Chapter 9

Adrian's POV

I went too far out into the woods, so it’s already sunrise by the time I make it back to the rectory and I'm late for my appointment with Pippa.

The priests are still in their rooms, doing their morning prayers so my return goes unnoticed, but when I leave the bathroom after taking a shower, Father Abraham corners me in the hallway. “You’re back?”

“Yes, Father,” I say. “An old parishioner texted me last night and asked if I’d go see them.”

“Why?”

I pull my phone with the fake text from Joseph out of my pocket and hand it to Father Abraham so he can read it. “His wife is dying, and he wants me to deliver her last rites.”

Abraham’s eyes fly over the text. I have no idea why the man is so suspicious of me – I’ve never run into this problem before, but in a few hours this will all be in my past. He nods and gives me my phone. “How did you get back?”

“The bus,” I lie smoothly. “And a very long walk.”

This, for some reason, pleases the old priest. He smiles and nods. “You are v