The pews were filled with more congregants than usual. Considering the typical attendance on any day other than Sunday, it did not add up to all that many people, but the added faces brought a sense of life to the church that was not always there.

Malachi did not immediately take notice of the latest man to enter. Just minutes before, a young girl had left the confessional abruptly, after having spent the last half hour spewing nonsense about her boyfriend's sins instead. Even as Malachi stepped out from the confessional, mouth drawn in a thoughtful frown, he could not make sense of what she had wanted him to do about any of it. Her boyfriend was welcome to seek penance himself, but the girl had been adamant about her own lack of sin.

Several minutes passed while the priest was caught by another parishioner. Not for a confession, but to extend an invitation to the priest -- something about a child's birthday -- which was promptly but politely refused.

Only then did he see the man waiting in the pew, dressed quite nicely for his visit. Malachi's hands folded neatly behind his back as he approached him.

"Hello," offered the priest, along with a polite smile. "I'm Father Brennan. Is there something I can do for you?"