Fifteen
“SO, IS EVERYONE CLEAR?”
The members of the Acutis Society, along with other members of the parish they’ve roped in, are seated in the basement on Wednesday evening. Gladys has just finished going over the final instructions for Fairy Tales and Frights, giving a speech that reminds me of George C. Scott’s in the opening scenes of Patton.
Martin—or, I should say, The Big Bad Wolf—is of course seated next to Mae—or Little Red Riding Hood. I’ve not had much of a chance to talk to either of them about their engagement since they announced it. I assume everything continues to go well for Saint Clare’s latest betrothed.
But looking at them, I get the feeling that all is not well. Martin looks distracted, and Mae looks slightly upset.
“Father Tom,” Gladys says, “you’re going to be th
