Her words confused him and he began to think she really was mad.

And then the truth was out. Well, her truth. Because it was so vulgar, so offensive, it couldn't be the truth. Everything he had learned about human nature in the countless confessions he had heard, was still carefully shelved and covered whenever he thought of his family.

He sat very still. Then let out a nervous half laugh. "With... all due respect, madam, there are so many Mr. Richards out there. I'm afraid you have the wrong one."

Gabriel had had his issues with his father. His father had never been the kind of father he had wanted, and Gabriel had certainly disappointed his father as a son, most of all by joining the priesthood. But he had loved the man and respected him, and for all his flaws, his father had been good. He wouldn't... no, he wouldn't.