53 Chapter 53: Fishers of Men, Part 11

"Friend?" I laughed. "There are no friends in this business, honey. You can't have friends when everyone expects you to be perfect, to know all the answers, and to have no expectations or needs of your own. Like Saint Francis said, we're supposed to console, but never expect consolation, understand without needing anyone to understand us, and to love without expecting love in return. It gives your flock the anchor they need to get through their troubles, but it's extremely isolating." I finished off my gourmet tonic water, fished out the soggy lime, and took a bite. "It's a dirty job, but hey, someone's got to do it."

Glynis stood. She knelt before my chair, and took my hands in hers. "Then help me," she said. "Help me make things right. I don't want any more people to die because of me."

"Stand up, sweetheart," I said. I caught Sears glancing out the window again. "I don't even know what I can do. I don't have your Worms."