I DRIVE BACK TO THE Rectory but go to the church to pray for the safety of everyone involved, Clayton as well as the officers searching for him. I slip into the side door and head toward the altar. As I’m doing so, however, someone sitting in the back of the church stands up, catching my eye. I turn and walk that way as Clayton emerges from the shadows.
My first instinct is to try and keep a distance from him, but my desire to reach out to him spiritually wins out. I slowly walk towards him, hoping he doesn’t see me slip my hand in my pocket. I press redial on my phone, Helen’s being the last number I called. She’s muffled when she picks up, but I pray she can hear me as I say, “Hello, Clayton. I’m surprised but happy to find you here. I didn’t think you cared much for church.”
“I don’t,
