Cash tried to put on a friendly smile. “Wow, that’s impressive. I imagine you must know a great deal about the people in your parish.”
“Yes.” Father Moore preened. “Did you know that Burns has one of the lowest crime rates in the state? Which I would like to believe can be attributed to my guidance and that of Christ.”
“Since you know so many people in town, are there any you might like to bring to our attention?” Cash asked. “Maybe someone who might have wished ill of Willy Grooms?”
Father Moore frowned, revealing lines characteristic of someone who scowled often. “I don’t know.”
Cash did her best not to return his scowl. This priest was going to drive her crazy. “We’re just asking for a little help here solving a murder. As a priest, maybe you heard something, know something, that would be relevant.”
Father Moore turned to Colcord. “I sincerely hope Agent Cash is not suggesting I violate the sanctity of the confessional.”
Cash’s fists whitened around her clipboard. “Father Moore, since I’m the one asking the questions, I’d appreciate you directing your answers to me.”
“Of course. It’s just that I’m not used to being interrogated by a…policewoman.”
“If you need help processing that a woman’s in charge, I can draw you a picture,” said Cash.
Father Moore’s penetrating voice spoke over her. “And I take issue with being asked to tattle on my parishioners by someone who doesn’t seem to be familiar with the Catholic faith and the sanctity of the confessional.”
Cash spoke, her voice shaking with emotion. “Iwasan obedient Catholic until I heard what our priest was doing to boys in the sacristy.”
Father Moore’s jaw tightened, and he responded stiffly, “It’s not surprising someone with your disposition chose law enforcement. I imagine the badge offers a certain sense of usefulness when marriage is not an option.”
Cash surged to her feet. “You sexist prick!” she snapped, immediately wishing she could take it back.
“Christ,” Colcord muttered behind her.
Father Moore met Cash’s stare not with fury but with eyes glittering with triumph. He rose stiffly, brushing his robes off with open palms, then gestured grandly to the door. “This interview is now concluded. I can assure you, the proper authorities will hear of this offensive comment.”
“Father Moore,” Colcord said hastily, “we’re just trying to gather the facts with no intention of giving offense—”
“I ask that you both leave immediately.”
Colcord grasped Cash’s shoulder and steered her through the little doorway. She brushed him off, strode down the aisle, and shoved openthe double doors to the outside. He jogged after her, a concerned look on his face.
“Cash… I love ya, but what the hell was that?”
“I know, I know.” She squeezed her eyes shut in frustration. She couldn’t believe she had let that insufferable jerk get under her skin. Her standing with CBI was already shaky. This unprofessional outburst could very well get her taken from AIC in the case, maybe off it entirely.
