Chapter 3 Father Eron

Lina's POV

While seated in my car, I inputted the address into my GPS, then I drove away.

I thought of visiting the priest the following day but another part of me asked me to go there immediately.

Upon arriving at the church, I prepared to dash out of my car and into the church since I wasn't with my umbrella.

In less than a minute, I was already inside the church, half drenched, half dry.

A reverend sister welcomed me inside, offering me a towel to dry my hair.

“I’m detective Lina Kaine, I want to see the priest, I mean Father Eron.” I said without hesitation.

“He's in session. You'll have to wait.” She said and walked away.

I looked around for a while before settling down on a chair.

A few minutes later, a young looking man walked up to me; “detective!” He called out as he made it towards me.

I jolted from my seat; “Hello Father Eron, I’m Detective Lina Kaine. I'm here on behalf of the missing child, Nore. I believe you spoke to Nore before he went missing.”

Father Eron nodded; “Yes, I did. He's such a sweet boy. I got a letter from him today and he… seemed to be a little bit troubled.” Father Eron explained.

“Mind telling me what he said in his letter?” I probed further.

“He said something about dreams… and a door. I told him to pray. Sometimes children tend to create monsters to explain fear. The boy is just being frightened.” Father Eron explained.

“What kind of door?” I sounded almost too fast and urgent, but I didn't care.

“Um…I've no idea about that.” He said.

This was when I suspected something. Father Eron seems to be hiding something.

“Father…. if there’s anything else you remember, anything strange, I need you to tell me.” I urged him, all in an attempt to get him to talk.

“Detective, faith doesn’t solve crimes.” he suddenly blurted, his eyes were rushing out of the conversation already.

“Then let it at least help us prevent one.” I charged.

“I'm sorry detective, but that's all I can tell you for now,” Father Eron said, then he stood up from his seat, “If that's all you've to say, I think I'm done here.” He added, now guiding me outside the church.

“Oh sure, yh. Well…here's my card, if you feel like saying something, please do give me a call.” I handed over my card to him.

“Sure, I'll, detective.” He added.

I hurried back to my car, though the rain seems to be preparing to stop, so I didn't care for an umbrella from the church.

It was late already, so I thought of eating out today.

I drove to an eatery and had my dinner there and then I sat over a bottle of wine before heading back home.

It was already past 10 p.m. By the time I stepped into my apartment, exhaustion had swallowed me whole. I was horribly tired, so I collapsed onto the bed without a second thought.

“What a hectic day!” I mumbled weakly.

I was just about to shut my eyes when my phone began to vibrate inside my bag, I grumbled first before fumbling for it.

I barely glanced at the screen before picking the call, I picked it anyway, and a strange, yet familiar voice immediately spoke from the other end of the call.

It was Father Eron.

“Detective Lina? It’s Father Eron, may I speak with you tomorrow? It's important.” He asked, his voice was cold and heated at the same time.

Something seemed wrong. His voice was shaky, and he sounded tense.

“Yes, sure!” I responded sharply.