He opened the door and stepped into the hallway. Can I help you, Father?The priest smiled. Connor, good to see you again. He shook hands, then peeked inside the office. Fascinating. Ive never seen this room before. May I Connor motioned for him to enter, then followed him inside.
Father Andrew pivoted, scanning the office. His eyebrows rose at the sight of all the weapons in the caged-off area in the back. He turned toward the wall of surveillance monitors. I wanted to let you know how much we appreciate you keeping us safe during Mass.
Connor inclined his head. It wasnt an idle compliment. The Malcontents had tried bombing the chapel before. With Roman in attendance, along with Angus MacKay and other high-profile members of the bottle-drinking Vamp world, they were practically begging for an attack.
The priest gestured to the screen showing the chapel. So you were still able to watch the service?
Aye. Connor didnt admit that hed kept the volume turned off. I wasna here all the time. I did four perimeter checks.
Youre very vigilant, Father Andrew said with the hint of a smile. The silver fringe of hair surrounding his bald crown indicated an advanced age, yet his clear blue eyes and smooth skin lent him an oddly youthful and innocent appearance. Roman and his family are fortunate to have you.
Connor shifted his weight. Roman is verra important. The priests smile widened. You are all important in the eyes of the Lord. I was wondering why you volunteer to guard us every week. Surely you could take turns with the other men? I havent seen you at Mass for months now.
Connor winced inwardly. He should have known this was coming.
Im concerned about you, the priest continued. Perhaps its my imagination, but I feel like youve grown more isolated and . . . unhappy in the last few years. Roman agrees Ye talked to Roman about me? Connor snapped.
The priests eyes widened, but he remained quiet until Connor felt a twinge of guilt for raising his voice.
Roman tells me youre approaching your five hundredth birthday, Father Andrew said in a soothing tone. Ive heard that can cause feelings of depression or
Bull crap.
or anger, the priest finished his sentence with a pointed look. In your case, I fear youre shutting yourself off from your friends, which will result in you feeling even more alone. What do you think, Connor? Do you feel isolated?
Not isolated enough since he was forced to endure this conversation. He shoved the annoying strand of hair behind his ear. Tis no the same anymore. All the men are getting married.
I heard that you disapprove of their relationships.
Connor shot him an irritated look. Tis no that I want them to be lonely and miserable. They just doona see the risk theyre taking. Theres nothing more important to vampires than keeping our existence a secret. That has been our top priority for centuries, and theyre foolishly flaunting it.
Theyre in love.
Connor snorted.
You dont believe in love?
Connor grimaced as if hed been poked with a spear. Oh, he believed in love all right. Love was a bitch.
Father Andrew watched him closely. Theres no need to feel alone, Connor. You could come to Mass with your friends and take Holy Communion.
The wily priest was going for the jugular. Connor was purposely avoiding Communion. Hed been raised to believe he would have to go to confession first.
Father Andrew slipped on his reading glasses and removed a Day-Timer from his coat pocket. Id like to set up an appointment with you.
Im busy.
The priest ignored that remark as he thumbed through the pages. Roman would give you the time off.
No thanks.
How about next Thursday evening at nine? I could meet you here.
Nay.
With his hand resting on an open page of his Day-Timer, Father Andrew peered over the rims of his reading glasses. Ive been a priest for over fifty years. I can tell when a man is in need of confession.
Connor stepped back, his jaw clenched. I confess nothing.