“Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned,” said the boy. “I’ve been with a girl of questionable morals.”
The priest asked, “Is that you, young Tommy O’Shaughnessy?”
“Yes, Father, it’s me.”
“And who was the girl?”
“I can’t say, Father. I don’t want to ruin her reputation.”
“Well, Tommy, I’ll find out eventually, so you might as well tell me now. Was it Patricia Fitzgerald?”
“I’m sorry, I can’t say.”
“Lisa O’Shanter?”
“My lips are sealed.”
“Cathy O’Dell?”
“I’m afraid I can’t tell you.”
“Fiona Mallory?”
“I won’t say a word.”
“Brenda O’Malley?”
“I can’t reveal her name, Father.”
The priest sighed, clearly annoyed. “I respect your silence, Tommy. But you must still face consequences. You’re suspended from altar boy duties for four months. Go now, and reflect on your actions.”
“Yes, Father.”
Tommy walked back to his seat, and his friend Sean leaned over and whispered, “So, what did you get out of it?”
Tommy grinned. “Four months off—and five solid leads!”