The Secret of Fatima Read Free Page A

voluntary homicide is considered ‘irregular’ regarding receiving Holy Orders.” Drotti looked up and smiled. “The Holy See has granted you a dispensation.”
    A shrill bell rang out through the halls. Terrified, the monsignor jumped at the sound as if a gun had just gone off. Kevin thought to himself the bell’s timing must be a sign from heaven. He was ready to get going.
    Kevin rose. His body language spelled closure. “Well, if there’s nothing more to discuss, I’ve got a class to teach, Max. Where do we go from here?”
    â€œFirst, forget about the class, Kevin. Go home, start packing. Our plane leaves Dulles at seven p.m.” Monsignor Drotti handed Kevin a single sheet of paper, confirmation of his reservation on United Flight 966 to Rome.
    A chill was slithering down Kevin’s spine. What to do? What to do? Fight it or play along? Was God behind it? And what about the boys?
    â€œI’ll need time. I’ve got to take care of obligations,” Kevin said firmly.
    â€œI’ll see you at Dulles Airport. No later than six p.m.” Drotti smiled faintly. “You wouldn’t want to disappoint His Holiness.”
    It wasn’t delivered as a question. Of course he wouldn’t want to disappoint His Holiness. What should have been a question came off as more of an order. Before Kevin could say another word, Monsignor Max was leaving Mather’s office.
    Kevin stood still for a moment, clenching his jaw, watching the storm clouds converge higher in the sky. Sighing deeply, he left Mather’s office. Tentatively, he headed to his classroom to bid farewell to his kids. He knew this wouldn’t be easy for them. Or for him. But he also realized, for the moment, he hadn’t a choice, especially if he wanted to keep his good standing in the Church. And with God.
    After Kevin told the players, DeShaun, a bright junior on the team, stood up and walked to the front of the room to hug Kevin. “We’re going to miss you, Padre. No one else here to kick our asses when we need it.” He was speaking for the team.
    Kevin smiled. “Hey, I’ll keep score; if any of you mess up while I’m gone, when I’m back I’ll kick your asses twice as hard.”
    â€œHow long you gonna be gone?” asked another student.
    â€œDon’t know for sure,” Kevin answered. “But I’ll be back. You guys remember what I told you. Heads high, two hours of homework every night, and stand tall.”
    After a few more hugs and high fives, Kevin left, his heart heavy. Dammit! I love these kids .
    Kevin didn’t bother saying goodbye to Headmaster Mather. He wasn’t in the mood to pretend he was happy about leaving. When it came to these kids, they were a different story.
    Before packing, Kevin took out his checkbook and a spiral notebook, scribbled a note, ripped out the page, then wrote out a check and stuffed them both in an envelope addressed to Mather. The note was brief. “Here’s for the uniforms.”
    And then through the fog in his brain, he thought of his final remaining conundrum. Katie. She was an entirely different story.

Chapter Three
    Washington, D.C.
    The next thing Kevin did was call Katie. They’d planned a while ago on having dinner in Georgetown that very night. He opened the conversation by apologizing for having to break their date.
    â€œRome?” Katie asked. “They’re sending you to Rome?”
    â€œThat’s right.”
    â€œAnd you don’t know why? I mean—crazy thought—but, did you ask why?”
    Hearing this, Kevin burst out laughing. Katie was completely serious. It all was happening so quickly he hadn’t digested the weighty reality of it and the unintended implications. Nothing else to do but LOL—laugh out loud.
    â€œWhat’s so funny?” Now Katie was annoyed.
    â€œNothing, Katie. I wasn’t laughing at you.”
    â€œOkay, you