That Friday was the last before Holy Week, and Cassandra was seated alongside the Drakes following Sunday. She did not always attend mass at the same time as Tim's family, but had said she wanted to be with them when they were together Friday night. "It is an important time of year. It would be good to spend it with you."

For the umpteenth time after services Robin had asked Cassandra, "How come Aunt Sadie never comes to church with you?"

"What have I told you about mentioning her here?" Tim asked. "Don't ask that, Robin. You'll get Aunt Cassie in trouble."

"But I don't understand. Why can't—"

"I'll tell you again later, Robin," Cassandra said, laying a hand on her back and rubbing a little. "It's okay. I can tell you. This just is not the place."

Amongst the hustle and bustle of Saint Michael's Cathedral, the five of them were given little attention, Stephanie pulling Oscar back whenever it neared a move to disappear into the crowd. "Oh no you don't. Just wait for the crowd to disperse some more."

"But Mom—"

"When Mary lost Jesus in the temple she apparently needed three days to find him. I'm not going to get stuck looking for you that long."

Cassandra, Tim and Robin laughed as the crowd, increased by the parishioners who only came near Holy Days, continued out. Robin and Oscar dueled and tickled one another with their Palm Sunday leaves to try and fill the time. Cassandra leaned against the wall, eyes on the exit, when she felt a hand on her shoulder.

"Excuse me? Cassandra?"

She turned, facing the tired looking but ever spirited Monsignor Ryan. "Father Ryan, did you come for us?" Tim asked.

"Hello, Tim! I actually wanted a chance to talk to Cassandra briefly—"

"Father Ryan! Tell Robin to quit poking me in the ear with her stupid palm!"

The old monsignor laughed. "Robin, you shouldn't agitate your brother with that. And Oscar, you shouldn't call the palm stupid."

One at a time the two dropped their heads, one after another saying, "I'm sorry."

"Anyway, Tim, I wanted to know if I could borrow your sister for a moment."

"Of course. She rode with us though, so it'd be nice if it wasn't too long," Tim said. "Is everything alright?"

"It's fine, Tim. Cassandra, could you join me in my office?"

"Of course."

Cassandra had accompanied Monsignor Ryan to his office many times at that point. In almost all matters the two got along fabulously. In the early days of her faith, Cassandra had sought him many times, and always looked forward to seeing his since-passed miniature poodle, Snowball. In recent years, he had become slower and quieter, but the two had always valued the time they had together. The old priest halfway fell into his seat when he finally reached the opposite side of his desk, looking at Cassandra with a winded smile.

"We haven't talked in a while. How are you feeling these days?"

"Fine. Maybe good… better if not for a killer in my mentor's old costume."

"I remember hearing about that, it's troubling news indeed," Monsignor Ryan said. "… Hearing you say that does a little to put me at ease though. I take it he is not one of your associates, then?"

"No. There is no chance," Cassandra said. "I knew my mentor, and I know my family."

"Good. Good. I hated the thought this could have anything to do with you," Monsignor Ryan said.

The two briefly went quiet, long enough for Cassandra to ask, "Was that what you wanted me for?"

"No," Monsignor Ryan said with a sigh. "There was… there was something else I needed to tell you. I'm retiring at the end of this year, Cassandra."

Her reaction came much as he had halfheartedly anticipated. A look of surprise when her eyes went wide, a question of "What?" and a slow look downward in concern. "Well… if it is your time…"

"There is a reason I'm telling you before the rest of the congregation," Monsignor Ryan said. "I'm not happy to be saying it. But it's not going to do anyone any good if I just avoid the matter." Cassandra could feel her mouth start to go dry. "With a new priest overseeing the congregation, I'm sure you know there will undoubtedly be some new… expectations."

"… Father?"

"To my knowledge, you have saved my life twice. By all I know, you did it many times more than that. For that reason, along with many others, you have always been welcomed in this church, always entitled to reconciliation and always allowed to accept the Eucharist. Actions that, considering the way we both know you live, are against the teachings of the bishop."

At this comment Cassandra's mouth slid open, the tiniest trembles running through her body and a struggle to mask the pain becoming visible. "You always let me. I thought I was allowed."

"That isn't the point, Cassandra." Monsignor Ryan said. "I am the leader of worship here, I have always been a loyal servant of God. If I tell the bishop he need not concern himself with my clergy, he won't. But my whole point is that I don't know what my successor would think of any of this." When Cassandra said nothing, only held her stare, he quietly added, "I have tried so hard… ever since things started with you and that girl—"

'That girl?" Cassandra said, the first tiny tears slipping from her eyes. "How often have you said 'that girl', Father? You always call her, 'that girl', no matter the conversation. Her name is Sadie, Father, and she is my wife. She has been my wife for years."

"… I know she has."

"And just like you, I saved her life. Like Stephanie she is one of my closest, dearest friends. I didn't choose who I can love, Father. Jesus did that."

The monsignor was briefly quieted, rubbing at his forehead with one of his hands. "You don't know how badly I wish I could believe that, Cassandra."

"… Thank you for telling me. I hope you enjoy your retirement."

"Cassandra, wait! I wasn't finished talking."

"We aren't in a confessionary. I am not going to discuss what you call sins." Despite her usual literal way of thinking and speaking, the sarcasm was both sharp and cutting to the old priest.

In spite of more protests she returned to Tim, Stephanie and their children, silently nodding to Tim they were fine to leave. As they stepped outside and made their way towards the parking lot, Cassandra quietly told Robin, "Aunt Sadie has many reasons she doesn't come. One of the most important is she doesn't feel welcomed."