. He had a pair of black slacks that would look
perfect with it. Maybe a vest, maybe not. He started to put it on as he debated, but he paused when he
realized it had French cuffs.
Damn, did Frankie buy him cufflinks?
Snod couldn’t remember. He dug around in the closet, moving to peek inside the bedside table to
check. He froze, staring down at his old phone sitting next to his scapular in the top drawer.
Setting the shirt down, he sat on the bed and anxiously licked his lips. He should destroy it. Throw it
in the trash. Burn it.
The familiar sting of guilt forced his hand and he couldn’t help himself. He turned it on and watched it
boot up with bated breath.
He clicked through old text messages, finding the picture that Father Sanguis had sent him. It was the
painting of Frankie and his Maker, Terrell Guiscard. He frowned when he looked at the date, realizing
that it was sent a month ago today.
A month ago, he had pledged to find that name and give it to the Order, desperate to return to their
ranks. A month ago, he thought his world was ending.
But now he was in love, deeply and truly. He had new friends and his beloved brother was here. He
had a job that he enjoyed and an entirely new purpose for his life.
He had a new world.
When the phone rang, his heart stilled in his chest and his blood ran cold. His new world crumbled
away, and he was staring at the ringing device in shock.
It was Father Sanguis.
He drew in a shaking breath and his hands began to tremble. He had to answer it. He had to. He had
to report in, he had so many new sins to confess...
No.
He threw the phone at the floor, choking back a broken sob. He held his face in his hands, fear taking
away his breath and all of his confidence. He was a scared little boy again and it was his first lesson;
the first time he had to learn the pain of punishment and the reward of forgiveness.
