Heretics book 3 - The Apocryphile Press

372 :: JOHN R. MABRY
Rising, he wiped his hands on an old, stained corporal.
“Peace be with you!” he called out.
“And also with you!” his housemates responded as one.
“As we close this celebration, let us greet one another with
a sign of peace.” He then gave Jamie a big hug, then turned
and embraced Kat as well.
It was hugs all around, then. Kat was leaking tears, but her
smile was broad, and Dylan felt so happy he almost forgot
about Richard. Almost.
:: 76 ::
The sky was threatening more rain as Dylan and Terry
headed out down Cedar Street toward the Gallic Hotel. They
walked largely in silence, not knowing what to expect when
they saw Richard. Dylan shifted the mirror from one arm to
the other, careful so as not to remove its covering.
Richard was waiting for them in the hotel’s café. He was
reading a Charles Williams novel, a steaming cappuccino on
the table in front of him.
Dylan waved at him, and he rose to greet them. He gave
each of them a long hug. Dylan felt the sadness and the love
pouring out of his friend during that embrace, and he
returned it whole-heartedly.
They sat, and Richard pointed his finger at Terry. “I don’t
need any judgment from you.”
Terry opened his mouth to protest but nothing came out.
He looked hurt. Richard looked down. “Look, I’m sorry,
that didn’t come out right. I’m always my own worst critic.
But you, Terry, are a close second.”
Terry looked at Dylan for help. Dylan shifted and avoided
Terry’s eyes. “Ya’ can be a little rough, dude.”