Chapter 25: Madman's Gambit - Part 15

I watched the priest collect himself, clearing his throat and pushing his hair back behind his ears, before finally lifting himself from the ground.

"It's-" His voice was still hoarse. "Fuck."

Sighing, I went back to the desk and settled in my father's chair once again.

"I thought you were more intelligent than that, Vitale. Don't you know that inaction is just as condemning as action against me?"

"Yes." He shuffled to an armchair and collapsed into it. "Yes, I know this. You act as if I haven't seen you take fingers or tongues from vapid messengers."

"And you," I replied, cocking a brow at him. "Act as if I haven't taken fingers and tongues."

Vitale exhaled an exasperated, exhausted huff.

"I have a contact in the Church Sanctorum, Nikolai. I have been sent a letter, the contents of which indicate…" He trailed, looking down, as if the words he was seeking could somehow be found there. "A delicate situation."