Lex PoV:

  I’ve got the clothes—check! I’ve got the socks—check! I’ve got my suit—check! Everything’s ready, let’s go in.

  I walk with confidence into the parish and find the sister of the order of the sun's absolution handling donations. To my surprise, it’s the lovely nun I donated to just before Jason and I started this whole adventure! She recognizes me too and smiles warmly—like the Holy Mother herself. I truly feel like today is going to be great!

  I suggested that I’d be delighted to help around if they needed an extra hand. She seemed hesitant at first, but a few of the other sisters gave her the okay, and she finally accepted. By the way, is that Sophia over there? I should thank her later for the info from yesterday! But focus, Lexington—gotta make a good impression.

  After some work moving items onto carts, I spotted an old man taking shade beneath the sunlight. I walked over with a cold drink the sisters were handing out and asked him if he was doing well.

  The man responded, “We are doing well, but it’s never enough for the needy. I’ve been watching you work, and I believe you’re doing well.”

  I thanked him and thanked the Holy Father for the opportunity to make a difference.

  The old man stared at me and said, “Are you willing to do more than what’s asked of you? Our church needs more able people like you around.”

  I responded, “I’m willing to do my part for the Lord. He is the Sun of our life, after all.”

  He smiled. “Ever worked in the choir? Your voice is perfect for it.”

  Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  I replied, “I did when I was a kid. I still know all the sermons too.”

  The man flashed a full smile. “Welcome to the house of the Lord. Please come back tomorrow for rehearsal.”

  Confused, I asked, “Umm, sir, who are you?”

  With a gentle smile, he answered, “Pastor John D.”

  Return to Jason Pov

  How the hell did all that even happen and work? I’m just shocked at the whole thing. Is his life already set in stone, and he only needs to breathe to get what he wants...? Is he part cat too? I can’t understand this.

  Wait... I see his handsome face—then it all starts to click into place. Like a cold bucket of water hitting me, the truth dawns: "Being beautiful is a crime... it’s gotta be."

  Either way, we've got our infiltrator on the inside. Lex also tells me that the donation events run all week, and they’re low on hands for transportation jobs. Winter is close, and the deadline’s tight. The greater church authority is also busy mobilizing for the "Greater Operator Hunt." The State is offering some pretty lucrative deals, I see...

  Maybe Lex can vouch for me as extra manpower to help move the donation carts to the warehouse. Later tonight, I’ll sneak around the cemetery too—see if I can spot anything worth noting.

  I decided to crash at Lex's place for the night and planned to redeem Mr. Brim’s note at the bank in the morning. We said our nightly prayers, and I passed out on the sofa.

  Surprisingly, I got a decent night’s rest for once. I even considered crashing here more often—until I remembered I’d have to deal with that endlessly energetic smile of his every day... No thanks. Time to head to the bank.

  I asked Lex if I could borrow some clothes so we could both head out to redeem Mr. Brim’s notes. Looking puzzled, he said, “You haven’t done that yet? I took care of it on the first day.”

  I raised an eyebrow. “How the hell did you have time for that?”

  “Oh, the bank secretary told me to come in after hours before closing—said it was okay since we’re acquaintances.”

  Sarcastically, I muttered, “After the last story you told me, I’m ready to believe pigs can fly.”

  With that usual smile of his, he responded, “They do fly.”

  An awkward silence followed.

  He broke it with a light chuckle. “Just kidding.”

  We both laughed—awkwardly, but genuinely.