Twisted Cross

Sal delivered his official report about the bear meat distributions. He saved his personal business to discuss with Brother David afterward.

“We’ve promised Paciano’s boys they can go with us on our next delivery after the hunt,” Sal said. Did Brother David remember long ago when Sal and Blas accompanied him on his blacksmith deliveries in México?

“Are you heading back to Puebla in search of a certain native woman?” Brother David made a joke, but Sal could never underestimate his spiritual insights. He remembered Sal’s fascination with La Señorita Xichete, the woman who offered her family codex to his secret library. It seemed so long ago.

“Not to Puebla, but yes—there is a woman, and something else,” Sal said. “How did you guess this? Her name is Maria Theresa Duran.” He spoke her name with tender care and surprising affection.

“Thank the good Lord, Salvador. I know you deserve a bit of pleasure in this life. You’ve proven yourself to be courageous and faithful.” Brother David’s eyes widened expressing his curiosity, “Dígame todo, tell me more. What other news do you have?”

Sal hesitated; uncertain of news so big it could change his life forever. First, he shared the real possibility that it was Blas who ministered at the hospital in Monterey.

“I have heard these stories of the lame Brother who shares his songs of mercy,” Brother David said. “I never dared to think it could be our Blas.”

“Soon I will know for certain. I must return to Maria Theresa and her father.” Sal didn’t know how much he could say to the celibate Brother about his real feelings for this woman. “Maybe she will have me as a husband. But, what do I know about running a rancho? A wife and a rancho—it could be too big a job for me.” His anxiety poured out.

“You are no longer a boy. Others will depend on you, it’s true,” Brother David said.