Sweet Things Dying - Chapter XXX

As the mystery of Heather Bloom winds down, Cole finds more pain and death...

XXX

“It was a remarkable thing,” said Cole, “to hear Bloom confess before his flock.”

He was seated in Edward Sacker’s book-lined chambers in Middle Temple Lane. A fire crackled in the grate. Wind-driven snow struck the windows like buckshot.

“I can only imagine,” Sacker replied. He sat behind his desk, across from Cole. Both men smoked and nursed brandies. “I’ve read the accounts in the papers, which have sucked the matter dry for all it’s worth these last few days.”

“Most of the accounts are fairly accurate. The usual culprits have made up details just to give themselves an advantage. The Pall Mall Gazette, which broke the story, has been the most faithful to the facts, thanks to Mr. Stewart.”

Sacker smiled. “I see. No doubt he had an inside advantage.”

“I owed him,” Cole admitted. “He dug up some information connecting Bloom to Cohen’s shop. Everything else followed. But that is all beside the point. You know what I’ve found most fascinating in all this?”

“Hm?”

“It was the way Bloom, despite all the horrors he confessed to, could not help but invoke God at every turn.”

“He is – rather, was – a minister, after all.”

“I know, but I cannot reconcile it. This use of religion as an excuse – a means to soften the blows of his actions. Yes, he raped and murdered his own daughter, but do not worry, dear flock, Jesus was there to bring her peace in the end. And he admitted he is no longer worthy of asking forgiveness, but if everybody else could send a prayer his way that would be splendid, thank you. It is all so self-serving and ridiculous.”

“It offends you as an atheist, does it?”

“No, it offends me as a man who finds his morals without mysticism, and would not think of suffocating others with his beliefs to excuse his way through life.”

“I am no God-fearing man myself, but I can say faith’s not always as you describe it. Religions, like any class or occupation in society, attract good and bad alike. And yes, some will use it for all the wrong reasons, but I do not think it outweighs those who embrace it for good.”

Cole raised his glass. “Wise as always, Mr. Sacker.”