Transcending Queen Read Online Free PDF Page A

brother.” I said almost
offended where he was taking this. I hated reliving my past for
these sessions as it throttled me back into a bad place and I
desperately desired to change the subject. “This picture on the
wall, I noticed it the other day. Where’d you get this taken?”
    “Photographers come around and update them
for directories.”
    “The blue background brings out your eyes,
Father.”
    “I took pleasure the other day when you
called me Colin, its acceptable in certain situations.”
    “I’m not sure that’s a good habit to start,
when I get comfortable with someone I forget boundaries, what if I
slip in public?”
    “I’ll simply correct you. I can explain
myself out of quite a bit these days.”
    That last statement left a lot to be desired
considering what Jack and I were trying to accomplish. I needed to
throw some curve balls at him to get a fix on his reactions, which
will assist me later when he’s really under pressure to gauge his
tells.
    “You seem down all of a sudden, what’s going
on?” He asked.
    “It’s just hard reliving the past with all
these memories coming through.”
    “Well this is the stuff you have to put away
and move on from. Do you remember Marjorie’s wedding? You were
there and we shared a dance together. Good memories, those are the
ones you need to hold onto and remember.”
    “Yeah, it was nice. Listen, there’s something
else on my mind. I’ve heard people talking around town.”
    “We’ve already been through this. There are
always rumors in these small towns, but what in particular would
you like to discuss.”
    “This one is different this time, it’s
serious.” I admitted.
    “Ok, lay it on me then.”
    “Just remember, I am only the messenger.”
    “I don’t have time for this, tell me now.” He
insisted.
    “It involves you and the church, allegations
of skimming money from collection trays.”
    He blinked hard several times as he leaned
back in his chair and brought forth two index fingers resting them
on his lips. The ball got slammed into his court and yet no
response came as he held a poker face taking his sweet time
contemplating his next move. Unnerving as it had become, I held
tight studying his every move waiting for a response. He finally
spoke, “You know rumors are just that, rubbish. I thought you
didn’t care what these people thought?”
    “I don’t, of course not, I’d believe you over
them any day. But I thought you needed to know.”
    “How could I not know? There’s an
investigation in process.”
    I held my breath uncertain what he knew. Did
he know about our investigation and if so how? I looked at him with
concern before asking out loud, “What do you mean?”
    “You know what I mean. No need to play
games.” He held firm in his position.
    I lowered my gaze toward the couch on which I
sat and took in the pattern of plaid with strong, abundant colors
breaking eye contact while trying to switch gears. Still nothing
came to mind as I thought, “Damn, he’s good.” I gazed back in his
direction letting him know I had no knowledge of what he was
talking about.
    “If you already know what their accusing me
of, then you must have some inclination of the diocese running
their own investigation.”
    I shook my head in confusion wondering if
this is who hired Jack or a whole other situation beyond our
knowledge.
    “I think our time here is done, you need to
go.” He insisted.
    “I apologize, I didn’t mean…..”
    “I want you out.” He scolded in a strict tone
while flinging the door wide open as if he expected a herd of
cattle to make their way through.
    “Again, I didn’t mean to…”
    “Goodnight Melissa.”
    I stood out on the street away from his house
under a street lamp when it had occurred to me that maybe I should
go back, but his voice dictated a punishing tone and my gut
instincts told me to leave well enough alone. With his stature, he
easily commanded people’s attention. I felt as if I had