A Prayer for the Devil Read Online Free Page A

age.”
    Luke struggled to speak, as his bottom lip quivered and his eyes filled with tears. When he didn’t respond, Jim continued talking. “That’s why I asked you to call me. Aaron had taken out a separate life insurance policy for two million dollars, with you as the beneficiary.” Luke heard what the lawyer said, but it didn’t fully register. Hearing silence again, Jim kept talking. “If his death is considered an accident, or something Aaron couldn’t predict or prevent, the policy contains a double indemnity clause. This means that the payout amount could be doubled. Also, insurance payments are not subject to income tax.”
    Luke didn’t respond but paced back and forth in the manicured yard. This prompted Jim to ask, “Luke, are you there?”
    “Yes, I’m sorry, there’s just so much to think about.”
    “I can only imagine. I wanted you to have this information as soon as possible.”
    Luke stated softly, “Please, just give the money to Deborah.”
    Jim hesitated. “Luke, I can assure you that Deborah and the children will never have to worry about money. And there’s another policy for your parents.”
    After talking for a few more minutes, Luke thanked Jim, who asked that he call to make an appointment to sign the required paperwork. He promised to apprise his parents about the other policy.
    Knowing that he needed to be at police headquarters at ten o’clock, Luke headed back into the house. Deborah had already asked Luke’s parents to watch the kids while they were away. After another uneaten meal, Luke showered and shaved in preparation for the meeting. He decided that he wasn’t going to wear his clerical garb because it only seemed to attract attention. Realizing that when he rushed outof the rectory he never stopped to collect any of his casual clothing, he searched the workout bag from his truck for something else to wear. Finding an old pair of sweatpants and an unwashed blue T-shirt, he hand-ironed the wrinkled shirt, dressed, and went into the family room to wait for Deb.
    Deborah entered the room looking incredible. Her full-figured profile, dark olive complexion, and silky black hair were complemented by a beautiful tailored pantsuit. As Luke stood to greet her, he saw the surprise in her eyes as she looked him over. “I didn’t want to wear my priest stuff because it only draws attention.” She nodded, pretending that it was OK. He continued, “Maybe on the way back from police headquarters we can stop at the rectory so I can pick up some clothes.”
    Deb motioned for him to follow her. Leading him into her bedroom, she opened a door at the far end of the room and said, “Luke, take anything you want.” He peered into the huge closet and was amazed. Hundreds of suits, pants, shoes, and shirts were arranged meticulously on cedar hangers and shelves. He felt like he had walked into the men’s department at an exclusive clothing store. “Deb, I’m fine, really. After the meeting we can stop by the rectory,” he said, although the rectory was the last place he wanted to be right now.
    “If you’re not going to wear any of these clothes, then who else deserves to have them? Please, just think about what Aaron would want. I know this is hard to hear right now, but he loved you very much, and we often talked about the need for you two to reconcile your differences. Luke, he would want you to have his things.” Luke nodded as Deborah walked out of the room and closed the door behind her.
    A few minutes later, Luke reentered the family room wearing navy blue lightweight wool slacks, a crisp white shirt with cuffed sleeves, and beautiful soft black leather shoes. Deborah looked up from the couch and did a double take. Luke realized that now he looked morelike Aaron than before. Feeling uncomfortable, he said, “Let’s just take my truck.” She shrugged, and they walked out the front door. Luke rushed ahead of her and opened the passenger door of the old truck, moving some