Page 54 of The Sinner and the Priest: Part 1

“Yes.” Tawny stomps.

Raven claps. “It’s on.”

Jinx lifts her head at the sound. We break and return to Wesley, looking as serious as ever, but the instant I take his wrists, we bombard him with ridiculous questions.

“Be honest,” I say. “Do you use that posh accent in bed or does Thea just laugh at you?”

He coughs. “What?”

“Do you ever wish you were actually interesting?” Raven asks.

Tawny leans toward him. “Do you practice looking like a lost puppy in the mirror, or is this just your default face?”

I always knew Jinx was one of ours. She senses the energy and joins the chaos, leaping from Wesley’s lap to run laps around the room. Without skipping a beat, we continue our tirade.

“On a scale of one to heretic,” I say, “how Vatican-approved were your last Google searches?”

Raven holds up a Bible. “Explain this. Why does it have smudged lipstick and a phone number on page sixty-nine?”

“Where?” He reaches for it. “Show me.”

Tawny gets in his face. “You ever used the phrase ‘for research purposes’ and actually meant it?”

Wesley stares at us as if we’ve entered another dimension.

“Answer the question,” I demand.

“Which one?”

“All of them.”

But before he can, I ask, “Is Father Angelotti here to murder us?”

“No!” he answers truthfully. But then he scoffs. “Do I think he’s capable of it? Absolutely. He’s the most dangerous man I know.” He goes quiet. “But as I said, he keeps everything locked down so tight, I wouldn’t be surprised if his secrets have secrets … but—” He shakes his head, eyes downcast. “He would never agree to murder innocent people. He went to prison to avoid doing that.”

I let the silence hang. It’s heavy, awkward, and kind of disappointing. Sensing the shift in the mood, Jinx slows to a trot, panting softly.

Raven finally sighs. “You’re boring, Wes. I expected more from you.”

He shrugs, resigned. “Sorry.”

“You really are one of the good guys.” Tawny scrunches her nose.

“Alright, you’re off the hook.” I give Jinx a quick pat and then walk to the door.

Wesley looks like he might faint from relief. “Can I take a piss now?”

“Sure.” I pull the key from my bra and unlock. “Next time, try to have a scandalous secret.”

“Or at least brush your hair.” Raven cackles.

Tawny gives his arm a little squeeze, as if she can’t help herself. “Go see Thea … but don’t collect two hundred dollars when you pass Go, okay?”

He frowns. “You lot are actually barmy, aren’t you?”

“Certified.” My face deadpans.

He looks between us, unsure if this is still an act.