Lucky to be loving you
Chapter 9
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Father Ricardo was thrilled when he stepped inside St. James Church. The bright sun shining through the new stained-glass windows cast a rainbow of colors reflecting on the pews, walls, and floor. When the sun was out the interior of the church had a soft warm glow. The pews were polished and the big magnificent crucifix was mounted on the wall above the altar.
As Father looked around, he saw the candle stand with rows of unlit candles under the statue of the Blessed Mother Mary and a statue of St. Joseph. The gold tabernacle behind the altar was adorned with an angel on either side. On the left of the altar just behind the altar rail was the lectern where he could inspire many and invite lost and wounded souls to have faith in the Lord.
On the right was the baptismal font where he would welcome little ones and those who haven't yet been baptized. He thought about Clara and Jessie's new baby, Erin Abigail Flynn, and Christy and Rick's new baby, Patrick David O'Neil which brought about a huge grin across his face, thinking back through the struggles Christy and Rick went through growing their little family to now having their second little one baptized. The two couples were having their babies baptized in two weeks on the same day Sunday. How joyful that day would be!
The parishioners provided all the help needed to clean up from the construction inside and outside. The pews were already polished and the kneelers were wiped down. There were clips on the inside of the pews for any man to hang his hat when he entered a pew, along with songbooks in their boxes. There were those who were sweeping, and those that were dusting, and some preparing the altar with a linen cloth and flowers and larger candles.
Fr. Ricardo walked up the stairs in the back to the choir loft and noted the spot where the organ was in prominence that was donated by the Romanos from Brookfield and the Moretti families. The two families provided the organ without hesitation.
There were stairs in the corner leading up to the bell tower. Fr. Ricardo followed them up. At the top of the stairs was the giant bell. He gasped when he saw how big it was with it's long rope hanging, just waiting for someone to pull it. Father blessed it with holy water and prayed that this bell would sound out far and wide calling everyone to come to church reaching many lost souls. Looking out from the tower he could see for miles. It was magnificent especially now with the autumn colors across the hills and into the mountains. The beautiful blue sky and the river below was breathtaking! His heart filled to the brim, he could no longer contain himself and yanked the church bell as it echoed throughout the land.
It was all coming to be after years of prayer, trust, and anticipation!
As Nathan was riding through the country on his rounds, he stopped Newton to listen to the bell. A smile crept across his face. St. James is going to have a big crowd on the day of it's opening,he thought. He knew his mother wouldn't miss it for the world. So, next Sunday instead of just dropping his mother and father off, he would join them and the rest of the town, especially Pastor Joseph and family in celebrating their new church dedication and blessing.
Gunther and Andy were busy cleaning out the RMCP office and jail. There wasn't too much Mountie business in their town, so, that was their assignment for the day. Bill had also asked them to let him know if there was any word from anyone regarding Melanie Forester.
When Bill and Christopher left the Campbell home, they walked up and down the road looking for any clues from the automobile that Laura Campbell had informed them about, where she saw two men sitting in it for quite some time and using binoculars.
As they looked, they saw two things off the side of the road closer to Melanie's house. Practically in her driveway, but off on the side where bushes were growing was something that caught their attention. A splash of pink showed when the sun hit the bushes just right.
Walking over Christopher looked closer and found what caught their attention, "Bill come here, you need to see this."
Bill was right behind him, "It looks like a shoe perhaps?"
"Right," Christopher said as he put on his gloves.
Bending down, Christopher reached into the bushes and brought out a slipper, "If this isn't the matching slipper to the one we found under the bed, I'll be a monkey's uncle!"
Bill bent down and saw that the slipper was indeed the missing one, "I agree, you are not a monkey's uncle – this time!"
Putting the slipper into a bag that Bill had brought with, they both were glad they found the slipper, but the indications of what happened to Melanie were not good.
"I hate to say it, but as we confirm this new clue, I believe the abductors dragged Melanie out to their automobile and forced her to get in. The evidence of a kidnapping is growing," Christopher said sadly.
"This is what we were afraid of. The struggle in her bedroom, the food rotting in her kitchen, the footprint on the rug, and the broken lamp all add up to a kidnapping. What I'm afraid of is the knife hasn't shown up and the blood we saw. I just hope it's not more than a kidnapping!" Bill sighed.
Just then they heard barking. Standing back up, they saw a dog down the road barking at them. The dog was barking as if to tell them, this is my property, go away!
"I think that's Sugar! She's protecting her property and Melanie," Christopher advised.
"I'll be dog-gone!" Bill answered elated. "This is the best sight for sore eyes yet!"
The two men crouched down and called the dog. She didn't move a muscle. As she stared at the two, she stopped barking and sniffed the air. Christopher held out Melanie's slipper so Sugar could get a whiff. Sure enough, when Sugar smelled her master's scent she came up to them hesitantly but curious.
"Aww, she's almost skin and bones. Poor pup probably is starving," Bill said.
"I'm trying to pet her so maybe I can grab her," Christopher said. As he reached down to pet her, she sniffed him and relaxed. "There you go girl, that's right, I'm a friend." With that Christopher was able to snatch up Sugar who struggled at first, but when she went inside the automobile resigned herself to compliance. After all he had her master's slipper.
"Now to the veterinarian. I want to make sure Sugar gets fed, bathed, and has a good check-up. We can board her there for a few days," Christopher said.
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Clara let out a blood-curdling scream! Jesse came running to her to check on what was wrong.
"What is it Clara?"
Clara was trembling, holding on tightly to Erin Abigail as she pointed, "Look Jesse, over there!"
Jesse looked first at his wife and then to where she pointed, "It's a basket of clean clothes, honey," he smiled as he looked, "you brought them in a little while ago."
Clara was shaking her head, "No Jesse, it's not. Look under the clothes but be very careful!" she warned.
In the back of the house, she heard her son crying. "Oh no, I woke up Michael with my scream. I should check on him. Jesse, take the basket outside, but hurry," Clara cautioned.
As Clara rushed back to her son, holding Erin, Jesse chuckled and took out the basket, setting it on the back porch. Not worried, Jesse picked up the first piece of clothing that was on the top and nothing was there but another shirt underneath. Then he lifted up the next shirt and shook it out, and still nothing.
"Clara!" Jesse called.
Clara came running to the door, now holding both children, "Did you find it?"
"Find what?" he chuckled again, "there's nothing here but clothes." Jesse looked at his wife starting to laugh. "I think you need to take a nap. You've been working so hard taking care of two little ones."
Clara's face showed her determination, "Jesse, yes I am tired, but I know what I saw!"
Jesse wasn't sure what she was talking about, "Honey, what exactly did you see?"
"A, a, a – snake!" she said terrified.
Jesse looked at the basket, "A snake?" with that he tipped the clothes out of the basket and with it a snake slithered out.
Clara screamed again and ran back into the house. Jesse ran to the side of the house and grabbed the shovel. He checked and realized it was a garter snake. Scooping it up he took it out in the far back where he let it out among the dirt and shrubs. As soon as he saw that it wriggled fast back further into the forest, he returned home.
Picking up the clothes, he shook them off and put them in the basket. Clara watched him the whole time and was relieved to see him back inside.
"Is it dead?" she asked cautiously.
"Now, don't worry, I didn't kill it, but it's way out in the forest, far away by now."
"Why didn't you kill it?" Clara was horrified it was still alive.
"Snakes eat mice and rats," Jesse tried to explain.
Clara would hear none of it. Shaking her head, she went over to the clothes in the basket and sighed, "Oh no. I have to wash and hang out all these clothes again, and our church dedication is tomorrow!"
Clara sat in the rocking chair and started to cry, "Jesse, we'll never be ready for tomorrow and this is a huge event for the parishioners!"
Jesse tried to soothe Clara as best as he could, "Honey, I'll wash the clothes and hang them out. Just you take care of the children."
Clara was very upset, but when she cried, the children cried. Jesse felt helpless so he telephoned the Lipinskis.
"Hello, Mrs. Lipinski, I don't mean to bother you, but I'm hoping you or one of the older children can come over for a little bit."
Anne Lipinski listened to the dilemma Jesse was in. Calling to her daughter, to come over by her, she got back on the telephone and reassured Jesse that Tatiana would be walking over with her brother Ronnie.
"Jesse, Ronnie will bring over your laundry to my house and I'll wash the clothes, hang them out, and iron them for you. Tatiana will help take care of Michael, so all Clara has to do is nurse Erin Abigail and take a nap to calm down and relax," Anne reassured Jesse.
"You are a Godsend!" Jesse said happily.
"Don't you worry about dinner either," Anne continued, "I'll send some stew with Ronnie, along with some hot bread, fresh out of the oven!"
"Wow! That's so thoughtful, thank you so much Mrs. Lipinski. I know Clara will be very grateful too."
"Tomorrow's a big day for St. James' with the dedication. It'll be wonderful!" Anne Lipinski said cheerfully.
"Father Ricardo is super excited, and it sounds like the whole town is coming," Jesse agreed.
"Next week will be your little girl's and our grandson's christenings. That is even more exciting! Now, if there's anything else we can do, don't hesitate to call again. We all want you to feel like you're part of our family, hear me?" Anne said lovingly.
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Bill and Christopher were relieved that the veterinarian was willing to check out Sugar and board her too, at least for a little while. When they returned to the RCMP office Christopher made a pot of coffee and offered Bill a cup when he served the slices of turtle pie.
"So glad you didn't forget," Bill grinned.
"What? I'd never hear the end of it from you or Quinn," Christopher laughed.
As the two men devoured their cake, washing it down with the hot coffee, Bill smiled, "That sure hit the spot!"
"It should tide you over until you get home for dinner."
"Yes, but knowing Molly, she's got some Irish Cottage Pie cooking. Tomorrow is the dedication of St. James Church and she's cooking up some to bring to the celebration. There will be a potluck in the basement following. I'm counting on getting a taste tonight," Bill chuckled.
Christopher nodded, "Sounds delicious to me, but before you run off, I just want to bring up a thought I just had."
Bill leaned forward and listened as Christopher shared, "We found the slipper and I'll be taking it over to the inspection department on my way home. You know there's something we're missing, Bill. I'm not sure how someone can kidnap Melanie without anyone seeing something, especially with the dog barking calling attention."
"I don't know either, but we're not sure what time this happened yet. I think it was at night, since she seemed to be making dinner, so that would explain that no one seeing the kidnapping. Right?" Bill asked.
"Also, there wasn't any evidence of someone trying to break in. I'm thinking someone knew her back door would be unlocked," Christopher thought out loud.
"We don't know if she had any close friends or family nearby. All we talked to were the couple next door and Mrs. Campbell," Bill added. "I think I might want to double check this out with my cousin."
"I'm going back to those neighbors Monday to try to find some more information about Melanie. I'm also going to check with Pastor Jacobs of the Community Church tomorrow to see if she attended service there. I'm hoping she did so we can pursue other avenues," Christopher added.
"Sounds like a plan. I'll contact the correctional center Monday and ask if I can talk with Peter," Bill nodded. "Thanks, Christopher. I'll see you Monday."
Back in Hope Valley, the folks were setting up tables and chairs in the basement of St. James Church for the reception after the dedication. Having the Bishop coming for the church dedication was so exciting that it took all of the patience that Fr. Ricardo could muster up. He asked Molly to be the head of the reception so he could concentrate on the event itself.
Father received a telephone call from the Vicariate of Athabasca, "Hello Father Ricardo?"
"Yes. How can I help you?"
"This is Monsignor Matisse. I am confirming with you that Bishop Emile Grouard will be at St. James Church tomorrow morning at 10:00 a.m. for the dedication. Now to briefly go over the service," Monsignor cleared his throat and continued, "He will begin with an opening prayer following the entrance song. Afterwards, you will read the selection from the Old Testament, a reading from the Psalms and the congregation response, followed with the reading from the New Testament. The bishop will read the Gospel, followed by his sermon. At this time the bishop will bless the altar, baptismal font, lectern, and sanctuary which requires a choir procession to each."
Father Ricardo gulped, "Excuse me Monsignor, I'm sorry, but may I ask as to why you are just telling me this now? I am not too sure I can have all this prepared in time."
"Father Ricardo, did you not receive the letter I sent you last month?"
"Letter? Um, no."
Father Ricardo and Monsignor both sighed at the same time. "Oh dear. I thought I mailed it. Are you sure?" Monsignor asked.
Looking frantically around his office Father Ricardo glanced at all the piles of paper collected in various places. It was too late now as to get his thoughts together and get ready.
"Monsignor, I will take care of all of this, with a lick and a promise!"
Monsignor laughed, "Father, you best say a prayer or two."
Father Ricardo replied, "From your lips to God's ears, Monsignor. Have a safe trip."
"God bless you," Monsignor said as they both hung up their telephones.
Father Ricardo grabbed his handkerchief and wiped his brows, "Molly!" he called.
Molly thought she heard her name but being busy in the basement she ignored it until her name was very loudly being shouted from the sanctuary.
"Father?" she called as she ran up the stairs.
"There you are!" Father Ricardo shocked Molly as he quickly hugged her. "You need to do me a huge favor!"
"What is it, Father?"
"Is Mr. or Mrs. Moretti downstairs by any chance?"
"Yes, Gino is helping set up, why? Do you want me to get him for you?" Molly was puzzled.
Father Ricardo took a deep breath and then shared his conversation with Molly that he just had with the Monsignor. "I need Gino to take care of the music, but I hope you can help me. I know you are already handling the reception, but can you please think of someone who can help me with the service?"
"Why not Mayor Fiona?"
"Well, Molly she isn't a parishioner. I hate to ask her."
"No problem, Father, the whole town is excited for this. Now, do as you tell me and take a deep breath, say a prayer, and leave the rest to me!" Molly winked as she left to go back down the stairs... "oh, and I'll send up Gino too."