Ahhh, now things were getting interesting.

Malachi warded off the smile that threatened at the edges of his lips, stuffing his mouth with bread.

A perfect world where grown men could love each other and priests could fuck. Or, as Crane put it, where celibacy was not necessarily required for certain people of certain positions. Right. He gave a low hum and swallowed the bit of roll.

"Ah, fear not. Secrets are the only things I keep."

He did smile then, as if he meant it as a joke.

Oh, God, the way his thoughts conjured birds in their cages, escaping through the weakened bars.

"There is no need to apologize, either. I happen to agree with you," Malachi admitted. "Are you aware of what celibacy actually means, constable?"