Chapter 1 [San Francisco—Bishop's Office—A Month Following "Rivertree"]

Activity buzzed throughout the city. Clipper ships unloaded goods along the wharfs. People walked along the streets. Those who could afford them rode in carriages behind the best horses. Finery emanated from rich hotels, restaurants and playhouses.

Of course there were those who served as well. They had a different destiny…..

A slender man perused documents behind his desk. Sweat held nary a bead across his forehead or along the receding white along his hairline. Purpose flicked his finger from one document to another. Bishop Jose Sadoc Alemany y Conill rubbed his chin. For many years, he'd seen even the most devoted followers fail to establish a permanent foothold for the Catholic Church.

Apparently, Miguel Vega de la Granada endeavored to change that….

The Bishop reviewed Miguel's request for assistance. Tucson needed a consistently-open school. The mission served travelers and residents alike with hot meals, work opportunities and a place to sleep. The new church would open its door within the following fortnight. In spite of the lack of opportunity in Mexico City, this young man found his way to a place of need. The buildings are in place. Even by himself, this priest serves our Lord. He read his colleague's glowing telegram concerning Miguel's abilities.

A knock came from the door.

"¿Si?" He peered at the doorway. "Come in."

An elderly priest toddled into the door. He bowed to the Bishop and kissed his ring. "Your Grace. I am Padre Guillermo. The sisters and I are here."

"Very good." The Bishop stood up. He smoothed his robes. He watched as four nuns shuffled into the room. "Good afternoon, my Children."

"Buenas tardes, Your Grace." An elderly woman adjusted her glasses. "I am Sister Angelica. These are Sisters Luke and Maria. We traveled here together from Sonora."

"I see." The Bishop turned to the remaining nun. "And you, my Child? Where has the Lord brought you from so that you may serve?"

"My family is from Mexico City, Your Grace. I am Sister Pilar." Pilar kissed his ring. Then she stepped back beside her companions. "I am ready to do as you and Our Lord merit necessary."

"And I appreciate that. The Church has a special need. You all are familiar with Arizona?" The Bishop reviewed Miguel's request again.

"Si, Your Grace." Guillermo nodded. "Sisters Luke, Angelica and I spent a few weeks outside of Tucson. We had hoped to establish a convent there. It was not the Lord's will however. With the aid of friends, we traveled here."

"I have friends outside of Tucson as well, Your Grace." Pillar maintained a poker face. Emotion's frothed in her heart. Sometimes at night, Nightmare still recalled Santos' dead body lying on the High Chaparral's living room floor. Her heart still tore over Manolito's self-incrimination over the needed deed. "The Cannons are dear friends. They wished for a church closer to Tucson."

Guillermo turned toward Pillar. Surprise raised an eyebrow. "I was about to say the same, Sister Pillar." He nodded. "The Cannons are the friends I referred to before, Your Grace. They spoke of the dangers from Apaches and banditos."

Maria bit her lip. She'd resolved to take her vows in the Chaparral's main room. As with Pillar, Nightmare still jabbed her with reminders about Ramon and Manolito. I pray Manolito is happy. God wishes me to serve Him. I pray He has sent a caring woman to share his road.

"We have a church in Tucson now." The Bishop regarded them. "Miguel Vega de la Granada has started a mission in Tucson. The new church will be finished soon. He has asked for assistance for the mission and a school. Muy bien. You will leave tomorrow. I have arranged passage on a ship to San Diego. From there, you will take the stage to Tucson."

"That is most generous, Your Grace!" Guillermo bowed again. "Thank you!"

"You are needed there. It will take time as it is for you to get there. Perhaps you might reflect on how you will work with Father Vega de la Granada? That is all." The Bishop took a large envelope from his desk drawer. "Your instructions and tickets, Father Guillermo. You may send word ahead if you think it prudent."

"Gracias, Your Grace." Guillermo bowed and kissed the ring again. "Come along, Sisters. We should pack and prepare."

The nuns kissed the Bishop's ring as well. Then they followed Guillermo from the room and back toward the nearby convent.

God, it seemed, wanted them all back in Tucson. A test for all it seemed….