Andie is up to her eyes in work and will be out all day so I'm left to my own devices.
It's weird—back in Toronto I was swamped everyday serving clients and juggling portfolios but here in Middleton I feel becalmed to the point of boredom...almost.
I qualify that last statement because even though I'm not working 9 to 5 at the office, a lot had been going on in the realm of the spirit—a mystical dimension for me that's been largely neglected since I left university.
I wouldn't say I was anti-religious, so much as apathetic although I must admit Bane's dark arts and the presence of The Watchers has certainly consumed my attention and left me feeling at times very helpless.
If it weren't for Andie and The Watchers I'd be totally vulnerable to Bane's dark designs.
I shiver at the thought as I pour myself a third cup of coffee—it's something I do when I'm stressed.
You'd think I'd be bouncing off walls from all that caffeine, but it has a paradoxical effect with me and actually calms me.
As I'm sitting there my cell rings and I pick up thinking it's Andie but it's an old familiar voice from the past that completely disarms me.
"Father Breton?" I stammer, recognizing his voice, "how did you find me?"
"I reached out to your friend, Zach Dawson, who gave me your cell number. I've been praying for you for several weeks now and wanted to check in on you and tell you you're not alone, whatever spiritual struggle you're facing."
Most people would be totally shocked at the synchronicity of a former mentor contacting them just when they needed support, but most people have never even met a spiritual giant like Father Breton in their life.
I was delighted but not entirely surprised by this seemingly miraculous divine intervention.
I had already discovered early on that Breton was spiritually gifted and regularly performed these kinds of feats and wasn't surprised years afterwards when I discovered he was actually the archdiocesan exorcist for the grater Toronto region.
And, truth was I needed a spiritual warrior in my corner right now , especially when I was feeling completely out of my depth confronting such dangerous demonic forces as those surrounding Bane.
"I just wanted to assure you, Paul," Breton informed me, "I'm watching your back, in the spirit, and especially tonight when the danger will be greatest. Whatever struggle you' re facing you need to remind yourself the battle isn't yours alone. Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet."
Tears came to my eyes when I realized what a powerful friend I had in Breton who was still faithfully watching over me after all these years.
"I don't know how to thank you, Father, for being so loyal."
Breton, as usual, refused to take any credit.
"Just call me when it's over and we'll rejoice together in the victory. Satan is a defeated enemy, Paul, even thought he goes about roaring like a lion, he can't harm you when God is for you fighting your battle."
When I hung up the phone I had my answer and all my doubts and feelings of helplessness melted away.
I was no longer afraid of Bane because powerful as he was, I had a greater ally.
