Chapter 22: Help from the council

When I asked them to provide me with video recordings from the cameras in the church, this was the response I received.

"To do so, you will have to request permission from Father John and Father Lewis," Rebecca told me.

"What about the cameras at the entrance and on the street?" I asked them.

Andrew answered this question. "There are no problems with recordings from the street, but as for the cameras at the entrance, you will be able to get them once you receive approval from Father John and Father Lewis. I think you can handle that. But there is one condition that they will most likely demand as well. We want the fact of us providing you with the recordings to not be made public. We also will not approve of the use of the recordings in any case or in court. We cannot put the faith in the church as a safe place into question," Andrew said.

"Then let's settle on that. I will talk to Father John and Father Lewis. Please give me the number of one of you so that I can get the recordings immediately after their approval," I said.

"Of course, take my business card," Andrew said, handing it to me.

"Thank you," I said, putting it in the slot in my phone case.

"May I ask you something?" Sofia, who had been silent until then, asked.

"Yes?" I answered.

"Do you only check our church?" she asked.

"As much as possible, I plan to check as many churches as possible. After all, the criminal could be from any church, not just yours," I replied.

"Then perhaps I can help you with that. As you know, churches of one denomination try to stick together, and for the most part, we are part of a union, or rather a symbiosis, acting as one organization," she said.

"What do you propose?" I asked her, receiving the most convenient answer for myself.

"I will ask for advice from the other Protestant churches to provide you with lists of people who meet your requirements, and I will also ask them to pass on recordings from the requested locations. At the very least, you will be able to get the lists. As for the recordings, you will have to rely on their goodwill," she said.

"That would be wonderful if you can do that. Then it will have the least impact on your work and the work of other churches," I replied.

"I decided to help you only for that reason," Sofia answered.

"May I ask how many churches you can organize?" I inquired.

"There are 52 registered churches in our city, including 19 churches of our confession, 15 Catholic churches, 7 Orthodox churches, 3 synagogues, 3 mosques, a Chapel, a Neoclassical temple, and a Cult Center 'Bethany Church'," she replied.

"As you can see, we have 19 churches, and we all get along very well with each other, so I hope you can avoid bothering the rest of our churches," David, who had been silent since introducing the other council members, said.

"I promise that if you can get everything you listed, I will not bother your denomination's churches," I assured them.

"Don't forget that you gave us your word, James," David reminded me.

After discussing minor details with them, I said goodbye and headed to Father John's office. If I can get approval here, then most likely the other Protestant churches will also give their approval for obtaining recordings from cameras. Then, after reviewing all the recordings, we can narrow down the search with the help of AI.

Exiting their council room, I found myself in the hall since the door leading to their office was in the center of the hall. I looked at the spot where I had previously met Father John. There was another priest, slightly younger than Father John, standing there. It was probably Father Lewis. With hope, I approached him.

"Good day, Father," I greeted him.

"Good day, can I help you?" he replied.

"Yes, my name is James. I was wondering if you happen to be Father Lewis?" I asked the priest.

"Yes, I am Father Lewis. Do you need my consultation?" he asked.

"Actually, I need your approval, Father Lewis," I responded.

"Approval? Please clarify," he asked.

"I'm with the police, and I suspect that there is a criminal among the parishioners of your church. This person has violated not only human laws but also the laws of God," I explained.

"So what do you want me to approve?" Father Lewis inquired.

"I was told that I need to obtain footage from the cameras located in the pulpit," I said.

"I'll approve that, but you also need permission from Father John. He'll be coming down here soon," Father Lewis said.

"Can I ask you something, Father? Have any of your parishioners suddenly changed?" I asked.

"There have been a few, but they have reasons for their behavior. One lost his wife, another lost his business and returned to his sinful ways. There are even those who have stopped believing in God. But each one has their own reasons for their actions," Father Lewis explained.

"In your opinion, could any of them commit a crime?" I asked.

"Only God can judge that. I'm just a priest who guides people, not one who judges them. I'll call for Father John. I hope you can solve your case without falsely accusing those who have lost their way," Father Lewis said, bidding me farewell.

He turned around and headed up the platform, walking up the stairs. After 10 minutes, Father John came out to see me.

"James, I came down as soon as I could," said Father John when he saw me.

"Thank you for that, Father John," I replied.

"So, what do you need me for?" he asked.

"I've already asked Father Lewis for permission to access the camera footage in this hall. If you don't mind, I'd like your approval as well," I requested.

"Has the council given the green light for this?" Father John inquired.

"Yes, they're just waiting for your and Father Lewis's approval," I replied.

"Very well, I'll give my approval. But don't let anyone know about this. People come to us seeking redemption for their sins, knowing that we won't tell anyone, even the authorities," said Father John in a serious tone.

"I give you my word that no one will find out about this. Catching the criminal is more important to me than fame. And I have a request for you, Father John. I asked the council to obtain camera footage from other churches. I would appreciate it if you could also talk to pastors you know about this," I asked.

"That will be difficult, but I'll get in touch with pastors I'm close to," replied Father John.

"Thank you, Father John," I said.

"God bless you, James," said Father John, shaking my hand.