Chapter 31
[Conversation between Father Victor Bernini and the Blackmailer’s widow]
“Father, I feel no grief. None! I feel relief. There’s going to be no viewing and no funeral service. I’m not going to waste what little money I’ve saved so that his whores and drunken cronies can insult me with their presence. I’m having him cremated as soon as the police will allow it, and I’m not requesting his ashes.
“Other than my two children, the only nice thing he ever did for me was to bring you into my life. You’re a good man. Living with John all these years, I had forgotten that there are good men like you.” She grasps his hand. “Without your help, I’d be dead.”
Her voice leaves no doubt that she means every word she’s said and confirms Peter’s comment, “There are some people on this earth that shouldn’t be here,...