"Oh?"

Malachi's brows lifted, and his hand returned to its comfortable hold behind him. The child was a slippery one, but he did not appear to be all that determined to call him out on his list of excuses. In his experience, berating a child for such things did not bring them any closer to God, no matter how far away they were from him to start.

No, this boy must have been in some sort of need, to resort to stealing candles from the altar. If Malachi wanted him to ever return, he could not scare him off -- not anymore than his somewhat imposing stature could really help.

"Of course. I can wait," assured Malachi. Stepping aside, he continued, "will you be taking the candles with you, then? In case they catch fire in the meantime. I would not want the church to burn down before I hear your confession."