Gregory Barrett, a classmate of Father Dowling's, left the priesthood twenty-five years ago. Now, after all these years, a woman threatens to bring a multimillion-dollar suit against him, alleging he sexually exploited her when he was still a priest and she was sixteen. Barrett has no memory of her, but is devastated at what these claims will do to his career as a radio host and to his new family. So he comes to Father Dowling for advice. Father Dowling,...

Anathema sits -- A falling star -- The Dunne deal -- The cube root of ice -- Hic jacet -- Past times -- The coveted correspondence -- Death wish -- The giveaway -- The prodigal son -- Imaginary sins -- A life sentence -- On ice -- The bald-headed husband -- Ashes to ashes.

In St. Hilary's rectory, Father Dowling meets with a husband seeking an annulment of his marriage. Then he meets with the wife who opposes it--they have been married 30 years. The husband is murdered and Father Dowling goes to work. By the author of Seed of Doubt.