Extraordinary Retribution Read Online Free PDF Page B

altar to illuminate the marbled statues. Whatever confusions were boiling inside him, he did love his parish church. An unusual design, harkening back to ancient times, perhaps, with a more curvilinear shape and few windows or open spaces. Now it feels like a catacomb . He tried to imagine the early Christians worshiping, hiding from Roman and Jewish persecution. Those were saints. He put away some of the prayer books that some parishioners had discarded haphazardly and inhaled deeply. What have we become?
    His eyes were caught by something across the pews. In another tribute to older ways, he saw that the stone by the confessional had been moved. He stood up straight. At this hour? But there was no denying it. He saw a shadow within.
    Father Lopez left the prayer books for later and walked over to the booth. He entered the side reserved for the priest and sat down. “In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.” He awaited the petitioner.
    “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been thirty years since my last confession.”
    Father Lopez gasped. “Miguel? What—”
    “Francisco, just do it.”
    Lopez paused a moment, shocked at the turn of events. His missing brother, here? His brother hadn’t been to church since they were children. Why was he here?
    “Miguel, I think another priest would be a better choice. Talk to me outside as your brother. Maria’s worried sick.”
    “I can’t go to anyone else, Francisco. That’s impossible.”
    His brows furrowing, Father Lopez leaned forward. “Why can’t you go anywhere else?”
    The shadowy figure on the other side let out a sigh. “Look Francisco, I know I gave you hell for your choices in life. I know this is hard for you. I’m sorry. I’m sorry for all that. I really am. I was young, and I thought you were a fool.” A grim laugh coughed through the divider. “Lessons are often taught harshly.”
    “Miguel, I don’t understand.”
    “I can’t go anywhere else, Francisco. I can’t talk to anyone about this. I shouldn’t even be here. I’m probably putting you in danger.”
    Danger? What in the world was his brother talking about?
    “Some things should never have been done, Francisco. Whatever the fear.” His brother paused, and Father Lopez could almost feel the weight under which the words were spoken. “The world seemed to be falling apart. I just wanted to protect us all, Francisco ,” came an intense whisper and then a deep breath. “We crossed lines.”
    Confession wasn’t supposed to be a transference of guilt, but it felt as if he had always absorbed the transgressions of others. He felt part of the confession and shared in the torment of their soul. Perhaps it was a small taste of what the Lord had known on the Cross. Father Lopez felt the weight of his brother’s sin descend upon him.
    “I can say we were following instructions, because we were, but I know that’s a cop out.”
    Father Lopez had always wondered what his brother did working for those contractors in Washington. Everything was top secret ; at family gatherings the older Lopez child was the source of constant guessing games. Some thought Miguel simply played the security-clearance card because of ego. Father Lopez had disagreed. He had grown up with his brother. He knew when he was lying, when he was honest. Before seminary, when Father Lopez had been an idealistic young man unsure of his path, the brothers had fought vehemently. They had polarized themselves and mocked each other’s pursuits, almost defining themselves in carving out opposing lives. The priest. The soldier. God or country. On so many issues, the two seemed in conflict.
    At this moment, he felt no triumph at what his brother was confessing. Miguel, what have you done?
    Miguel Lopez shook his head. “We had choices. Like anyone. I can’t run away from that.” He laughed grimly. “Looks like there is no running away now. At least I drew one line in the sand.”
    “What