Fancy Gap by C. David Gelly

some animals across the street. I’m Father Tony. Welcome! Let’s get inside and get something to drink!”
    They made introductions as they entered his small and modest home. They sat in the living room, which faced the chapel. A large picture window gave them a splendid view.
    “Father, it’s so kind of you to invite us to your home. This is very special to us, especially with what’s going on.”
    “Tim, I am blessed to be here for you and Susan in this time of need. The Lord works in strange ways, and I only hope I can console and help you in some way. Now, do forgive me that I’m not attired in my traditional Franciscan garb. The animals prefer to see me in jeans and a sweatshirt.”
    They all laughed. Father Tony opened a bottle of red wine and sat down with them. He shared the history of the stone churches on the Parkway and how his parish found its way to this church. He then took them, wine glasses in hand, out across the yard to the church.
    Once inside, Mary said, “This is a very special place. I feel the presence of God in this house.”
    They set their wine glasses down and immediately joined hands and knelt in prayer. Father Tony took Tim’s hand. Tim could feel how large the priest’s hand was.
    “Dear Lord in heaven and in this holy place with us, please look upon your children who are here tonight and bring the power of your light and holiness to bear upon their plight. We look on high for your light and compassion through Christ, our Lord. Amen.”
    They all prayed silently for a long time. They arose in silence and walked slowly back to the house. Tim had his arm around Susan as they wept.
    Back inside the house, Father Tony said, “OK, let’s eat. I hope you like what I have prepared. We will share one of my favorite dishes tonight. This is a Cuban green banana meat pie. And for dessert we will have some pudin de pan, which is the Cuban version of bread pudding.”
    “Wow, that sounds delicious, and it already smells delicious!” Mary exclaimed.
    “Thanks. You must be wondering why the Cuban dishes. Well, while I certainly don’t look Cuban, I am. I was born Antonio Cruz Martinez. My mother left Cuba in nineteen fifty-seven. She hated the Castro regime and wanted out. She found her way to Miami and settled with relatives. She was pregnant. She had a relationship with a Russian engineer who was on the island building the missile silos. He abused her and beat her often when he was drunk on vodka and rum.”
    “That’s terrible!” Mary exclaimed.
    “It was tragic. I was lucky to be born in Florida. I grew up with family and friends in a loving environment. My mother and I were two of the lucky ones. Enough about me! Let’s sit down and eat.”
    “So that explains why you’re so tall, doesn’t it?” Tim suggested.
    “It does, Tim, and as I’m an only child, there is only one Franciscan giant.”
    They all laughed at his joke.
    Before dinner, they all joined hands, and Father Tony said grace.
    “Our Lord in heaven, bring peace and strength to this table and all who sit here. As we share in your blessed bounty, please bring nourishment and safety to Pete and Katie. We all share in your faith to bring these children safely home to their loving parents. Through your divine love, bring strength to Tim and Susan as they struggle to face each new, uncertain day. Let us pray for the children through your love. Amen.”
    During dinner, they shared stories of the children and their school activities. Susan shared that Pete’s classmates had taken up a collection to help fund a reward for their safe return. They were amazed when his teacher wired them more than five thousand dollars. The money would be added to the various community CrimeStoppers efforts that had sprung up in Virginia and North Carolina.
    After dinner and the dishes were done, they shared coffee.
    “So what progress has the sheriff ’s department made on the investigation so far?” Father Tony asked.
    Tim frowned.