Twenty-Six
“THANK YOU FOR COMING, Father Tom.”
I’m sitting in the interview room across from Rick Richardson. A glance up at the camera lets me see the little red light is off, indicating our conversation is not being watched or recorded. I also know the viewing room behind me is empty. Helen and Dan are waiting in her office for me to report to them.
For his part, Rick is no longer the sullen, anxious man he was a couple of hours ago. He’s smiling, eager to talk to me.
I have no idea what he’s going to say, but I’m bracing myself for the worst.
“Rick,” I say, sitting up in my chair and folding my hands on the table in front of me, “before we begin I just want us to be clear. I am not here to hear your confession. Is that correct?”
“Oh, yes, Father,” Rick nods. “When I explain everyt
