The strangeness in the boy had not escaped the priest. Being the keen observer of all around him, he could not be oblivious to the subtle change in manner which seemed to crescendo with the sudden brutality. And though a student of the methods of memory and deduction, Fr Verdoux had first and foremost been trained, educated in the priesthood. As a peculiar member of the Jesuit order, and as a member of the inquisition besides, all points of reference led to this one simple conclusion: the household was faced with a demonic possession.
In the wake of this, Fr Antoine stood very still, unclasping the catch on his bag with the steady grasp of one hand. He slipped his hand inside, fingers feeling the varying angles of the little figure in the crucifix. Having succeeded in getting what he was looking for, he took up the satchel in his other hand, brandishing the cross.
"Do you remember this, Mr. Cullen, Fox?" he asked, walking at a casual pace toward the young figure. He effectually ignored the presumed demon, not wanting to give it a chance to work its villainy if he could help it.