Friday Novel

"Your Dad was given an unusual opportunity when he was your age. And since he was your father, that same opportunity is potentially available to you."

"He didn't really go to the University of Bologna, did he?" Alan asked.

"Not exactly."

Father Barrett took another casual sip of his espresso, as Alan patiently waited for him to continue.

"You have seen the school," he finally said. "It is a special school, one of several campuses in Europe."

"What does it teach?" Alan pushed. "I mean, what's it for? What good does it do for someone to study at some secret school? It's not like you can put it on a resume."

Finally, Alan added: "And I'm not interested in the slightest if it's a school for priests."

Barrett smiled, and took another sip.

"I believe your father had a diploma from Bologna in his office in Chicago," he finally said. "That is what is on his resume. The truth is more complex. It's what is not on his resume that made his life the most special."

"So what was he then? I mean, was he some kind of spy?"

Alan paused. "Was he even really a priest?"

Father Barrett finally finished his espresso. "Want to walk back to the school?"

In a few moments they were walking back toward the school...