Day of Dread, Part Twenty-One
Late that evening, Snyder entered the sanctuary. At the altar, Father Bernard’s eye twitched. Snyder trembled with the desire to deck him. “So, while I was on trial for my life for not raping a child for free, you were paying for the privilege.â€
“They’re not children in mind. They grow up quickly.â€
“I guess that’s what all pedophiles say.â€
“I’ve not gone there in years. I know the church’s teaching, but with your little military operation, and taking all the risks associated with fighting the Empire, I cracked.â€
“So, it’s my fault you raped a child.â€
“No, I’m not saying its your fault.â€
“Don’t give me that. You’re alleging you never would’ve gone back to this if I hadn’t been such a bad influence on you.â€
“No.â€
“Don’t try to con me.â€
“I never conned you.â€
“You acted like you cared about me, only to abandon me for months, when I needed you most, in order to rape a child.â€
“I didn’t rape my Emily. I loved her. Someone else would’ve taken those hours and hurt Emily. But you won’t understand, neither would the Bishop.â€
“I don’t. It’s not something to understand. It’s sick.â€
“I knew if you saw me, you’d know. I was naked and hid myself, as Adam said.â€
“You know, Nick Verducci is a hedonist, but at least he doesn’t pretend to be something else.†Snyder removed his rosary from his poc-ket and dropped it. “Keep the souvenir. From now on, I’m gonna look out for me. No one else will. It’ll be a cold day in Hell before I’ll ever buy into this religious stuff again.â€
Snyder ran from the church.
Father Bernard’s voice echoed through the night. “Come back, I’m sorry! Come back!â€
Continued Next Thursday
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