Page 6 of PSYCHOlogical

“No, Ma’am.”

“Long-term?”

“Nothing we haven’t already discussed.”

“Suicidal thoughts?”

“No, Ma’am.”

“Good.” I closed his folder. “I’ll see you on the fourteenth.”

He stood, swept the wrinkles from his clothes, and then met my gaze. “Do you think killing is always a sin?”

I was surprised it had taken him so long to ask the question. The subject was something I struggled with since my placement in the program. There wasn’t a clear-cut response I could give.

“I think it depends on the circumstances,” I said matter-of-factly.

“Under the right circumstances, do you think it can be forgiven?” he asked.

I had no idea what the answer was. To believe killing was a sin, and then alter that belief to support the actions of my employer was either hypocritical or a damned good job of justification.

Nevertheless, wars had been waged since the advent of sand, and I had a difficult time believing that the millions upon millions who had fought in them all committed an unforgivable sin.

Despite my inability to give a definitive response that I believed in, I needed to say something. Vincent maintaining a clear mind and a positive attitude was crucial to the program’s success.

“Yes, I believe it can—and will—be forgiven,” I responded.

He gave a nod and then turned away. “See you in two weeks. Doc.”

As he walked away, I hoped I was right.

For the sake of both of us.