Chapter 54: Family Reunion

Officer Jones got back into his cruiser and drove up to The Mission. He parked in the courtyard and proceeded apprehensively towards the church's entrance. Thinking Father Paolo was still accepting penitents for confession, he pulled open the massive oak door. Although, the outside temperature hovered in the sixties, the narthex of the church was as cold as a crypt. He removed his Stetson and wiped the sweat from his brow as he entered. As if he was expected, an ancient woman in traditional native dress approached him, and without words led him away from the church's nave and into the private priests’ quarters. Father Paolo was seated behind a massive mahogany desk, smoking a cigarette and enjoying a late morning coffee. Upon seeing officer Jones, he immediately snuffed the cigarette out, straightened in his chair and with a startled look questioned the policeman.

"May I help you Officer?"