Another case of a clergyman's suicide without any signs of coercion or external forces at the scene.
After reviewing all the materials, York didn't take immediate action. Instead, he requested Ernest's exorcism cases and his mental and stress assessment reports from Gabriel.
Since it was a personal suicide, York had to look for the cause within Ernest himself, rather than pursuing the victim.
"So, you think Father Ernest's suicide wasn't forced or coerced, but his own choice?" Gabriel's calm voice came through the phone.
York, looking at the photograph, replied indifferently, "No, I just want to know how he's been since leaving the Seminary."
Gabriel, sitting on the edge of his bed, frowned subconsciously, catching York's implied meaning, "You think there was something wrong with Father Ernest?"
"I don't know," York bluntly responded, "Even you couldn't see the problem, so how could I?"
A bit helpless, Gabriel asked, "What are you trying to do, York?"
York replied somewhat sharply, "Respected Bishop Gabriel, what can a priest like me do? You asked me to investigate, so naturally, I need Ernest's detailed personal file. It's that simple."
Gabriel fell silent for a moment, aware of Ernest's history since he had spent a night reviewing it, causing him to oversleep into the day until York's call woke him up.
"Father Ernest's file is classified Secret Level A, York."
As Gabriel said this, he thought of York's personal file, which was different from other priests. From the beginning, it was classified as top-secret, accessible only to the Pope and the senior members of the Holy See, even beyond his authority as a special bishop.
"So I'll keep it confidential," York assured, "You know I'm tight-lipped, no one can pry open my mouth."
Gabriel came out of his thoughts and, after a moment of consideration, didn't refuse. After all, York was on the verge of being promoted to bishop and thus eligible to view Secret Level A files.
"Wait until tomorrow, York. I'm old now, not as energetic as before. I need rest."
York kept a straight face but internally estimated when the file would arrive.
"Alright."
He responded and was about to hang up when Gabriel spoke again, "York, why don't you find some time to visit His Holiness Gregory?"
York paused, his tone turning serious, "The old man? What's wrong with him? Is someone targeting him?"
Sensing a deadly seriousness, Gabriel was even more helpless, "It's not what you think. Just find time to visit His Holiness Gregory. You know you're special, and he misses you."
York, who had managed to handle demons even before having the system, knew he was special but felt relieved.
"I'll see when I have time."
"Good, just let me know."
"Alright."
After hanging up, Gabriel sat on his bed, staring at the phone for a while, then placed it back on the table.
Shortly after, he mused in his quiet bedroom, "I've finally cast the line. I wonder when York will bite. When he does, it will be my day to retire... not too far off now."
York, unaware of these thoughts, put away the file bag and nodded towards the unchanging image of Jesus.
"Goodnight."
Unbeknownst to him, at the same time, a phone conversation was also taking place.
"Nothing has happened."
Saxton, far away in Thailand, stood on the balcony of a hotel suite, looking at the busy city below, helplessly speaking.
"Mom, I'm safe right now. The supernatural event you're talking about doesn't exist. It's just your opinion."
Meanwhile, in America, Camille, in her home, rubbed her forehead, feeling headache for her son. She found her son had become increasingly disobedient as he grew older, almost like a different person.
"You might not believe me, but do you not even believe Father York?"
"Father York?" Saxton was taken aback, not expecting the priest to be mentioned.
"I told Father York about your situation," Camille continued, massaging her forehead and sighing.
"He said participating in these supernatural live streams increases the chance of encountering something dirty, potentially even evil spirits. If unlucky, you might trigger a mechanism of these spirits, posing a significant risk to life, and in severe cases, it could lead to death."
After repeating Father York's words, Camille's tone became somewhat pleading, "You're my only son. Do you know what your sister has been through?"
"What?"
Saxton came back to his senses, his eyebrows furrowing as he listened to his mother's words until the end. He then spoke resignedly.
"Mom, give me two days, just two days. After that, I promise I'll bring Amelia back home."
"Two days?"
Camille stopped massaging her forehead. This was the best outcome for her, as she could hear the compromise in her son's voice.
"Yes." Saxton looked back at his girlfriend, who was sitting cross-legged at the coffee table, engrossed in her laptop.
"Just two days. Two days are just a blink of an eye, mom. I promise I won't go anywhere these two days."
Hearing this, Camille finally relaxed a bit.
"Good. I'll prepare a big meal at home to welcome you. You're finally willing to bring your girlfriend home."
Saxton looked at his girlfriend and smiled, "Because the people before were just passing acquaintances. Now, she's your future daughter-in-law."
Camille shook her head, "I hope she's as good as you say. As long as she passes my test, I'll accept your relationship. Otherwise..."
Saxton knew what his mother meant: failing the test would mean personal failure, passing would mean family recognition.
"Don't worry, Amelia will definitely satisfy you," Saxton confidently smiled.
"You sound confident," Camille said, gazing into space.
"Then I should indeed take a good look."
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