"Your Eminence, I must insist that you reconsider."
"For the last time, Father Pedri, my decision is final."
The cardinal continued walking down the long corridor of the Sacrosanctum, his robes swaying behind him as he tried to put some distance between himself and the old priest following at his heels.
Unfortunately, Father Pedri appeared to have no intention of giving up.
"Of course, Your Eminence. I would never question your judgment. However, I believe there are certain matters you may have overlooked when considering the request."
"I have overlooked nothing."
"Then perhaps I have failed to explain myself properly."
"You have explained yourself six times!"
"Seven, Your Eminence. Though I suppose the first hardly counts, as we were interrupted."
The cardinal stopped walking.
He turned toward the old priest with an expression that suggested he was seriously considering whether striking a man of the cloth would constitute a punishable offense.
Father Pedri merely smiled.
