The Reaper: Men in the Shadows Book 1 by Garry Michael

Author:Garry Michael [Michael, Garry]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Independent
Published: 2023-02-22T00:00:00+00:00

Nineteen: The Priest

I’ve got to get some sleep. After consuming my tenth cup of coffee, I resumed examining the files with a fine-tooth comb. At first glance, nothing was remarkable about the photos and the grid with names and random numbers. Photos of me during the last two weeks of my mission in Albuquerque and my arrival in Boston filled my laptop screen. In many of the pictures I was alone, while the majority included parishioners in the background. All of these images looked like candid shots, taken by someone I hadn’t noticed. The one inside my house was unnerving, because it was clearly taken from outside.

Feeling violated, I quickly stood up and closed all of my curtains and made sure my windows were locked.

How did Andrew get these photos? Why would he send them to me? What was I missing?

A soft knock on the door startled me, making my heart thump painfully against my ribs. After seeing dozens of photos of myself, my paranoia was off the charts and fueling my already high anxiety. I glanced at the clock and groaned. I was late for the confession. I’d been consumed by trying to piece the puzzle together and had completely forgotten about my obligations.

“Father Saint James?” Jessica called from outside, before she knocked again.

I tightened my robe and headed to the living room. “Hi, Jessica. I’m running a little behind. My apologies,” I said, hiding behind the slightly opened door. Priests were modest and I wasn’t about to let the church staff see me with just a robe on.

“That’s okay. No one’s here yet so you’re fine. I just wanted to check on you and let you know that your schedule has been updated. Make sure you check it.” She smiled. “I won’t keep you. See you shortly?”

“Yes. Thanks for this.” I waved the small stack of envelopes before closing the door. I pulled my phone from my robes and opened my calendar. Grimacing at the back-to-back meetings that filled the rest of the day, I exhaled an exhausted sigh. Spending an all-nighter staring at the computer wasn’t a smart choice considering how hectic the day was.

I beelined to the office and pulled the USB from my laptop. This would have to wait.

***

“That was the last one,” Jessica said once the principal from the affiliated elementary school exited the church. He’d personally dropped off the invitation for an upcoming fundraiser. It was our first time meeting, and although he was kind, he kept stressing the importance of my presence, and insisted I would help generate higher funds for the school. No pressure.

“Thank goodness.” I twisted in my seat to face her.

“You must be tired.” She sat in the pew behind me, checking off a list on the notepad I had gifted her.

“A little. Nothing a cup of coffee can’t fix,” I said. At this point, someone might as well inject caffeine directly into my veins.

“Oh, you want me to make you a pot?” Jessica rose to her feet, but I raised my hand, stopping her.

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