Absolution a serial by Kit Tunstall

Sometimes, the sins of the parishioners leave the priests with difficult decisions to make.

Confession - He heard the rustling of denim as Franco shifted position. A soft click indicated the boy had opened his pocketknife, most likely using it to clean under his nails. The sound might have alarmed the father if he hadn't known Franco since the time he was a baby. He'd baptized Franco, and just last year, Franco's son.

Mama Says - Valeria anxiously watched the street from her sixth-floor apartment as she rocked Ramon's cradle with her foot. When she saw Franco hurrying down the block, she involuntarily cried out in wordless relief. Within minutes, he'd hurried up the rickety stairs and was knocking on the door.

Absolution - Franco stood in the shadows of the alleyway, taking comfort from Carlos and Alejandro, who flanked him. Their size and efficiency in fighting made them perfect choices for tonight's meeting.