The Policeman and the Prophet - Day 18

Frank took Bill’s arm and pulled him to the side off the steps. “Look, Priest, I don’t know what’s got into you but don’t give me that holy shuffle shit. This is Frank, I know you.”

“Yes, I know. We can have lunch tomorrow. I’ll see you tomorrow, but please let me return. People are waiting.” Bill pulled his arm from Frank’s grip and flashed him the same glassy smile.

Hell, if I didn’t know better, I’d think Bill had hooked up with the Moonies. He’s acting like a . . .”

Chapter 4 –

The three minutes Frank had spent with Father Bill the day before disturbed Frank to no end. He had caught himself thinking about the priest while he was watching the game Sunday afternoon. During the game, one thing mattered, the game, but he was thinking about Bill.

At noon Frank walked into Bertie’s Restaurant. Bertie’s was a big part of Bill’s life and Franks. They had met there after taking their dates home. They were there every day after school. When Bill had said they would meet for lunch he didn’t ask where. There was only one place, Bertie’s.

Frank had already sat at a table and ordered a Coke when Bill came in, but as Bill made his way toward the table Frank noticed something, something wrong, very wrong.

When they were kids Bill was like every other kid on the block. He wore the same knit shirts and the same jeans. But when he went off to the seminary he changed. He was still Bill, but when he wasn’t wearing black and a Roman collar he would still betray his ‘priesthood’ in some manner or the other. Today, Bill was ‘normal’. He could be confused for any other mill worker or desk jockey in town. There wasn’t the first sign of black anywhere. There was no cross, no collar, nothing. Bill looked normal.

“Okay, Priest, talk to me. I know something’s eating you, what is it?”

“Eating me? Nothing is eating me, Frank. I am at peace.”

“At peace,” thought Frank, “is this the same guy who panicked when he thought he had knocked up Mary Ann Gillespie? He was at peace? What did that mean?”

“Okay, Dude, why are you ‘at peace’.” Frank tried to hold back a grin. He didn’t succeed.

“I am one with Jesus.”

“Okay, so, you are one with Jesus. So, what’s new?”

“No, I mean I am ONE with Jesus. I have found my savior.”

Frank tried to hold back a smirk, again he didn’t succeed.