The Policeman and the Prophet - Day 26

“These religious cults are funny. They’re strong in a way, and extremely weak in another. It’s sort of like the thing with tempered glass.”

“Tempered glass?”

“Yea, you can throw a cinder block against a good piece of tempered glass and it will bounce, but hit it in just the right place with a diamond ring and it will shatter to smithereens. These cults will go up against anything you throw at them, but touch these cults in just the right place and they fall apart, just like the piece of glass.”

That night, Frank picked up Gibbs at the three five and they went to the church rectory.

“I hope Bill hasn’t moved. He just told the Bishop this morning.”

“I don’t know. Usually these kind of things move fast… too fast.”

As they turned the corner in front of the church, Frank could see the rectory. There were several cars in the parking area.

“Bill has company.”

“Unless I miss my bet, it’s his new friends.”

“What should we do?”

“We’re going in. You beg for chances like this. The best bet you have is to make some of his new friends look like fools in front of him. Remember, a small fracture in the tempered glass will shatter the whole pane.”

“Whatever you say.”

The two of them parked the car and went to the front door. Frank rang the bell. Bill spoke without opening the door. “Who is it?” he asked.

“It’s Frank, Bill. Let me in.”

“This isn’t a good time.”

They’re in there. They told him to get rid of who was ever at the door.

“Open the door, Bill.”

The door opened slightly. The safety chain was still latched. Bill put his face up to the opening. “It’s not a good time, Frank. Come back tomorrow.”

“Unlock the door, Bill.”

“Frank, I’m serious.”

“I am too, Bill, unlock the goddamn door or you’ll see just how serious I am.”

“Frank, I have company.”

“Are you going to open the door or am I going to open it for you?”

Bills expression showed he wasn’t certain what to do. In a second the door closed and the rattle of the chain could be heard. The door opened.

“Bill, this is not a good time. I have company.”

Gibbs barged through the door and grabbed Bill’s hand. “Good evening, Father, my name is Gibbs. I’m on the anti-gang anti-cult squad of the police department. I’m glad to make your acquaintance.”

“Me too, I. . . I’m glad to meet you too, but. . .”