I hate to push it but you know I want to take this thing further.”
“I know you do, but what I don’t know is why. There have been Billy Taylors around for centuries. You all sell eternity for donations, you know that. I love you, Bill, but I believe you need to realize that the same thing goes on in your church. Don’t you believe the people think God is watching when they drop their money in the plate?”
“I know. I’m not stupid, but at least we tell them it’s to keep up the church, we don’t use that ‘come forward and be healed’ crap.”
“I know.”
Frank watched as Father Bill walked out of the precinct. “There goes a disappointed man,” he thought as he regretted getting such a good man involved.
Frank was busy the next two Sundays and didn’t go to church. When he finally did go on the third Sunday it seemed Bill to avoid him. As they shook hands after church, Frank said that they needed to have lunch some time that week.
“We do need to get together, but I don’t know when it will be. This is my busy time of year.”
They had known each other since childhood and Frank had just been brushed off like someone would do a deadbeat relative asking for money. And busy time? It was fall. What was busy about fall.
The next week Bill was even more distant. “What day you want to have lunch, Father?”
“Hmmm, good question,” answered Bill as he sucked air through his teeth. “I would like to sit down with you but I’m not sure when. Tell you what, I’ll let you know something later this week.”
There was no ‘later this week’. Frank heard nothing. Was Bill mad about the Jimmy Taylor thing? Was there anything to be mad about? Frank tried to call, but each time he had to leave a message, a message that was not answered.
The following Sunday Frank was determined to get an answer. This wasn’t right.
“No, I’m not avoiding you. I’ve been busy.”
“Busy doing what? Look you holy shit, I know when I’m being avoided.” Mrs. Banks heard part of what was said and grabbed her mouth. Father Bill reached over and shook her hand and she scurried off.
“Frank, something has come up. I do want to talk you, but I just want everything right before I do.”
“Everything right? What in the hell are you talking about? I didn’t know anything was wrong.”
Frank stood back and Father Bill shook another couple of hands. “No, nothing is wrong. Actually, for the first time in my life, everything is perfect.” Frank noticed Bill’s face. He had the sort of glassy look like the Moonies used to have when they tried to collect money at the precinct. Even when they were turned away, they gave a glazed over look and said “Thank You”. It was the same look.
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