Chapter 3 –
Frank took Father Bills advice and didn’t say anything to Mr. Lacy. After the “premature ejaculation” conversation, Frank began watching every word he said. A week later, he was glad he did. Father Bill came into the precinct and made his way to Frank’s desk.
“I didn’t tell you about it, but night before last I got made.”
“What do you mean, you got made?”
“Isn’t that what you people say when your cover is blown? When someone recognizes who you are?”
Frank wondered how he could keep Bill away from watching Law and Order. “Okay, how did you get made?” Frank couldn’t help but smile.
“The other night I went to Walmart and some woman recognized me. She was with us on the bus trip. She came up to me and was all smiles, asking about my ear and my hands and the whole time never took her eyes off my collar.”
“You were dressed as a priest?”
“Yes.”
“I wouldn’t worry about it I believe. . .”
Bill gave Frank a look letting him know to shut up.
“As I was saying, I didn’t think that much of it until this morning.”
“This morning, what happened this morning?”
“I got a phone call, somebody from Taylor’s organization.”
“Okay, they were hitting you up for money. I would imagine you should have expected that. I’m not the least surprised. You do that at St. Claude’s. You call people after they’ve visited. I know you won’t admit it, but your goal is to get a pledge.” Frank once more smiled.
“Yea that would make sense except I never gave them my name, certainly not a phone number. And it wasn’t exactly what they said, but how they said it.”
“What do you mean?”
“The woman asked me about my ear and how I was doing.”
“So?”
Bill gave Frank another “shut up” look.
“The woman said that sometimes people get cured but fail to show the Lord their appreciation and the cure goes away.”
“The pitch for the money.”
Bill nodded. “But it’s worse than that.”
“What?”
“They wanted a thousand dollars.”
“They asked for a thousand dollars?”
“No, they didn’t exactly ask. They said that Jesus had spoken to Reverend Taylor and told him that in my case he believes a thousand dollars would display my faith.”
“You have got to be kidding!”
Father Bill raised his right hand, a sign for “I swear”.
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