"Mr. President, a Sister Margaret is on the line. She says she would like to speak directly to you."
"Yes, Debbie, I'll take it."
Jed picked up the phone.
"Josiah, I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed the dinner the last night. It was great catching up with you. You have done well, Josiah and I'm proud of you."
"Well, thank you Sister. It was great seeing you as well."
"And Josiah?"
"Yes?"
"God forgives you and I do as well. Just remember that. Goodbye."
The line went dead.
How did she know about the guilt that's been with him for such a long time?
He called the Residence to ask Abbey if she had spoken with Sister Margaret since dinner the previous night.
"No, Jed, why do you ask?"
"Oh, nothing. Just wondering."
He hung up the phone and sat back in his big leather chair, not focusing on anything in particular.
How did the Sister know about his guilt? They had never spoken about the incident since it happened.
At that very moment, a ray of sunlight burst though the windows of the Oval Office and highlighted the eagle embroidered in the center of the carpet. The shaft of light focused on the eagle's claw holding the olive branch.
The olive branch.
A symbol of peace.
He was indeed forgiven.
By a much higher authority.
After a brief moment of prayer, he crossed himself and went back to the country's business.
He knew who was in charge.
And would forever be.
THE END