Chapter 21

“It’s beautiful here,” Mark commented as he leaned back against the railing, looking up at the trees. “Quiet. Peaceful.”

“I know. I come here sometimes just to get away from everything.”

“Is doing what you do as hard as I think it is?”

Paul nodded. “Not always, but it has its moments, especially when I’m undercover.”

“Why do you use your real name when…okay, never mind. It isn’t your real name is it?”

“Paul is, but not the surname. It’s really Howland.”

“Ah. Paul Howland. Any middle name?”

“Of course. Not sure I’m going to tell you though.”

Mark grinned. “That bad?”

“Try Oswald. It’s a family name.” Paul shuddered. “At least the folks were nice enough to put it in the middle.”

“Yeah. Not sure I could call you Oswald and keep a straight face.”

“Is yours any better?”

“Yep.” Mark smiled softly. “John, after my grandfather.”

“You loved him, didn’t you?”

“Very much. He’s the reason I became a priest. I’m glad he wasn’t alive to see what happened.”