“I’m just not sure, Father…” She may have gone on all day, but at that moment, the Bishop walked in with two other priests I didn’t recognize. I jumped to my feet, and Mrs. Smythe’s eyes widened as if God Himself had just walked in.
The Bishop smiled at her, and she giggled like a schoolgirl and raced out. He landed his steely gaze on me then…minus the smile. “Father Jace, this is Father Michael and Father Richard. They work at the diocese with me in the investigations unit. Can we speak with you for a few moments?”
“Of course, Bishop O’Dell. There’s not much room in here; would you like to go into the conference room?” My palms were suddenly sweating. There was only one reason why the Bishop was there with two church investigators.
“That will be fine.” We went down the hall and once we were seated around the table, he said, “It was brought to my attention that you’ve been…allegedly…having sexual relations with a woman. I have to say that I really hope it’s not true; but you have been seen with a woman, the same woman, on more than one occasion, according the reports. You can confirm or deny this for us, or we’ll have to open up a full investigation.”
My first instinct was to lie and deny it. God, I’m not only a bad priest, I’m a terrible Catholic. Lies and deceit seem to come so easily to me lately. I can’t lie to him. I need to just get this over with. I need to man up and take the consequences.
I opened my mouth and suddenly I heard myself telling my brother that I was looking for a sign. Maybe this was it. Maybe remaining quiet and letting them investigate was going to be my best bet.
If they couldn’t prove anything, I could leave the church without a scandal. Daphne wouldn't say anything and I didn't know who thought they know what, but no one had seen us have sex, so they could not prove it.
“I don’t have a problem with you doing an investigation, Bishop. But now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a couple coming in for their pre-marital counseling right now.”
“No, Father Jace. You are suspended pending the investigation.”
I felt sick to my stomach. Maybe that was my sign.
Chapter Forty-Three
Daphne
I texted Jace for the third time that day and he didn’t respond. I was beginning to get worried. He knew that I had to work, and he’d said he would try and come by after he finished at the church. It wasn’t like him to just not show up and not call. I tried calling him again; his phone just kept going straight to voicemail.
I had a really bad feeling in my gut, but I had to get to work. I tried convincing myself that he was just busy…that had to be it.
I went into work and we were busy because, as usual, we were short a server. Every time I got a break, I would check my phone, but still nothing from Jace. I was really worried. I was even getting a little snappy with my customers, which was not good.
Finally, when the night was over, I couldn’t take it any longer. I had to see him and know that he was okay. I drove over to his apartment and knocked frantically on his door. I was both relieved and anxious when I saw him. I was relieved to see that he was okay…but as soon as I saw his face, I knew that something was very wrong.
Chapter Forty-Four
Jace
I sat all afternoon, staring off into space and trying like hell to figure out what to do. I was also trying to figure out how they knew. The only people I had told or even let onto were my brothers. I knew the Diocese didn’t find out from them.
My mind toyed with the idea that Daphne set me up…but why? I can feel how she feels about me, can’t I? Would she get angry enough at me for not leaving the priesthood for her that she’d do something like this? She said she’d support me no matter what. Did she mean it?
I had pretty much already decided to leave the Church, but I didn’t want it to happen like this. Daphne would be dragged into it even if she wasn’t the one who ratted me out. There would be a huge scandal and with social media, it would be spread from coast to coast in a day’s time.
Maybe I was a fool for choosing the investigation. Maybe, had I just admitted it, they would have covered it up.
I jumped when the knock came at my door and broke the extreme silence in the room. I got up and looked through the door. It was Daphne, as if I’d conjured her up with my thoughts. I pulled the door open and, as soon as I saw her in the flesh, I lost it. “Who did you tell?”
Her face looked genuinely confused. “Tell what? What are you talking about?”
I looked around to see if anyone was listening and then decided this was not a conversation for in front of the apartment. I took a hold of her arm and guided her in the door. Once it was closed, I said, “About us, Daphne. How does the Diocese know I had sex?”
Her mouth fell open, and she looked shocked. “They know? What happened?”
“Never mind that right now, Daphne. I thought you cared about me.”
“God, Jace, I do care about you. I didn’t tell them. I wouldn’t do that. I can’t believe you think that I did.” I ran my hand through my hair and said,
“I just don’t know what to think; but it’s over now. What a mess.”
She didn’t say anything to that. She looked shocked, but I think she was also angry with me for accusing her. I guess she had a right, but I was not in the frame of mind to take it back.