Vignettes

Looking out of his office overlooking the Providence River, Ronan poured himself another scotch. He paused as he looked out his window, first noticing his reflection, then looking past his reflection at floating bonfires. From his vantage point, he could see ribbons of newcomers coming to admire the dancing fiery mounds. He thought how a fitting a shower of blood over the bonfires and the tourists would be; welcome to Dante's ninth circle, he thought.

If there's no one beside you
When your soul embarks
Then I'll follow you into the dark

Since Penelope had died, Ronin had wished he could follow. He had thought about taking his own life, but opted instead on drowning the pain with alcohol. Besides, he had been raised Catholic and although he no longer considered himself such, part of him feared eternal damnation. Even more than eternal damnation though, his family feared scandal.