Gabriel stood frozen for a moment. He half expected a reprimand from Brennan, and even when it did not come, the shame burned inside of him and he dared not look. Tully's further provocation was too much. "Excuse me," he muttered, and he put his serviette down and paced out of the kitchen.

He went upstairs, into his room and closed the door behind him, resting against it. His heart was racing. He felt like kicking something over. What was wrong with him? He hadn't felt angry like this in years. His eyes burned. He put his hand over his eyes. Why was he a priest at all?