A New Week

“Why is that, Mrs. Ramerez?” asked Danny.
“The man she married, a low life by the name of Raul, says she must have. . . she must have, an abortion.”
“An abortion, Mrs. Ramerez, why is that? I thought Hispanic people loved their children,” commented Davy.
“We do. We adore children. But this man, this filth my daughter married, is a member of a gang. The gang members take pride in the number of sons they can father.”
“I take for granted the baby is a girl,” said Danny.
Mrs. Ramerez slowly nodded.
“When my daughter told Raul of the great news, his first words were that she must get rid of ‘the thing’. He called my baby granddaughter ‘the thing’. He said there was no time to waste having the baby. She should get rid of it and they would keep trying. Next time it would be a boy.”
Mrs. Ramerez covered her face and wept.
“Mrs. Ramerez,” asked Danny, “does your daughter, Ramona I believe you said, want to keep the baby.”
“Oh yes, Padre, she is heartbroken. She would leave him, but where would she go. With me is no good. He would find her.”
“The decision on whether or not to keep the baby is your daughter’s, Mrs. Ramerez. He has no say in that.”
“I wish it were so, Padre, but he gave her a week to get rid of ‘the thing’ and told her if she didn’t, he would. Raul has told her he will kill the baby, he will kill my granddaughter. She has no money, what can she do, Padres? I do not mean to burden you with–“
”Your problem is no burden, Mrs. Ramerez,” said Davy. He looked at Danny. “Mrs. Ramerez, may I ask you a question?”
“Si.”
“Is your daughter willing to leave her husband?”
“Si, Padre, but there is nowhere she can go. I have a sister in Mexico. She would be safe there, but it is so far. It costs much money.”
Again, Davy looked at Danny. Danny nodded once.
Davy touched Mrs. Ramerez’ shoulder. “I know some people who may be able to help. Would it be alright if Padre Danny and I went to see your daughter?”
“Oh, Padre, would you? That would be so wonderful if you know such people.”
“We will go, if you would give us the address of your daughter and your sister.” Davy went inside and returned with a pencil and paper. The lady wrote the addresses on the paper and handed it to Davy.
“We will see what can be done, Good Lady, now go home and try to sleep. Leave it up to us,” Said Davy.
“And to God,” said Mrs. Ramerez.
“Si, and to God,” said Davy.
The two watched Mrs. Ramerez go down the path.
“I wonder if it’s the same gang that we dealt with at Greenwood Village?” asked Davy.
“I doubt it. I believe most of them are in prison.”
“We go tomorrow?” asked Davy.
“We go tomorrow,” nodded Danny.