Second Harvest

"Okay, Roy, thanks. Let me get some men together and we'll swing by your place before going out there."

"I won't be joining you, Buddy because I've seen enough dead bodies in a lifetime. The war was bad enough. But, I'll point you in the right direction when you get to my place. Bring lots of water, it's hot out there."

Sheriff Dinkins and Roy walked outside and parted company. Off in the distance, Roy could hear construction work at the new church. Well, the desert mess is in capable hands and Sugar-Girl needs more time to cool down; I'm going to check out this new building, Roy thought. Walking up to the construction site, Roy spotted a young man in his late twenties, who stood next to a lovely woman; apparently nearing the end of her pregnancy. The young man was talking to the foreman.

When they finished talking, Roy walked up to the young couple.

"I was wondering if Pastor Brian James is still around. It's nice to see the man is finally getting his church built."

"Hello sir, my name is Reverend Daniel McAllister and this is my wife, Maura." The men shook hands.

"The name is Roy Folsom; it's a pleasure to meet you. Are you Irish?"

"Yes, sir. Our parents were from Ireland, but we were born in Boston."

"I see you're with child. Is this your first?"

Maura took her hands and rubbed her protruding belly. "Yes sir, but as big as my stomach is getting, I think it must be more than one inside there. He, she, or they are quite active and constantly kicking."

Roy did not know how to respond so he just nodded slowly.

"I'm afraid Pastor James retired a number of years back. He's in his eighties now and last I heard, he was living in Florida. How well did you know the man?"

"He married my mother and father back in 1880, but they're both deceased now."

"I'm so sorry to hear that Mr. Folsom."

"Its Roy, absolutely no one calls me Mr. Folsom."

"So Roy, why were you seeking Pastor James?"

Roy turned to look at the developing church, ignoring the young man's question. "You know, this building once was a brothel a number of years back. This town was much bigger then with miners and rustlers."

"Yes, well, God works in mysterious ways, Roy."

Facing Reverend Daniel, Roy gave the minister a thoughtful expression. "I guess he does sir, this is true." Roy's thoughts trailed off thinking about the circumstances and developments regarding his relationship with Sara.

"Roy, you wanted to speak to Pastor James. Could I ask why?"