Page 23 of Absolution

“Look, if you think I’m going to dive off Suicide Bridge, or something, I’m not. I just need to hurry before the next rail arrives.”

“The train? I’ll give you a ride home.”

After a beat of silence, as though she’s considering my offer, she shakes her head. “It’s okay, Father. I know you’re busy, and I’ve already taken up quite a bit of your time.”

“It’s no trouble. Besides, I could use a drive. Clear my mind.”

The smile returns, stretching those ruby red lips enough to reveal her white teeth beneath. “Well, in that case, I could use a break from public transportation.”

Nabbing my keys, I stuff my cellphone into my slacks, and I follow her out of the office and back through the church. Once outside, I open the car door for her, waiting for her to sit down into the seat, and close it.

“Chivalry isn’t dead,” she says, as I plop into the driver’s seat.

“Perhaps you’ve opted for too many frogs over princes.”

With a sigh, she rests her head against the window. “Perhaps you’re right. But it seems like all the princes are either taken, or celibate for life.”

Shaking my head, I fire up the vehicle and pull out onto the main road. “I could’ve sworn you were shy.”

“Don’t worry, Father. I’m all talk. Mostly.” She points toward the windshield. “Stay on this road for a couple miles.”

“So, tell me about this boyfriend of yours.”

“I never said he was my boyfriend. He’s a nuisance.”

“Is there a difference?”

Chuckling, she shakes her head, and I catch a glimpse of her staring back at me. “My, aren’t we chippy today?”

“Tell me about yournuisance.”

“What do you want to know? I met him when I was young and naïve. And broke. He’s been like a raging case of hemorrhoids ever since.”

I frown. “What does he want from you?”

“To own me. What else?” She looks toward the window, her gaze cast from me. “I know what you’re thinking.Of all the women in Los Angeles, what’s so special about you, Ivy?”

I shoot her another glance. “I wasn’t thinking that at all.”

“Well, I think it everyday. Only, I don’t ponder what makes me special. I ponder what I did in a past life.”

“You’re talking to a man who doesn’t believe in reincarnation. So my guess is, it’s something you did in this life.”

“Damn,” she says, shaking her head again. “You’re right full of it, Father Damon.”

“Seriously, though. If I were you, I’d keep a journal, or something. Document as much as you can. Just in case.”

“In case … he kills me?”

Brow cocked in earnestness, I tip my head in a bid to guide her eyes to mine, to be sure she can see the sincerity on my face. “Ivy, I would hope that if you feel threatened to that extent, you’d take me up on my offer. You’d be safe at the church.”

“Right.”

“I’m being serious.”

“No, turn right. My apartment is on the left.”

I slow the car to a stop in front of a retro-looking building that somehow seems fitting for her. Seems to match her vintage style.

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