Free S.O.S by Will James Page A

minutes or so passed and Father Tom stood conspicuously to one side of the gallery. He watched the steady stream of people pass through and wondered if he’d done the right thing in giving his piece of paper to the young man.
    â€œI’ve got it I think!”
    Tom looked up to see Dev hurrying across the Astronomy Centre towards him.
    â€œSorry I took so long, but I had to check it. I thought it might be, but I wanted to make sure. This is the constellation of Pyxis,” he said. He handed the sheet to Tom. “Pyxis is a constellation introduced by the French astronomer Nicolas Louis de Lacaille in the 18 th century,” he went on. “Its name is Latin for the mariner’s compass.” Dev’s face was shining with knowledge of discovery. “Whoever drew this on your church wall knows their stars. It’s quite obscure, but beautiful!”
    Father Tom felt baffled. He looked down at the symbols and then up at Dev. “But why would anyone draw something like this on my church wall?”
    Dev shrugged. “Some graffiti artists are quite complex. Think of that one who leaves political messages all over the place. What’s his name? Antsie?”
    Tom smiled. The boy knew a great deal about stars, but less about art. “Banksy,” he said, “although I’m not sure this is a statement of any kind.”
    Dev caught the eye of his superior. He said, “Look, I’d better get on. I’m supposed to walk the gallery space and check on things. If you want to chat a bit more I finish in ten minutes. I only work the morning shift.”
    â€œOK, that would be nice. We could have a coffee if you like?”
    â€œCool.” Dev held out his fist and Father Tom touched his knuckles with his own. He smiled and walked away.
    *
    Father Tom decided to walk around and explore the observatory a little more rather than go back outside into the rainstorm. The place seemed interesting enough as he wandered languidly from one room to the next, examining instruments and strange looking dials, but one thing was puzzling him. What connection did his church have to stars? He just couldn’t think of any.
    When ten minutes were up, he turned, and made his way back to the entrance where he saw the tall teenager chatting animatedly to the same flame haired girl he’d seen on the boat. Tom had an excellent memory for faces; it was names that always caught him out. Dev raised his eyes and noticed Tom lingering and waved him over to join him and his friend.
    â€œHi,” he said, “this is my friend Molly. She’s come to meet me from work. I didn’t know so it’s a nice surprise!” He smiled at the girl and her return smile was genuine and lasting.
    â€œI had nothing else to do,” she said.
    â€œWell it’s still a nice thing to do, to come all the way out here to see me.” Dev couldn’t stop grinning and Father Tom smiled with him; his happiness was infectious.
    â€œYou don’t mind if Molly comes for a coffee with us, do you?”
    â€œNot at all.” Father Tom smiled warmly and they braved the weather, making their way across to the Observatory’s café.
    Once settled, Tom took the piece of paper out again and laid it on the table.
    â€œWhat I can’t figure out,” he said, “is why someone would draw a constellation. I know, like you said Dev, some graffiti artists can be imaginative, but it just seems a bit odd.”
    Molly looked at the priest. Her sixth sense was beginning to prickle. There was something he wasn’t telling them; something odd behind his concerns.
    She glanced at Dev and then at Zack. Dev seemed oblivious, launching into a dialogue on stars and how the planets relate, but Zack seemed to be picking up the same curious feelings that she was getting.
    â€œHe’s hiding something,” Zack said.
    Molly looked over at him; she gave him and almost imperceptible nod.
    â€œHe