Page 48 of Fatal Strike
“Looking into his associates could help, but otherwise he seems like a dead end.” Jon grimaced at the awful pun.
“So we circle back to the church connections,” Leah said. “Looks like we’ve got more information about Father Gabriel.” She read a report about the priest’s community affiliations and accolades. “Nothing here indicates illegal activities. He’s on a one-man crusade to better the world.”
“Worst part is he’s sincere. The Venenos—or whoever’s behind this—have him in their sights too.”
Leah nodded, still skimming the information. “Oh, my goodness. He lied to us. Says here he visited Dylan weekly the entire time he was in prison.”
31
THE SERENITY JON HADexperienced at St. Peter’s Tuesday had left the premises. He stopped in the hallway outside the priest’s office and knocked on the door. “Father Gabriel, this is Agents Colbert and Riesel. We have questions.”
The door opened to a weary-eyed priest. “I thought we’d covered everything. I’m extremely busy.”
Jon expected the pushback. Right now, he didn’t care. “This won’t take long.”
Father Gabriel hesitated, then stepped aside for Jon and Leah to enter. “Please, sit down. Good to see you, Agent Riesel.”
“Thanks. We appreciate your carving out time for us.”
Jon and Leah took their seats.
Father Gabriel sat behind his desk and eyed him. “You’re angry, Agent Colbert.”
“Frustrated.”
“Obviously it’s something about me. Bring it on.”
Time for a few answers.
“Why did you claim to talk to Dylan only twice when, in fact, you visited him weekly in prison for eleven months?” Jon said.
“I visited him every Saturday, like I do for many incarcerated people. He refused to see me. I tried accompanying his mother on Sundays, but that didn’t work either.”
“If Dylan is devoted to his mother, why wouldn’t he see you to oblige her?”
“His choice.”
“And you never saw or spoke to him during the entire eleven months he sat in a cell?”
“No.”
“Another question. Have you met Elena James?”
“Who is she?”
Jon took a deep breath. “Dylan’s girlfriend or former girlfriend. She’s missing.”
Silence met him. “Dylan must still be missing too.” Father Gabriel folded his hands. “Silvia came for prayer before going to work this morning. She’s frantic.”
“What about you?” Jon said. “You were threatened. We could arrange protection.”
“No thanks.”
“A dead man can’t give absolution.”
“I’m not a coward, Agent Colbert. And I have the assurance of eternal life.”
“Will you at least consider locking your doors?”
