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“Come to order,” commanded the Voice.
He waited for the group to quiet, much like a grade-school teacher would wait for an unruly class to settle down. After a while, the members felt his scorn and silence reigned.
“Very well,” he began. “We have solved one problem, but a new one has arisen. The custodian issue is resolved, but the MacLean and O’Connell families present a problem.”
“How has the janitor been dealt with?” a member demanded.
“Better you don’t know. Assume his silence has been guaranteed.”
“What’s the problem with the two families?” Another member changed the subject. “They received everything they asked for and more. They have a new life in a beautiful new area, a new identity, absolute financial security—what more could they possibly need? How can there be a problem?” he wondered.
“They haven’t complained. They don’t even know there is a problem.”
“How can there be a problem they don’t even know about?” The members were stunned. The Voice pounded the table and demanded silence.
“Trust me. There’s a problem,” he sneered. “I want the authority to deal with these families by any means necessary.”
“Sounds ominous.”
“Not to worry about my methods, just approve the exercise. The consequences will be mine and mine alone. Your consciences are clear,” he assuaged.
“This is getting completely out of control. I voiced my concerns on the last vote, and I dissent again.” The sole dissenter from the last vote rose in protest. “Protecting and absolving these revolting pedophiles, ‘dealing’ with people, making others ‘disappear,’ I can no longer tolerate these activities!”
“What do you propose?” the Voice queried.
“Same as before—We admit Gerry’s past transgressions, continue the Tracey boys’ treatment with Dr. Rothenberg, and pay any compensation the family deems satisfactory to resolve this matter. Gerry pleads guilty in the criminal matter, places himself in a long-term care facility, and never engages in pastoral work again. Take this approach, my friends, and no one else will need to be dealt with or disappeared. Your solutions disgust me. I will not be a party to them.”
The Voice dismissed him with a wave of his hand. Too late for that—anyone else want to voice an opinion?”
Silence.
“Let’s put it to a vote. All in favor of allowing me to handle the potential problem as I see fit say, ‘Aye.’”
“Aye,” came the collective response.
“All opposed?”
“Nay,” two voices this time.
“The ‘ayes’ have it,” declared the Voice.
“May God forgive you.” The original dissenter growled as he hastily exited the room.
“I am concerned about him,” warned the Voice.
“He disagrees with your methods. That is his right. He’s loyal to the church. He won’t betray us.”
“Perhaps we shouldn’t take the chance.”
“What do you have in mind?”
“Nothing, nothing much. Keep an eye on him. Set up surveillance.”
“Spy? On one of our own?” The member gasped.
“Just to confirm he’s still one of our own,” the Voice reasoned.
The member capitulated. “I can’t see what harm it can do; err on the side of caution.”
“I agree.”
“Surveillance it is then. I’ll arrange it with Parks, at once.”
“Very well, then. Anything else?”
Silence.
“Then I move to adjourn. All in favor?”
“Aye,” the members chimed.
“All opposed?”
Silence.
“We’re adjourned.”
