Malachi waited until the boy had climbed into the cart, and then took over the job of pushing it. He leaned down when he heard the child's not-quite-whisper.

"Apparently not, if he thinks your sister is required to answer him," the priest returned, matching the child's volume. Ruth handled the constable's harassment well enough on her own, but Malachi did raise a brow at the mention of the Wards.

"Benjamin Ward? The one that broke through a window near the church?"

Malachi's lips pressed into a frown, and he added, "I believe it was him that recently stole several candles from our altars, as well."