Father Anton Ramirez wasted no time constructing his arguments. He needed to. He was going to speak with the Bishop after all. The church did not take lightly, any lapses in protocol, especially for the IAE. There’s been so many controversies regarding the church’s approach to suspected paranormal events in the past that the Vatican itself welcomed the founding of the organization within its ranks. It was even more pleased to approve the strict rules and code of conduct.
He wished he did not have to do it but Cain was right. It was no more than a gut feeling in the beginning but based on what he was told, he agreed with Cain’s assessment. Better to err on the side of caution. If it were just an elaborate show, Cain would be done in a matter of hours and that was it.
The person who spoke to Cain might have been exaggerating. In his experience, people often do. Like they had a need to make their stories more believable. There was and still is a stigma attached to such events but instead of toning it down and sticking to the facts, people usually embellished their stories. In this case, however, even if there was indeed a fair amount of exaggeration, providing the man was not lying, it warranted investigation. That and immediate help.
Anton knew that his agreement with Cain’s assessment alone would not be enough for the Bishop to understand. The rules were strict for a reason. He had handled cases that had escalated too long just because the church did not approve. In the eyes of the church, it was better to have covered all the bases and lost the chance of helping, than go prematurely, bungle the entire thing, and have to deal with negative press.
He gave up on trying to find a better-worded justification and decided to just tell the Bishop outright. He hoped their decades old friendship would be enough as he dialed the number.
“Your Excellency, good evening.” Father Anton greeted.
“Evening Tony. Am I finally getting that report?”
“Uhm, I believe it will be a bit late, Your Excellency.” Father Anton replied.
“I don’t need to remind you, but I will. We need that report. Is that why you’re calling?”
“Yes and no, Your Excellency.”
“Drop it Tony. Just us here. Why is your apprentice late? It’s not like him.”
“Well Bob, it’s why I’m calling. Sort of.”
“You’re extra annoying tonight. Something happen?”
“Cain’s gone to investigate a case.”
“I don’t remember sending anyone anywhere, other than that last one, which, may I remind you, I’m still waiting on for the report!”
The slight rise of the voice on the other line made Father Anton purse his lips.
Not in a good mood then…
“He was about finished with the report. He told me it was to be sent today. Something came up.”
“He went investigating on his own, without asking anyone?”
“I’m afraid it could not wait.”
“Without going through us, it’s not the church’s business. He knows that, you know that. There rules are not there for making things hard, you know?”
“I know Bob, believe me I know.”
“You signed off on this?”
“I did not. He was already on his way when he notified me.”
“And you’re calling me now because you want to make it official?”
“That and to tell you I’m going tomorrow.”
“Tony! Are you….?”
Raspy breathing came from the line. Father Anton imagined his friend, the Bishop, about to lose it. Robert has always been more emotional than him.
“I see where this is going, and I’ve known you long enough Tony. You’d go regardless if I authorize it or not. Is that apprentice of yours that important to you?”
“He is, and I dare say that he’s that important to the church as well. Besides, I’ve a spotless record and way overdue for a retirement.”
“I can’t believe I’m hearing this from you of all people Tony. The church won’t spend a dime on your retirement if you get dismissed from the ranks!”
“Eh, I’ll be fine, Bob.”
The calm way he answered the last semi-outburst by his superior caused another pause in the conversation, with plenty or rasping noises coming from the Bishop’s line.
“You good Bob? You seem a little bit out of breath.”
“If this pulmonary thing doesn’t get me, your antics will.” The Bishop responded between breaths.
“Told you decades ago to stop smoking.”
“Tony, my health is not the issue right now. Start talking.”
“Alright Bob. Just so you know, I told Cain to back off until proper examination of the facts was done. Several times in fact.”
“And he still went.”
“He did. Said there was no time to waste if the claims were true. I was inclined to agree with him then. I fully agree with him now.”
“Well? I’m waiting.”
Father Anton began by reading from the notes he took since they first spoke earlier that day. His retelling was only interrupted, periodically, by the Bishop’s questions. He added his own interpretation and guesses but ended by admitting he wasn’t sure about any of it.
“God almighty!” The Bishop exclaimed. “When was this?”
“He got the call earlier this morning. Spent a few hours researching, came up with nothing. I gotta admit Bob, even I didn’t find anything definite. It’s like what Cain said: every time there seems to be a definite possibility, there’s another info that makes it all unlikely.”
“And you’re saying that he-” the Bishop’s sentence was interrupted by his coughing. “you’re saying that… that he fainted?”
“He said that. Says it happened in seconds. I was just talking to him before I called you.”
“Tony, I’ve known your boy since you introduced him to me. He doesn’t spook easy.”
“He’s not spooked, I can tell. More like a little confused. This is the first time after all. So, what’s it gonna be Bob?”
“Go, help our boy Tony.” The Bishop returned.
“Thanks Bob. Hope you can make it official.”
“You know damn well that’s going to take a miracle. Unless, of course, you return with positive results.”
“I know. Thanks again.”
“Go with my blessings then. Just make sure there’s someone to take over your duties while you’re away.”
“I’ll make a few calls, they’ll understand.”
“Good. Call me back if they prove difficult.”
“I will. Thanks again.”
“You need anything else?”
“I’ll let you know once I’m there.”
“Alright. Good. And be careful Tony.”
The way the Bishop said it, felt almost as an afterthought to Father Anton.
“You never worried about me before Bob, don’t start now.”
“Bastard.” The Bishop replied.
“Bastard.” He returned.