Free California Sunrise by Casey Dawes

fundraising.
    What if Raúl put together his own organization, committed to battling whatever the Joe Wilsons of the world dreamed up? Someone needed to see to the care of the people who grew and harvested America’s food—and their children—whether or not they were legal citizens. Why not him?
    Because he still held out hope, no matter how slim, that he could get his family back to the States. He had to keep his head below the radar to convince the government to help him.
    He tossed the letter on the desk and opened the last envelope—the one with a Mexican postmark.
    “
Sobrino
,” the letter began.
    We have some bad news. Juan has joined the vigilantes fighting the cartels. We haven’t heard from him in weeks and are afraid. So many men have been killed. The worry is aging your parents. If you hear from him, please tell him to call home.
    Raúl’s chest tightened. So many things beyond his control. The only hope he could offer his parents was a prayer on Sunday for his brother’s safety.
    If his brother could risk his life for a better Mexico, maybe it was time for him to take a stand for justice and compassion.
    No matter what the cost.

Chapter 7
    Alicia slipped into one of the back pews, said a quick prayer, and waited for the Mass to begin.
    “Mind if I join you?” The spicy scent of Raúl’s aftershave tickled her nose as he sat next to her.
    “Not at all.”
    The look in his eyes was probably inappropriate for church. “You look very nice,” he said quietly.
    Heat prickled her skin. “
Gracias
.”
    The rustle of hymnals being slid from the backs of pews and the smell of incense seeping from censers became the background for the connection developing with the man at her side.
    As the people behind her stood, the cool current of air brought her back to reality. She and Raúl stood and bowed their heads as the crucifix passed. Behind the priests, latecomers scurried into pews.
    Graciela squeezed into the space to Raúl’s left. “I’m sorry I’m late,” she whispered. “I took a little too long getting ready. I hoped I’d see you here, Dr. Raúl.” She glanced at Alicia. “Oh, hi, Alicia.”
    Next to her, Raúl stiffened.
    “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,” the priest intoned.
    Alicia quickly crossed herself, praying for the strength to be civil to her former friend and doing her best to concentrate on the Mass ritual. In spite of her resolve, she found it difficult to listen to the lessons, homily, and prayers.
    “The peace of the Lord be always with you.”
    “And with you,” the congregation responded.
    A flurry of handshakes, hugs, kisses, and gossip waved through the congregation.
    Graciela hung onto Raúl’s hand a few seconds too long.
    When he turned to Alicia, he took both of her hands in hers. “Peace of the Lord.” His gaze was like the sun on her skin.
    “And also with you.” She was having feelings no one should have in church.
    “I’ll talk to you after Mass,” he mouthed.
    Alicia’s nerves grew goose bumps on her skin as she waited for the remainder of the service to complete. She almost leapt out of her seat when the priest finally said, “The Mass is ended. Go in peace.”
    “Thanks be to God.”
    Indeed.
    “The invitation is still open, Dr. Raúl.” The wheedling in Graciela’s voice raked like a nail on finished metal. “My family would love to meet the famous doctor.”
    “I’m afraid my afternoon is already scheduled,” he said. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
    Graciela glared at Alicia but didn’t say anything.
    Unsure whether she should turn and leave or wait for Graciela and Raúl to exit the pew, Alicia shifted from one foot to the other in the narrow space.
    “There you are, Jimmy!” Graciela launched herself from the pew and slipped her arm into that of a young man in a soldier’s uniform. “I’ve been waiting for you.”
    “Oh. Hi, Graciela.”
    She didn’t look back as she led her captive from the