“But?”
“But nothing. I’m sorry to hear it. And you have an interesting point of view about the Church’s view on homosexuality. But if you remember your catechism, you should also know: marriage is a sacrament intended to produce children.”
I throw my hands up. “So you shouldn’t let old people get married, then, should you? Or people who can’thavekids, like Ce—”Shit. “—uh, so many people these days.”
Way to have your outlaw sister’s back, dumbass. Luca’s right; I talk too much. There’s something about this priest that makes me spill more than I intend. I guess that’s one of the qualities they look for in a priest, someone who’ll get all those sneaky little sins and stories out of you even if you don’tmeanto confess.
Aidan is shaking his head. “I see no benefit in arguing points of doctrine, Finch. All I can say is, I understand your point of view, although I don’t share it.”
“Fine by me. Let’s change the subject. Why are you so scared of Daddy Benedict?”
With a pained look, Aidan replies, “He is…one of the people whose views I’m hoping to change.”
“Oh, a big old ’phobe, huh?”
Aidan sighs.
“He managed to shake my hand, and I’m not exactly closeted,” I point out. “What’s the story there?”
“Not to put too fine a point on it: you’re wealthy.”
I see it clearly. Benedict is the kind of man who likes pomp and ceremony because he likes pretty things. He likes luxury, money, and most of all,power.
I know, because I’m like that, too.
“Interesting.”
“We’re done with the newsletter,” Aidan says, shuffling them all into neat piles. “Thank you for helping.”
“Where’s Benny now?”
“I believe he’s in his office, but he doesn’t like to be disturbed when he’s—”
“Oh, he’ll likethisdisturbance. I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse. You might not like the idea of my money, but I bethewill.”
“Finch!” Aidan springs up like he’s going to make a grab for me, but I pull away, grinning.
“Don’teven, Priest Boy.”
“I promise you—I swear to you—you don’t want to give money to this church.Please—”
“My money’s as good as anyone’s.”
“It’s not that, and anyway, he’s busy—he has company—”
“Then I guess I get to interrupt his blow job or whatever,” I tell Aidan, and take off at an indecorous sprint.
I don’t really know where I’m going. The church has a lot of side halls, but I find the one I want pretty fast.Father Benedict O’Sullivan, the plaque on the door at the end says, and I dash down to knock fast and loud, Aidan on my heels, hissing at me to stop, before I just burst through into the office.
“I’m real sorry, Daddy B, only I thought I should see you right away and—ohshit.”
From the visitor’s chair, a man turns around to glare at me, and I stare into the hate-filled eyes of Sam Fuscone.
It’s like a nightmare come to life; I stand frozen until Aidan pushes past me, apologizing profusely. “I’msosorry, Father, I did warn…” He stops, out of breath, as he reads the room.
And then Sam Fuscone gives a grim smile as he pulls out a gun.
Chapter Twenty-One
