LITMIR.BIZ

       Chapter 4

      It took less than an hour for CSIs from the Scenes of Crime team working down at the chapel to seal off Father Nolan’s room and do a preliminary sweep for evidence. Tony Sutton supervised the search, whilst Warren continued interviewing Bishop Fisher and Deacon Baines. Until the body found in the chapel was positively identified as Father Nolan and the cause of death determined, it was still regarded as unexplained, and so the room was being treated as a potential crime scene.

      The note was written in a spidery script, on lined paper, and had been placed folded on the dresser. A photograph of it was on Sutton’s tablet computer, sitting on the bishop’s antique desk.

      ‘Forgive me Father, for I have sinned.’

      The seven-word opening refrain was familiar to any Catholic who had ever partaken in the sacrament of confession. Warren felt the slightest twinge of guilt – the typical following statement, detailing how long it was since the penitent’s last confession, would be measured in decades, rather than years, for him.

      ‘Sinned in what way? In a general sense or something more specific?’ asked Sutton.

      Fisher shrugged wearily. ‘I have no idea.’

      ‘Did Father Nolan give any indication that anything may be troubling him?’ asked Warren.

      ‘I shall ask others if he had said anything in public, but I had not heard him say anything openly.’

      ‘What about privately?’ asked Sutton, casually.

      Fisher fixed him with a stare. ‘If you are referring to the holy sacrament of Penance, then you are no doubt aware that the seal of confession is sacrosanct.’

      Sutton looked as though he had more to say, but a glance from Warren stopped him.

      ‘There was an open, empty container of medication next to the body. The part of the label that we could still read indicates that it originally contained Doxepin, which according to the internet is usually given to patients to combat depression and help with sleep. Was Father Nolan suffering with any mental health issues?’

      Fisher paused before answering.

      ‘Father Nolan had struggled with depression for a number of years. I’m sure that his doctor can furnish you with more details.’

      ‘Do you know what lay behind the depression?’ asked Sutton.

      Fisher shrugged again. ‘As I am sure you aware, clinical depression is a medical condition, it does not necessarily have a “cause”. His doctor may be able to shed more light on his condition.’

      ‘Deacon Baines tells me that Father Nolan was 76 years old,’ said Warren, ‘you said that he has been a resident here for eight years. That would make him 68 years old when he retired. My understanding is that priests normally retire at 75 or later, especially if they are physically fit and able to continue in their ministry. Was the depression the reason for his moving here?’

      ‘In part.’

      Warren paused, but no more was forthcoming.

      ‘Thank you for your time, Bishop Fisher. I don’t suppose that you have a sample of Father Nolan’s handwriting?’

      ‘I am certain that we can find one.’ The elderly bishop hesitated before continuing. ‘Will it be necessary for somebody to identify the body?’

      An image of the burnt corpse, with its rictus grin, appeared in Warren’s mind’s eye.

      ‘Unlikely. We should be able to confirm his identity from his dental records and a DNA match from his toothbrush.’

      With nothing more to do until Forensics had completed their search, Warren and Sutton left the bishop’s office and headed outside, into the cool, winter air.

      ‘Let’s work on the assumption that the body is Father Nolan for the time being. Liaise with Deacon Baines and arrange for statements to be taken from Father Nolan’s acquaintances. Also, chase down his GP and see if we can find out if he was suicidal.’

      ‘For all the good it will do.’

      ‘What do you mean?’ asked Warren, picking up on the edge in Sutton’s voice.

      ‘They’re all bloody Catholic priests. You heard what Bishop Fisher said in there. “The seal of confession is sacrosanct” – they’ll use that as an excuse to tell us what they want us to know and hide behind their vows for the rest.’

      ‘That’s a bit harsh, don’t you think? The seal only applies to what is said in the confessional, and I can’t imagine Father Nolan confessing to suicidal thoughts. Anything said outside of that relationship is open for discussion,’ countered Warren. ‘It’s no different to the privileged status given to clients and their solicitors.’

      ‘I disagree. Solicitors are duty-bound to report serious crimes to the authorities – Catholic priests think they are above the law.’

      Warren eyed his friend with concern.

      ‘This really bothers you, doesn’t it?’

      Sutton let out a puff of air.

      ‘I just don’t like the implication that the law applies differently to some people.’