A Snowy Night
Part 7
By Kellie
Danny stood before Ray in shock for a few moments. He knew from his upbringing in the church that Ray was truly trapped by his vows. "You would help if you could, I know that Ray. Damn it - this is so unfair! Michelle doesn't deserve any of this."
"Danny, neither one of you deserve to be going through this. I can't tell what I know, but I have been counseling the person involved to come forward and tell the truth."
Danny turned back towards the doorway to watch his mother talk with Pilar. "Wait a minute, this sudden desire of Pilar's to become a nun and all the time she's spending with you. She's the person who knows what really happened. Am I right, Ray?
"Danny, I can't answer that question. Just follow your instincts, they'll lead you down the right path. Give Michelle a hug for me. My prayers are with you both." Ray put his hand on Danny's shoulder before turning to leave.
Danny looked at his watch. He had to be at the courthouse soon. He knew he needed to get Pilar alone and try to find out what was going on. He whispered to himself, "Mama, I need you to get out of here."
Danny saw another door into the church open and Ray entered the room. "Aunt Carmen, it's good to see you. Do you have a minute to talk with me and Father Tomas about some things that are needed at the youth center?" Danny saw Ray's quick glance his way and knew that he was going to get a chance to speak with Pilar. He knew that Ray wasn't going to take no for an answer from Carmen."
"Ray, can this wait until later? Pilar and I were in the middle of something important," Carmen replied.
"I'm afraid it can't, Aunt Carmen. Father Tomas has an appointment in a few minutes. We really need to talk with him right now," Ray said as he opened the door and waited for Carmen to join him.
"I guess I have no choice. Pilar, wait here. I want to continue this conversation when Ray and I are finished with Father Tomas."
"Mama, you know how I feel. You need to tell the truth. We have nothing more to discuss. Go with Ray. I'm going to say a prayer before I go back to study," Pilar answered.
"Hurry up, Aunt Carmen."
Carmen turned and left with Ray, planning on finding Pilar to continue their talk later. As soon as they were gone, Danny walked into the church and sat on the pew beside Pilar. "Hey, peanut. Don't you think it's time you tell me what's going on?"
Pilar looked at her brother, "Danny, I thought you would be at the courthouse with Michelle right now."
"I need to leave in about five minutes to get there before today's session starts. I don't have a lot of time to waste. Pilar, I want the truth. What do you know about Ben's death?"
__________
Michelle stood at the front of the courtroom waiting for Danny to arrive. "Where is he at?" she muttered to herself.
Ross looked over at Michelle. He could tell she was worried about Danny. "Michelle, I'm sure he'll be here soon. Michelle, is Danny up to something? Tell me now - we can't afford anymore surprises."
Michelle looked up at Ross, "Danny's following his mother around this morning. I think she has something to do with setting me up. I can't prove it; I just have this feeling I'm right. I talked to Danny about it last night and he decided that we need to know for sure whether or not she's involved."
"I see. Michelle, if Danny finds out something, you two need to tell me first. I need time to make sure it's brought into evidence properly. The jury isn't going to trust anything they think Danny has been involved with after Len."
"I know. I just wish he would get here."
Part
8