Chapter 10 [Miguel's Mission/Former Fox Saloon, Tucson—45 Minutes Earlier]

[A/N: And on a good news side, Manolito's about to get a couple of new recruits! Hint: It's Buck's Two for One Special later in Season 3.]

Manolito held his hand up in front of the mission. He dismounted and tied Makadoo to the rail. He looked over the former tavern. The front windows sparkled in Sol's midmorning light. A broom had carefully swept the entryway clear. Rather than Sunday's bustle, he noticed a few people through the doors.

"Miguel has been busy," Ricardo observed.

"Si. He has never been one to be idle, Compadre." Manolito led him into the building. There he witnessed cleaning on both levels. Two men swept the upstairs floor. A teenaged blonde girl did the same for the lower floor. A young lanky man wiped tables with a rag. Miguel talked with a tall man with sandy brown hair, a white shirt and a unique Native American medallion around his neck. "This is an improvement over the old saloon."

"This would please mi Abuela." Ricardo agreed. He surveyed the entire area for himself. He ran his finger across a couple of tables without a hint of Dust's presence.

Miguel noticed the newest guests. He noted to the other man to follow him over. "Hola, Papa." He embraced his father. "How are you?"

"I am well. Gracias." Ricardo extended his hand. "I am Don Ricardo Vega. And you are?"

The man shook his hand. His eyes firmly met Ricardo's. "I'm Johnny Rondo. Good to meet you." He motioned toward the young man now cleaning the bar. "That there's my son, Dan. We just got into town."

"Muy bien." Ricardo pointed to Blue and motioned him over. "Are you staying in Tucson?"

Rondo cleared his throat. "I was just telling Father Miguel that I hoped to find work. He told me about two ranches west of here. You know about that?"

"Si. I do. He meant the High Chaparral and Rancho Rivertree. Both are good places to work. This is my son-in-law, Manolito Montoya. Manolito, this is Señor Rondo," Ricardo introduced.

"Hey! Good to meet you, Johnny. Heard him saying you were looking for work?" Manolito looked him up and down. He discerned Tension in the other's eyes.

"Don Vega said you were hiring. I'm interested." Rondo considered Manolito as well. "There's just one condition."

Concern sent a warning flag in Manolito's mind. He raised an eyebrow. "Bien. I am listening."

"My son, Dan, comes with me. We work for one wage," Rondo noted.

"Are you certain? I wish to pay everyone a fair wage, Amigo," Manolito pointed out.

"I'm sure. Thank you for being considerate," Johnny assured him.

"I see. I will be right back." Manolito headed for the former bar and the younger man cleaning it. "Hola." He took a glass from behind the counter and wiped it off.

The young man swiped his rag across the counter. He watched Manolito fill the glass. Thirst held his throat in an arid vice. "Hey, Mister?"

"¿Si?" Manolito raised an eyebrow. Consideration prompted him to fill the second glass. "You are Dan Rondo? I just spoke to your father."

"Yes, Sir!" Dan accepted the glass. The water soothed his dry throat. "That's good! Thanks! Good to meet you…Mister?"

"Señor Montoya. It is good to meet you, Dan. So how does that sound? Would you be interested in working at my rancho?" Blue offered.

Enthusiasm lit up in Dan's eyes. "That sure sounds great! I'll work real hard. Thanks, Señor Montoya." He put his hand out.

"Muy bien, Dan. I believe we are going to get along fine. Just one thing. Since we drink water, maybe we get your father a glass as well?" Manolito nodded and poured a third glass. "Follow me." Playfulness widened his smirk.

"Oh yeah! Sorry." Dan grimaced.

"It is no problem. Vamanos." Manolito shrugged off the notion. He brought the other two glasses. "Here is a glass of water, Johnny. Since Dan and I drink, I thought you should as well."

"That is sure considerate of you. Thank you." Johnny swallowed a mouthful. "That's good."

"I was just telling Señor Montoya the same thing, Pa," Dan agreed.

Manolito took another drink from his glass. "So your horses…are they close? We have a few stops to make. Then we return to the rancho."

"Horses are in the livery down the street, Blue. Whenever you need us to be ready, we can be." Johnny nodded. He finished the glass of water.

"Muy bien!" Manolito nodded. "You had best bring them. We will be leaving here soon."

"That works." Johnny finished his water. "Drink it down, Son. It's going to be a long dry ride."

"Yes, Pa." Dan took his last mouthful. Then he handed the empty glass back to his father. "Thanks."

"You're welcome. Come on. Let's get the horses. Mr. Montoya wants to get moving." Johnny walked with Dan toward the door.

Manolito nodded. Two more vaqueros for the rancho. And for one wage? I am pleased!

"Señor Richardson should be ready," Ricardo reminded him.

"Si." Manolito turned to Miguel. "We have other matters. We shall see you on Sunday."

"Mercedes and you shall. Papa told me he leaves tomorrow for Rancho Vega," Miguel clarified. "Go and have a blessed day, Hermano. Stay out of trouble."

"Miguel! I would never...!" Manolito protested with exaggerated shock.

"Estamos hablando de ti, Manolito." Miguel smirked. Mischief belied his priest's vestments.

Manolito cracked a grin. A sparkle lit his eye. "Ah, Miguel!" He shook his index finger at the other man. Then he cleared his throat. "How is your new church?"

Exuberance brought a smile to Miguel's face. "We are almost done! The roof is all that is left outside! Then they shall start on the inside! The Bishop sent a telegram with instructions. The Carondelet order will send six sisters to assist with the school and in the mission. Can you believe it?"

"Patience is a virtue. Is it not? If it is permitted, they may visit us at the Rancho," Manolito invited. "I will ask Mercedes."

"You had best do that." Miguel shrugged. "Do not keep our new friends waiting. Adios, Manolo."

"Adios." Manolito nodded a farewell. Then he walked out the door.

Just be careful, Manolito. Surprises have a way of setting the world on its ear! Miguel shook his head. He glanced toward the ceiling and crossed himself.

Prophecy, it seemed, would be well served by that….