Lucky to be loving you

Chapter 10

Page 28

Just as the sun came up on a new week, Fr. Ricardo was praising the Lord for a beautiful fall day. Having run up to the bell tower, he looked around and the joy he felt was overwhelming! Not many beautiful days were expected in the near future with the leaves turning colors that only God's artristy could provide, while some were shedding their leaves and others still remained green. Having the sunshine enhanced the colors and made the leaves pop with red, gold, rust, brown, and yellow.

With a telephone call from Monsignor Matisse earlier, he knew the Bishop was on his way and would be there promptly at 10:00 for the dedication and mass. Father Ricardo wasted no time and wanted to shout out to the world, or at least Hope Valley and the surrounding area, to come to St. James Church. He pulled on the bell rope as hard as he could and once it swayed back and forth a few times, it began to clang. As the sound of the big bell gonged 10 times, Father was exuberant!

Down in the sacristy Ronnie Lipinski, Giuseppe and Lorenzo Moretti, and Benjamin Landoch were putting on their altar boy vestments of black floor-length Roman-style cassocks with white surplices which Molly ordered in plenty of time with both she and Bill financing the gifts.

Meanwhile the choir members were donning their new choir robes designed and sewed by Ingrid Johannson, with help from Mary O'Neill, and Peggy Henderson. The fact that Ingrid was not a member of the congregation but offered her expertise was very much appreciated by the parishoners especially knowing how busy she was helping Elsa and Will with her granddaughters.

Flo and Ned ordered the altar cloths, candles, and incense as their gifts which they already gave to Fr. Ricardo at the last mass so they would be blessed and ready for the dedication. Flo was the head of the lady sacristans who were in charge of preparing the altar and candles among other things.

Fiona was doing what came naturally for her and overseeing the preperation list as she checked in with all facets of the dedication. Having Carlotta and Gino Moretti there with their family of singers and her fiance James Scholl planning the music for the processions with Augustus Landis playing the new organ, it was going to be spectaular.

Augustus was warming up the organ and the music was heavenly. Fr. nodded with a huge grin as he came down the tower stairs and gave him a thumbs up signal. When he got down to the sanctuary the choir passed him by as they were going up to the choir loft in their brand new choir gowns and they were all grinning in their robes.

As he walked to the sacristy Fiona stopped him and happily gave him the good news that everyone was ready. Fr. was relieved and excited. He saw the altar boys proudly wearing their vestments talking to Flo about who would hold the processional cross, the processional candles, and carry the incense and censer. Fr. thanked Fiona for all her work and went into the sacristy to don his vestments.

Trevor and Luke were ushering the folks as they came in. There was a reserved pews for Pastor Joseph Canfield and family. Those who had never been inside were amazed at the beautiful interior of the church and the grandeur of the high ceiling with the choir loft. The colorful stained glass windows of different Biblical scenes were lit up with the sun. The music was perfectly pitched inviting those who entered to join in song with them.

As Father Ricardo and Mayor Fiona stood outside on the front steps outside of the church. It was wonderful watching people pull up and looking for a place to park. They greeted everyone as they walked up the stairs and marvelled at the newest place of worship. Some brought finger foods or a plate of cookies that was going to be served afterwards at the reception downstairs.

Finally, Fr. recognized Bishop Emilie Grouard automobile approaching. When they stopped in front of the church, Monsignor Matisse who was driving, got out and went to the back seat door to help the Bishop out. Father was right there to greet them both with warm handshakes. He hadn't seen the Bishop since he was given notice to go west to the southern Alberta province to start a new Catholic Church.

Now, he was delighted to welcome the Bishop to his new parish.

"So good to see you," the Bishop smiled, "I see you have readily accomplished what I set you out here to do! Very good work Fr. Ricardo!"

"It's been a great assignment Bishop. These people are just wonderful and so welcoming. We have a great tight-knit community. This here is our Mayor Fiona Miller," Father smiled.

"Pleasure to meet you," Fiona said pleasantly, "We're so happy you are here."

The Bishop, Monsignor, Father Ricardo, and Fiona walked together up the stairs. They could hear the organ playing and the choir singing, "Come Holy Ghost."

When the Bishop was in the vestibule, Monsignor helped him put on his vestments. Fiona went upstairs to the choir loft to join her husband and the choir. Father Ricardo placed some incense into the censer and watched for the smoke to start. The altar boys lined up in the procession with the candles and cross and led the way with Father holding the Bible up high in front of his head followed by the Monsignor and then the Bishop. Halfway up the aisle, the Bishop stopped and blessed the sanctuary and the people with holy water.

As they stepped up to the altar the Bishop walked fully around it blessing it with incense. Turning to the people he asked the congregation to pray with him. He read from the Bible that Fr. Ricardo held open for him from the book of Revelation 8:3-4. "And another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer, and he was given much incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne, andthe smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel."

Bowing their heads all together they asked for God's blessing on their new place of worship. The mass began with the opening song and then the Bishop asked God for mercy in another prayer. Father read the readings and the choir responded with a beautifully sung psalm reponse between.

The choir continued with the great Alleuia when the whole congregation stood for the reading of the Gospel by the Bishop. Continuing to the lectern he used the incense and then followed with a blessing. Reading the Gospel for that Sunday, he followed with his homily giving thanks and praise for all the hard work and contributions that made this church become a reality and the mass continued. After the Eucharist and the final blessing, the choir ended the mass with the recessional hymn of "Holy God We Praise Thy Name."

It was a special day for the whole town to come together. On the way out of the sanctuary everyone headed down the stairs to the basement where they gathered for refreshments and hospitality.

"Well, Father Ricardo, you really have a magnificent church here," Pastor Joseph congratulated him.

"Quite a difference from the old O'Neil barn we met in for a few years, that's for sure!" Father laughed.

"I think this is a perfect place to have our community Christmas pageant! There's plenty more room and if it snows, we won't have to all go back outside to Billees for our meal when we can just go down here. What do you think?" Joseph asked.

"That's fine with me, but let's leave that up to the town. As long as we stick together, that's what counts. Right?" Father patted Joseph on his shoulder.

"Right. Our town is a family and a family that prays together..."

"Stays together!" they both laughed.

Page 29

Bill was anxiously waiting on the telephone to get through to his cousin, Peter. He called bright and early at the Correctional Center and left word that he needed to talk to Peter. The corrections officer recognized Bill's name and informed him that he would have Peter telephone him after breakfast and their outside exercise time.

Over at St. James, Father Ricardo was busy going through his pile of papers and sorting through them, making more piles, but this time he had separated his papers into bills, general communications, homily notes, and parish schedules.

He heard a knock on his door, "Come in" he answered.

In walked Molly, "Good morning, Father Ricardo!" she said cheerfully.

"Top of the morning to you too!" Father greeted his helper, "Your Irish cottage pie was scrumptious!"

"Why thank you Father! "I brought you some to have later. I was thrilled how many folks showed up," Molly smiled.

"Yes indeed, very encouraging. I'm sure the Bishop was pleased. I just have to organize all my paperwork today so I don't miss anything else that might be of high importance. I felt foolish that I misplaced the letter from the Monsignor."

"Did you find it?"

"Not yet, but I just started and I also have mail at home. I was busy moving into the rectory the week before so it got mixed in with other papers, I guess. Anyway, you didn't come here to listen to my rambling, so how can I help you?"

"Father, I don't need anything right now, I'm just meeting with Andy and Gunther to clean up anything we might have missed, sweep and mop."

Andy and Gunther were right behind her and peeked around the door, "Good morning, Father," they said in unison and tipped their hats.

"Yes, it is a good morning! I should be singing praises from the bell tower. Thank you all for your help. The good Lord knows I couldn't have done it without all of your help!"

Molly grinned, "Well, I better get downstairs and get busy. I'll stop by when I'm done and help you any way I can. I'm used to organizing paperwork. I do that at the Infirmary. See you later."

Fr. Ricardo closed his eyes as the three left for the basement and sighed. Deciding to ask his boss what to do next, he prayed, "Lord, what can I do to better serve you. Do I dare hire someone to do some organization for me, so I can tend to the souls who need me? I just can't do it all Lord, at least not well. Please show me your way."

The intrusive ring of the telephone caused Bill to jump. He answered with anticipation hoping for it to be Peter and he was happy it was. "Hello Peter, I'm doing fine, just hoping to ask you about a few more details."

"Before you do, I want to say, you were right, this place is not a pleasant place in the least. The men here pick fights with each other especially if you don't follow their pecking order. But if you don't keep your nose clean the wardens get on you too. It's like I'm between a rock and a hard place," Peter said frustrated.

"Walk the fine line, Peter. Try to be invisible as much as possible to both sides. Keep a low profile."

"I'm trying to fly under the radar, believe me," Peter agreed. "Any news for me?"

"We're working the case, but we still can't find Melanie Forester. We went to her house and she's gone. Even her dog was missing, but when we were there last the dog saw us and didn't like that we were so close to her house and came out of hiding. Luckily, we were able to catch her and she's now with a veterinarian."

"Missing? Do you mean dead?" Peter was shocked.

"No, we're not at that point. We're pretty sure she must've been kidnapped by the way the clues are stacking up. We've talked to neighbors but no one has seen her. That's what's so hard to imagine. Did Melanie ever talk to you about family or friends?" Bill inquired.

Peter thought for a moment and there were a few seconds of quiet. "Come to think of it, Melanie did mention that she had new neighbors that moved next door to her. An older couple, but she talked about them as being friendly. Her family was from Benson Hills. Maybe you could check for any Foresters there!"

"Benson Hills huh? All right, good, that's a lead. And husband? Children?"

"No, she never mentioned any children. She did have a husband, but when she was younger. I think she said she was only 16 or so at the time."

I'll check Benson Hills next. Meanwhile, the Constable in Buxton is working with me. Another thing is, how long did Melanie work with you at the saloon?" Bill asked.

"Hell, she's been there the whole time I've been working as the bartender. She's a good waitress and had regulars who asked for her tables all the time. I don't think she ever dated any of them, as I've heard her brush them off. She didn't even go out with any of the brothers who owned the joint. Not that they didn't try..." Peter informed Bill.

This time there was silence again as Bill thought.

"So, Melanie was a loner?" Bill asked.

"I wouldn't say a loner, she just didn't want anything to do with anyone from work after hours. I even asked her out, but she only went to grab a bite to eat with me once in a while when we got off of work," Peter said.

"What about her parents, or siblings? Any mention of them?"

"I think her mother is still alive. I'm not too sure about her father, seems to me he died while working on the railroad. She did mention though about a younger disabled brother. That's about all I remember," Peter answered.

"Peter, I'm hoping to crack open some leads with this information. Now, you just stay out of trouble, until I can get to the bottom of this, hear me?"

"I'm trying, Bill, I'm trying," Peter answered.

Page 30

Bill telephoned Christopher to let him know what Peter told him, "Hey Christopher, I got ahold of Peter and got a few more details about Melanie. Her family is from Benson Hills. He believes her father accidently died while working for the railroad, but he thinks her mother is alive."

"Good," Christopher answered, "We'll ride over to Benson Hills after I telephone Constable Morgan. What else do you got for me?"

"He mentioned that she has a younger disabled brother, oh, and she was once married when young, in her teens. So, I think we've got a few clues to work on."

"Yes, that's good. Now, I checked with Pastor Jacobs and he knows Melanie, which doesn't surprise me. It seems a lot of folks here go to the Community Church and that's where the town gathers. So, I asked him to fill me in with what he knows."

"Sounds promising. Go on," Bill prodded.

"Seems Melanie attended service every Sunday. She usually sat near the back so one Sunday recently, Pastor stopped her and asked if she would join him and the others outside for the lemonade and muffins. He wanted to get to know her better. So, not willing to disappoint the Pastor she hesitantly agreed. Apparently, she told him that she was torn about her work and her faith."

"Really, that's a good clue right there. It sounds like she probably knew what was going on, like Peter, but kept working there," Bill concluded.

"Yes, according to Pastor, he assured me that what she told him needed to be kept confidental, as her minister. However, he did tell me that Melanie was learning more and more about the 'internal operation' when she walked around waiting on the tables. She heard conversations that she wasn't meant to hear, but was privy to. Although she never said a word, the more she learned the more she was upset about it," Christopher paused then continued, "it didn't stop her from working because she made good money. The men who patronized the place were usually gambling after eating and if they pulled in a good winning, they gave her big tips."

"Of course, they probably wanted more from her," Bill said disgustedly.

"You got it. When she didn't obilge them they complained to the two brothers who owned the place. She began to be very nervous when waiting on them. One of the brothers, Rusty Salerno, called her in the back office and asked her what was bothering her. Now, she told the minister the rest of the story, so I don't have the details, but Melanie stuck to her guns and refused to cooperate. She told Pastor she was scared, but she didn't know if she should come to me or not. Pastor assured her that she needed to, but it's obvious she never got a chance to."

"That poor woman. That Salerno guy must've put the fear of God in her," Bill shook his head.

"If I was a betting man, I'd say they were the ones who are responsible for her missing," Christopher said.

"Exactly. All right, I'll be over in a bit. We can talk some more when we drive over to Benson Hills," Bill confirmed.

When Bill hung up, he stopped by the infirmary to let Molly know he'd be gone for most of the day.

"Bill, it makes me nervous when you get involved with these mobsters. I sure wish you'd let Christopher take care of it," Molly whined.

"Honey, it's my cousin and I'm the one asking for help. Besides, all these years I've been in law enforcement, so you know I can handle this. But, I like your concern," he teased her with a kiss.

"Bill Avery, you better be home for dinner, or you'll eat it cold and alone," Molly called out after him.

Bill looked at Carson and muttered, "Women!"

Carson chuckled and replied, "Yea, you can't live with them, but we sure can't live without them," as he walked Bill to the door.

Bertie Gleixner stopped by to visit with her daughter, "Hello Dee! How are you feeling today?"

"I feel like my bun is ready to pop out of the oven!" she answered.

Bertie greeted Emily and Archie with hugs, "It's good to see you. Oh, and there's our little man, Christopher Theodore!"

Bertie went over to her grandson who was sitting in his playpen to pick him up and shower him with hugs and kisses, "Who's going to be one soon?" she giggled.

Archie quickly said, "One? When is his birthday Dee?"

"December 15th, Dad," Dee answered.

"You are going to definitely have your hands full this Christmas with a newborn and a one year old, plus Christmas holiday," Bertie grinned.

"That's what we are here for," Emily chimed in, "Archie keeps little Christopher entertained, and I help with the housekeeping and cooking, plus Allie pitches in when she isn't working at the switchboard."

"Emily, if there's ever anything I can do to help, don't hesitate to telephone me. Now, that we live in the area, I can be here in a little while," Bertie reminded her.

Giving her grandson all her attention, she started to talk to him saying, "Grandma, Grandma," in hopes he would copy her.

Dee spoke, "Nathan and I have been trying to get him to say Mama and Daddy, but no luck yet. But, he is working on pulling himself up and standing. It won't be long before he's walking!"

Archie laughed, "Christopher has already pulled on Ginger's fur to stand up and when Ginger walks, he tumbles back down. Then, Ginger walks back and kisses him with his slobbery tongue. That dog sure loves him."

"Aww, that's wonderful. They'll grow up together," Bertie grinned.

"Nothing like a boy and his dog, ya!" Emily smiled.

"Well loved ones, I'm going to St. James. Molly let me know that Father Ricardo needs help with his paperwork and a filing system. So, I'm going there now to help him get his office in order. He just moved in the rectory and now he needs a housekeeper and secretary. So, I'm off."

"Ma, are you just helping out, or will you be permanently working for him?" Dee asked.

"Oh, right now, I'm just volunteering, but we'll see what the good Lord wants of me. It's up to Him," Bertie smiled.