“Son, is there anything I can help you with?”
Nolan’s attention jerked to a man who stood off to the side. He could tell by the collar on his shirt that he was the chaplain.
“I don’t know.”
The man came and sat down in front of him but turned to face him. “Do you want to talk about it?”
God, where did he start? “I have a woman I found. It’s a long story, but she dropped into my lap and is perfect for me in every way. I think I fell in love with her within a few days. She is equal parts sweetness and courageous.”
He took a few breaths. “She was in danger from a human-trafficking organization, and I pledged I’d keep her safe no matter what. I failed.”
“How?”
“She was attacked in our home. He hit her head with the butt of his gun, bit her shoulder enough that she had to get stitches, and beat her before we could save her.”
“Is she here?”
“Yes.”
“How is she?”
“She’s going to be fine physically eventually. Emotionally, I’m not sure.”
“You got the bad guy?”
“Yes. The ones who were a threat to her.”
“So, you’re telling me you saved her from being taken, caught the bad guys, and you think you’ve failed.”
Hearing it like that, it didn’t sound so bad.
“We all like to think we can control the world, but son, let me tell you. Only one spirit does that, and you could guess who that is.”
“Yes, God.” Nolan tried to smile.
“That’s right, and between you and me,” the man whispered and looked around as if to see if anyone was there, “I think he might have made a mistake or two. What are wasps and mosquitos for? They don’t do anything but bug us and make us uncomfortable, right? And the flat-billed platypus. I’m sorry, but I swear it’s something that has a mixture of animals.”
Nolan laughed. “I see what you mean.”
“No one, not even me, is perfect.”
Nolan grinned at the pretend, disgruntled look on the man’s face.
“What you can do now is be there for her as much as you can. She needs you more than ever.”
Nolan nodded. “You’re right.”
“Ask my wife. I’m always right.”
Nolan snorted. “Thank you. You helped me more than you know.”
They shook hands.
“I’m here if you need to talk more.”
“That’s good to know. Take care.”
Nolan walked out of the chapel, feeling like he didn’t have the heaviness of guilt bogging him down.