The Teacher

Blame Game

Bishop Garry pointed at the chair beside Finn as he moved to sit behind his desk. "Sit Father Dietrich. Let me begin by catching Ms. Hunter up with the conversation you and I had." Finn settled into her chair.

"Father Dietrich has been out of the country, as I believe I mentioned before, due to family issues." When Finn nodded acceptance he continued. "When he returned I called him into the office and as soon as I mentioned Gloria he confessed to the unauthorized exorcisms. He will be punished as per Church law for those, but there was quite a bit more to the story than what we knew from Gloria and I would like it if you would let him relay that information. I will ask for your patience, this is quite the tale and Father Dietrich is somewhat rattled by the entire situation."

Finn pursed her lips and turned to look at the younger man. "I am on a time crunch, so if this is going to take longer than three hours I will have to come back for the remainder of the story. If that is acceptable to you then yes, you can have my patience."

Father Dietrich looked to Bishop Garry for confirmation that this would be acceptable before he nodded. He opened his mouth to speak, snapped it shut and leapt up to raise a glass of water to his mouth and then refill it. Finn had to concentrate not to let her surprise at his reaction show.

"First of all, it wasn't just family issues. There was a loss, yes, but while I was there I mentioned in confidence to my uncle what had gone on with Gloria and-" He cut himself off and glanced at Bishop Garry. "I'm sorry Bishop, I didn't tell you everything. My uncle told me that there was a hunter that would have leave to execute me for participating in what I participated in." Father Dietrich spun his glass in his fingertips and stared into the glass while Finn and Bishop Garry digested this piece of information. Finn responded first.

"What is the name of your uncle please?" She spoke gently, hoping that her anger hadn't bled through into her words.

"I don't want to tell you." The younger man said.

"Answer her, Dietrich. I've yet to see her react poorly." Bishop Garry said as he rubbed the bridge of his nose and squinted his eyes shut.

"I promise, I only want to have a few words with him." Finn said.

"That doesn't set my mind at ease. Would you have leave to execute him as well?"

"I don't have 'leave' to execute anyone. You haven't stood trial at any level for your participation in the exorcisms. The words I'll be having with your uncle may certainly be of the sort that tell you that judgement is being delivered, but more likely I'll be trying to re-educate someone in what they can, and cannot, tell the uninformed people." Finn explained, her tone growing short.

"David Carlisle." Father Dietrich whispered and Finn frowned.

"Father David Carlisle? Works Our Holy Lady Catholic Church?" Finn asked, her voice nearly a growl. When Father Dietrich nodded she growled and he jumped. "Your uncle is known to me. He's an idiot, but he means well. I'll remind him that there are rules and hope that no one else in your family heard him telling people I'll kill you." Finn waved at the younger priest. "Sit down and tell me your story."

"That's it?"

"That's what?" Finn asked, meeting Father Dietrich's disbelieving eyes.

"You'll just talk to him?" He slowly sat down. "You aren't going to go right now and cast your spells on him?"

Finn rolled her eyes. "I'm not answering that except to stay here and listen to you. Speak, or face judgement without telling your story. Those are your options."

Father Dietrich blinked and then tried to sip from his empty glass. He stood to fill it and two others offering one to each Finn and Bishop Garry as he started talking.