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A Sick Joke 6 – FINAL
ENJOY! --

"We could do interviews...yeah...set up times and interview everyone in camp." Trapper sat up, getting the idea.

"Guess that could work...you uh, want to start now?" Hawkeye asked.

Trapper took a sip of his martini. "Let's just have one more." He poured himself some more gin. "In fact, make that two more."

-- Hours later the two assembled what seemed to be most of the camp, into the mess tent. They explained the mysterious letter and gave the culprit the chance to identify themselves, but sadly enough, though not surprisingly no one came forward. They went on to schedule interviews with each member of the unit. Frank, in a weird mood, allowed this to take place, though Hawkeye knew it was because he had some sort of respect for Henry at some point in time. --

The two laid out the schedule and went through each, one by one.

"Nothing, nada, zilch." Trapper commented, closing his folder.

"Thank you, Webster's thesaurus...I can't finger anyone, not one person looked the least bit guilty."

"Maybe we should just forget it Hawk..."

"Nope, I mean there must have been some one we missed..."

Trapper looked through once more. "We got everyone, well except Father Mulcahy, but..."

An odd look went across Hawkeye's face.

"Hawk ... you don't think the Father would..."

"It doesn't hurt to ask..."

"Maybe for you, but I don't want God to be pissed at me for accusing the Father of something he would never do..."

"Who knows Trap, we've all cracked under the pressure of this place, why should the Father be an exception?" Hawkeye finished, standing up.

"You're going solo on this one pal." Trapper replied.

"Suit yourself." Hawkeye said starting to exit the tent. "But let's hope you won't be sorry...or me either for that matter."

--

It was just about the slowest walk across the compound he had ever taken. As he approached the chaplain's door, he lifted to hand to knock, but the door swung open before he had a chance...

"Hawkeye, why, come on in...I thought I heard someone outside."

He shrugged. "Listen Father, I can't stay long, I just came to talk."

"Of course my son." He grabbed a chair and slid it out for Hawkeye to sit on.

"Father, this isn't easy for me to ask...but..." He took a deep breath, looking back into the Fathers intently listening eyes. "You know that prank letter we got...that was supposedly from Henry..."

"Yes of course, I've been praying for whoever it was that they would come forward."

"Uh huh." Hawkeye replied. "Never mind Father, I'll be fine!" He headed to the door.

"No, Hawkeye please, you came with a need, please let me help you fill it."

"I don't think you can Father, well at least I hope you can't"

The Father scratched his head. "I am confused."

"That makes two of us...listen Father; I just came to ask you ...to ask you....if you had anything to do with that letter." He finished the last part faster than he ever had before. And without an answer, quickly continued. "I didn't think so, Thanks for your time Father, Goodbye."

Half way through the door, he was stopped cold.

"Hawkeye wait...please, sit down."

He did so without a word. "I lied before, when I said I hoped who did it would come forward... well it seems, I have a confession to make." He held his head low.

"This should be the other way around Father." He commented, a shocked look on his face. "Don't tell me..."

"I'm afraid so Hawkeye, I just feel so unloved in this place, I feel so alone. No friends to understand me, I was jealous, jealous of what you, Trapper, Radar and Henry had. I felt so left out, and thought the only way I could feel better was by getting back at you somehow. And though I know it was against all I believe, I gave into the temptation and sinned...I ... I am so ashamed..."

Hawkeye couldn't believe his ears. He didn't now what to say. He sighed...

"Father, how could you! You...you...you're a Priest!"

The Father didn't reply, only hung his head lower. Hawkeye sighed once more, "Father look, I...you....uh...we all makes mistakes...and I know you're sorry. But you really hurt us, you dug the knife in deeper...and...if you'll apologize to Trap, and Radar. I think we will be able to let it go."

"I will spend the rest of the war making it up to you Hawkeye."

"You wouldn't have to, if you only knew what you mean to this camp, Father we adore you, and forgive us for not showing it enough."

The two conversed for a little while longer. And the Father walked with Hawkeye to meet with Trapper then finally Radar. The secret was kept between the four men, for the rest of the war. And as soon as the next batch of wounded rolled in, the event seemed like it never existed. Funny thing, war. Does things to people.

-- THE END

AN: I know, they loved the Father; let him play in poker games etc. But he wasn't as tight with them ya know. Anyway, let me know what you think. Also, no offence to Priests, not that there are any reading this, though there may be...Its just fiction, we all know the real Father would never do such a thing... Take care – TLH†