Alternate Explanations
Leslie was late in meeting his brother at the corner pub, the one Robert frequented, as it was nearby and convenient to the rectory. He hurried along, knowing Robert would wait unless an emergency popped up, which these days, was always a strong possibility. Inside The Fallen Sparrow, he stopped to hang up his hat and overcoat before pushing his way through the crowd to a table in the rear. Robert was there, waiting with two pints of lager and lime.
“Sorry,” Leslie said.
“Right on time as usual.”
Leslie ignored the playful sarcasm and dropped into a chair. He started right in on his pint. “I need this.”
“Bad day?” Robert gave him a concerned look, and then leaned back in his chair, as if he was meeting with one of his parishioners who came to him for advice.
“B
