““Mike Romano slipped into the confessional. The screen behind the lattice grill slid open. “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned.” “For the love of God, Romano, not again.” “Will you hear my confession, Father?” “No.” “What do you mean?” “I mean you haven’t sinned. You didn’t sin yesterday or the day before, last week or last month, and you haven’t sinned today.” “How do you know? “I’m playing the odds.” “I need absolution.” “No, you don’t. You need some fun. Go have a beer, see a movie, take in a comedy show. Do some damn thing that’ll make you laugh.” “It’s your job. You have to do it.” “Jesus, Mary, and Joseph! I absolve you from your imaginary sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen. Get lost.” “That’s not right. It’s not the whole thing.” The priest slammed the sliding screen shut.””
