This Is White Country

"Something was wrong, and they all felt it. It was Wednesday, the third day that Doyle had been a no-show. "Anyone know where Doyle is this morning?" Father Joe asked. "And I don't want to hear 'he's doin' stuff.'" Lilly timidly put up her hand. "I didn't see him all weekend, Father. I thought maybe he was sick, but when I phoned" him it just went straight through to messages. I must have left ten of them, and he hasn't called me back. Father, could I see you outside, please?" she asked, aware that the whole class was looking at her. "Absolutely." Outside, Father Joe could see just how conflicted she was. She felt a natural loyalty to Doyle, but she was obviously very worried about him too. "Father, on Friday morning Doyle gave me this necklace as a gift." She held up a fine gold chain with amethysts set in it. It was very beautiful, and the priest didn't imagine it had come cheap. "It's very lovely, Lilly." "It's also far too expensive for someone like Doyle to afford. He said he made some money splitting wood for his father. Father, I love Doyle, but that explanation just doesn't ring true to me. Now he's not at school when he should be. I'm afraid I know what Doyle's doing and it's dangerous." "Lilly, I know you love Doyle. I'm kind of fond of the little bugger myself. I will find out what he's doing and if it is what I think it is, I will put a stop to it. I promise you that."