Like the hounds of hell, each accusing word nipped at her heels.
* * * *
In the chapel…
A reflection of leaping flames burned in the gaze of Father Jonathan Becker as he stared down into the sea of candles. Swirling colors, blood red, blue, bright orange, melted together, each reflecting on slightly sagging skin and dark hair with a distinguished scattering of gray at the temples. He moved silently about the table as he continued to light the candles.
The chapel was long and decorated with plaster saints that stood in small alcoves along the walls. The burgundy pews and dark, shining wood gave it a feeling of warmth. Having finished, he knelt at the altar on one knee, gave the sign of the cross, and then moved to get up. He hesitated, scowling at the pain in the bunched-up muscles of his legs. He was only in his forties, but already his body reminded him that the years were piling up. While he moved to loosen his stiff back, he suddenly stopped and turned his head.