Matthew rapped lightly on the door of Father Leopold’s office.
“Come in.”
Matthew entered the room. Father Leopold sat behind an ancient wooden desk piled high with stacks of papers. Hanging on the wall in back of him was a crucifix and a framed photo of Pope Francis. The old priest looked up and smiled as Matthew came through the door.
“Good morning, my boy. Right on time, perhaps even a bit early. How refreshing.” Father Leopold gestured toward a small sofa. Matthew sat down as he returned the old priest’s smile. Father Leopold got up, came around his desk, and sat at the other end of the couch facing Matthew.
Father Leopold had a full head of hair—strikingly white—and pale blue eyes. Matthew surmised that at one time in the good father’s life they were a deeper shade of blue and pro
