Chapter 4 [Tucson—9:00 AM]

The pueblo grew busier with each passing hour. The merchant wagons rolled down Main Street. Rosie's drew in hungry passersby with hearty breakfasts and strong coffee. Brown's Saloon perked fresh coffee for its passersby. Customers browsed the mercantile's shelves.

And a few blocks north on Stone Avenue, Activity stirred as well…

[St. Augustine Catholic Church]

Miguel ran his hand across the varnished pew rail. His eyes looked out over the seating area. Memoria reminded him of how (or if) he'd fill the church every Sunday. He had not been sure how people would respond to the new church.

The response overwhelmed him. His first two Masses packed the church. Others attended Father Guillermo's worship in the mission chapel to the south. Regularity governed the parishioners' use of the confessional. A few volunteered to help at the mission. Passersby asked him about services.

And then there was the buzz about the school….

He stepped out of the church. He shut the doors and descended the stairs. He crossed the dirt lot toward the new school's future location. Anticipation worked with the money saved from his father's donation and the tithes. The Archbishop supported both church and southern chapel. Ground was set to be broken in short order. Still, his mind kept turning to the south. I hope Mama's not in too much pain. How is Papa doing? Are my aunt and uncles pressuring him? He bowed his head. Father, please be with Mama and Papa. Thank You. Amen. He walked down Stone and Main toward the mission.

Walking in the door, he found Sister Pilar serving a bowl of oatmeal to an elderly man. Brother Benjamin wiped down tables and straightened chairs. "Brother Benjamin?"

"Ah! Good Morning, Father Miguel!" Brother Benjamin set his rag down. "I wanted to help out."

"¡Muchissimas gracias, Compadre!" Miguel cheered. "Is Sister Ellie all right?"

"Ah yes. She will be back in a week from Tombstone." Benjamin frowned. "I am sorry. I worry for her."

"Did she take anyone with her?" Miguel rubbed his chin. He knew of the dangers out in the desert. Apaches, Comancheros and banditos lurked there. Coyotes, snakes among other things could strike out anywhere. He recalled what Manolito and Buck had both said about her and the other missionaries. What was she thinking?

"There was one man who volunteered to go with her. The Sisters and I begged her not to do so. I am sorry." Brother Benjamin rubbed his forehead. "I know the Lord will protect her."

Miguel sighed. "I do wish Sister Ellie would have asked me first. ¡Ay caramba!" He walked up to the counter.

Sister Pilar poured him a cup of coffee. "¡Buenos Dias, Padre Miguel! Did you hear?"

"I pray that Sister Ellie's decision will be all right. We can only pray for her. Gracias." Miguel sipped from the coffee. "The Cannons can help. How long ago did she leave?"

"Fifteen minutes ago. Manolito told me of Sister Ellie's enthusiasm. Her service to others is to be celebrated. She does not understand the danger. I am sorry. I tried to speak with her. Sister Maria went with her to the stable." Sister Pilar shook her head. "Brother Benjamin wanted to go with her. She told him to stay here and minister to the people as well."

Miguel tapped his fingers on the counter. "Gracias. I am going to the livery. Perhaps Brother Benjamin and I can convince her to wait for suitable escort."

"Gracias." Sister Pilar bit her lip. Perhaps they were priest and nun at that point. Still, she still felt Friendship's bond as well. Vaya con Dios.

"Vamanos, Hermano." Miguel guided Benjamin out of the mission.

"I'm right behind you." Brother Benjamin hustled in his new friend's wake.

[Livery—Twenty Minutes Later]

Sister Ellie double checked the possessions in her burlap sack. She cinched it shut and tied it to her horse's saddle. "I believe that is everything." Her mind turned to the south and Tombstone. She knew Brothers Matthew and Sandy not to mention Sister Mercy could raise additional donations toward a mission in Tucson. While she appreciated Miguel's hospitality and charity, she wanted the Army to have their own mission.

"Sister Ellie! ¡Espera por favor!" Sister Maria shook her head. Her eyes kept turning toward the door. Hope pressed for Miguel to run in and convince their colleague not to ride alone and with no weapons. "Sister Pilar and Father Miguel will find companions to ride with you."

Sister Ellie sighed. Impatience leaked into her tone. "Sister Maria, thank you for your concern. I have to get back to Tombstone. We have needs here and there."

"Sister, you know Sister Pilar and I value your service to our Father! We just ask that you find others to protect you!" Sister Maria begged.

"Estoy de acuerdo." Miguel hustled into the stable. "Sister Ellie, please listen! You do not have to be the martyr. He brought you here to be a minister. Think on that. We are not stopping you. We just want you to have protection."

"Brother Miguel, I understand that you are looking out for my welfare." Exasperation grated in her voice by now. "The Lord will provide as you well know. In your case, well, I will not go there."

"In my case? What are you saying?" Miguel stiffened.

"Not all of us have a wealthy father." Sister Ellie insinuated. "There are those of us who have to seek out sponsors!"

"Sister Ellie! That is pure wickedness! Repent NOW!" Brother Benjamin shook his head. "His father donated to his church. Brothers Manolito and Buck, from what I heard, bought the Tombstone mission in the same manner for our efforts. Brother Miguel has been nothing but hospitable for our efforts since our arrival. He has gone to the bank and newspaper on our behalf. He has allowed us time in the church. Do not accuse."

"Brother Benjamin, please." Sister Ellie rubbed her forehead.

Miguel clenched the rail. "Señor, dame fueras." He sucked in a deep breath. "Sister Ellie, I understand that you are concerned and want to help your order. I will forgive your comment. You do not know what Mercedes and I have endured from my parents, my aunt and uncles! Nothing…NOTHING! Nothing was just given to me! I was disowned and disinherited because I followed His Will! And you are right. God did provide for me. He allowed Mercedes to find support. He worked a miracle with Manolito, Victoria and then the Cannons. They supported me until my father repented his hate. I have this because of work, toil and His Grace! BUT ALL IN HIS TIME AND PURPOSE! NOT OURS!" He crossed himself.

"The Cannons helped me as well. Manolito sacrificed his feelings so that I might follow our Lord." Sister Maria added. "Listen to Father Miguel. ¡Por favor!"

Arguments were heard. Would they be listened to?