Stan sucked on his pipe, drawing out each puff to give him more thinking time. "Our parish sewing group is probably knitting something or collecting warm clothes, but the parochial church council would know more than I."

"I see..." Gabriel said uncertainly. That didn't sound like this guy was enthusiastic about a cooperation. Perhaps he should try with the parish council... He returned to his drink, suddenly in a rush to finish. None of this had gone as smoothly as planned and Gabriel was eager to lick his wounds.