That was one way to phrase it. Malachi tried not to think about the order of his words; the way it sounded like he'd sold plenty of whiskey to a priest. A frown tugged at the edges of his mouth, but he did not let it fully form.

"I see. I suppose it's a blessing to have found you, then; did Father Kemble ever buy from you?"

Now that he was to be leading the church, it would be good to know these things as soon as possible, lest the chalice run dry.

Malachi avoided the people around them as best as he could, and only somewhat succeeded.