The Sins of the Father

Carlo Dolmini had a well-earned reputation as a hard man in the family business. Known as 'Hands-on' to his colleagues and 'the wall' to his enemies, Carlo took no shit from anyone, anywhere or anytime.

Yet for all this, there was just one man that could make him feel shaky and uncertain inside and he hated it. That man was sitting just a couple of feet away from him, and sure enough, Carlo felt as if all his confidence had been sucked out, and he sat staring at his clasped hands trying desperately to summon it back and find his voice.

Father Estas sat alongside him and waited patiently for Carlo to speak. He could sense his discomfort, and although the divide between them was palpable, he knew that all he needed to do was wait, and not break the magical power of the silence.

"I don't know where to start" said Carlo, wishing he could be anywhere else right now. "I shouldn't have bothered you in the first place. I don't even know why we're talking about this; I only nipped in to see you because l was passing. I don't even know how we got on to this in the first place?”

"I'm glad you came Carlo, even if it only was because you were passing" said Father Estas, sliding the knife of guilt in for his irregular presence. "And I guess we got onto this subject because it's something that needs to be out between us, rather than unsaid. As for where to start my son, I'd say just start wherever you want and we'll skip the surface in all directions until we find our bearings.”

Carlo smiled to himself at the navigational reference the Father had made. He had always done that and Carlo had absolutely no idea why, it was just one of his quirks. So was being right about what needed to be said, and Carlo knew that, admiring and hating him for it at the same time.

Steepling his fingers, but still not looking up from his hands, Carlo finally found the words. "I was so close to quitting my job and losing everything I've built over the last fifteen years, it was killing me. I've felt as if I was in quicksand for the last few weeks and I wanted to tell you, and I just don't know how much longer I can keep it up! I just didn't know how to tell you Father, sorry".

"You're a man now my son, and trust me, I do know what a lonely place that can be sometimes, so don't apologise for walking your own path, and not

always checking with me for directions. I take it from what you're saying that you've decided to stay with your job have you?" "For the moment yes; I've got everything back under control again now, but it's wearing me out going through this every time!" Carlo slumped back onto the bench as he said this, and Father Estas could see and feel the strain that was building in him.

"You've got no more clients to take out for a while, so why don't you take a break? you've earned it after all. A couple of weeks in the sun with no pressure or appointments will do you good" "Phillip will never go for that." Said Carlo, referring to his boss, who, it seemed, wanted Carlo with him every moment of the day, or at the very least, on call at all times. In truth, the stress was catching up with him and, he knew, it was affecting the quality of his work, and he was pretty sure Phillip knew that too, which only added more stress. "I wish he would give me a break, I really do. I mean, I made the most stupid of mistakes last time, and it nearly cost me everything. I feel as if I'm losing my edge, and l really can't afford to do that!"

Father Estas sensed the worry and fear in every word Carlo said, and felt for him. Using his softest and yet still authoritative voice, he said "Carlo I want you to do something for me. I want you to go home and pack enough for a couple of weeks away, and I want you to do it today ok?" Carlo looked at him, assessing the command and opportunity in his tone. "I will speak to Phillip. You're as good as brothers, and he will listen to me. He will do as I ask. You will get your rest, and these problems will all be behind you."

Carlo went to speak and was stopped by a finger raised to Father Estas's lips,

a knowing smile and a slight shake of the head. "Sshh, no more; Go now and pack Carlo, and go with my love. Come and see me again when you get back, and tell me all about it. Now go."

Father Estas said no more. He sat quietly with his eyes closed and listened to Carlo's footsteps fade into nothing as he left. The silence seemed so final. So, complete.

With that thought he opened the door, and left the confessional, heading for his office at the back of the Church. He lifted the ornate telephone and instructed Phillip as to how long Carlo's break should really last!

The Church and the Cosa Nostra had always been linked in a mutually beneficial desire for control and power. But Father Michael Estas had gone one better than those before him. He had managed to straddle both power bases, creating the perfect cover with the best of the power.

He smiled as he caught sight of himself in the small mirror on the wall. "God does move in mysterious ways! he said to his reflection, as he crossed himself and left the office, heading back to hear some more confessions.