Said priest was, in fact, still awake and at the Chapel. With his nightmares and general sleeping habits due to his age, he could frequently be found reading or in prayer at most hours of the day. This was no exception in the least.
There was a soft thump from the direction of the office, followed immediately by Peter's voice calling, "I'll be out in just a moment!" There had been a time in his life when rising from his office chair and stepping into the main area of the chapel wouldn't have taken him so long -- but Peter was a man who knew his limits. He was half-afraid his visitor would turn and leave if he didn't call out in reply.
"Ah," he said, smiling broadly as he emerged. "Here we are. What can I do for you, my son?"
Of all the late visitors he might have had, he was rather glad to see Cath. The boy had a good head on his shoulders -- and that was a comfort to see when things were, pardon the expression, Lord, going to hell.