"Maybe," was all Murphy could say on the subject of Latin. He could read it okay, but that was about it. And hell, he probably couldn't even do much of that anymore.

He swallowed hard and joined in the prayer, softly, feeling a constricting in his chest. A tight pain that wasn't quite physical, even though he felt it like a vice. Maybe Gabe wasn't a priest, but he could lead a prayer like a natural. Somehow, the ex-con felt more here and now than he ever had with the chaplain at Ryall.

"Inspired by this confidence, though burdened by my sins, I run to your protection, for you are my mother..." Murphy's voice shook, hitched a bit, and he felt his eyes burning. He thought of Charlie, the tight pain in his chest growing.

Burdened by sins indeed.