On Broken Wings by Francis Porretto

Author:Francis Porretto
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Francis Porretto
Published: 2012-02-27T19:44:10+00:00

==<O>==

Chapter 29

Christine put her coffee cup in the sink and hefted her purse.

"Time to flip bits for bucks."

She would have leaned over and kissed Louis on the forehead, as had become their custom, but he rose from his seat and embraced her.

Warmth rose in her as his arms tightened around her. He'd hardly been willing to let her out of bed that morning. They'd showered together, dried one another, watched one another shave. He'd even sat and watched as she dressed and made herself up.

She squeezed him gently. He squeezed her hard.

If he keeps this up, we'll be back in bed in about three seconds.

"I might be out late again tonight, okay?" he said.

"Sure. Another old obligation?"

"Yeah." His voice was husky. "I mean, really late. If you feel like going to sleep before I get home, do it."

She started to ask what would be keeping him, then checked herself.

If he wanted me to know, he'd tell me.

"You have a good day, Louis."

"Yeah, you too." He released her and stepped back. She hesitated a moment, then leaned over to pet Boomer, and headed out to her car and her day of work.

***

Louis waited until the sound of the Chrysler's engine had faded completely away, then fetched a sealed envelope from his office. The envelope bore no marks. He returned to the kitchen, dried the coffeemaker's water tank with great care, and slipped the envelope inside.

He turned to find Boomer watching him.

"You know something's up, don't you, boy?" He squatted to pet the giant dog. "Well, it is. I'm off to a better world, I hope. You be a good dog and take care of Chris for me, okay?"

The Newfoundland licked his hand, lay back down, and covered his head with his forepaws.

***

Helen picked up the phone on the first ring.

"Albrecht's, women's fashions."

"Hello, Helen, this is Louis Redmond."

"Louis! What a nice surprise. How are you, dear?"

"As well as could be expected. Are you free tonight?"

"So far I am. Did you and Christine want to come visit? It seems an eternity since the last time."

"I'd like to come by, if it's all right with you."

Helen noted the wording. "Just you, Louis? Is Chris mad at me?"

"No, it's not that. I just have a few things I have to talk to you about in private, if you have the time."

This does not sound good. "Of course, dear. When should I expect you?"

"How about seven?"

"Will you have had dinner already, or should I lay something out for us?"

"Don't worry about anything like that, Helen. I'll see you at seven, okay?"

She paused. "All right."

"Good-bye."

***

The Friday afternoon confessions were seldom well attended. Schliemann hadn't had a penitent in more than ten minutes. His mind was beginning to wander when a new shadow appeared on the confessional screen.

"Bless me, Father, for I have sinned."

The old priest sat straight up.

"Louis?"

"I'm sorry it's been so long since I've been by, Father."

"I've been worried, Louis. Are you all right?"

There was a long silence.

"No. This will probably be my last confession."

A cold hand slipped around Schliemann's heart and squeezed.

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