Once he had helped Richards to his feet, Malachi returned his hands to rest comfortably behind his back. In truth, he had not expected the other to so willingly agree to confess after his obvious irritation with him that morning -- but he was not about to complain.

"Take your time," he said. After giving a polite smile, Malachi turned away to head out of the presbytery and into the church itself. Whatever he had been doing before he returned that evening, it had clearly not exhausted his enthusiasm. He slipped his glasses back on once he'd made into the confessional, and waited.