The soup kitchen was one of the many first stops Desmond wanted to make as he made his presence known in the city. He has arrived at a less than busy hour, but he smiles to those he passes, and peeks around the back as he searches for someone to speak to. “Hello?”

 It is always bustling with activity, he quickly notices a few Latino guys that are preparing the next meal and cleaning some of the dishes.

"Que pasa, padre?" says one with a dirty apron and a handlebar mustache.

He ends up looking around at the many faces that congregate here for warmth and sustenance, though he looks on them as he would any normal being, with warmth and kindness. When he notices the men working in the kitchen, he is set into an easy smile. “Oh, good evening.” His Latin is better than his Spanish, and so he sticks with English for now.

“Uh… I am wondering if you can direct me to who is in charge? Or perhaps just someone I can talk to about how I can help.” Said with a hopeful look.

 One of the men call out and a lady in her fifties comes wandering out of an office.

"Afternoon father, my names Katherine. How can I help you," looking a bit flustered and surprised.

Desmond smiles genially to the woman as she steps out to greet him. “It’s just Pastor, actually, or some use Reverend, as I’m not Catholic.” Saying this all in a very friendly manner, not at all offended by the slight mix up. After that is cleared up he steps forward to offer a hand.

“But that is not so important. My name is Desmond Quade. So Desmond would do just fine as well. It is nice to meet you Katherine. Might I say you seem to be doing fine work here.” He beams. “And I do hope you can help me. I am fairly new in town, having recently been given the privilege of taking over as  Pastor at the Spirit of Hope Lutheran church not too far from here, and have been searching out the local charities, and otherwise places that could use an extra hand.” He is certainly an energetic young man, and not one to shy away from chatting.

He does pause though as if realizing he is starting to talk too much. “ I’m sorry. I hope I’m not interrupting anything….” Perhaps having noticed her apparent unprepared reaction to seeing him.

 "Well, why don't you follow me into my office, we can talk there. Your not from that new paradise thing are you because I don't want anymore trouble," as she leads him into a small office. You can see that there are a few spots on the walls that used to hold crosses. The shadowed spots are still there, but are missing the crosses themselves as if recently taken down.

“New Paradise?” Desmond follows her to her office, a little furrow in his brow as the name comes up.

He had maybe heard of that name in passing on the streets, or by a member of his church. “The name is familiar… but no association of mine.” There is a hint of a frown then. “You have had trouble with them before? How so? Who are they?”  

And as he notices the long worn crucifix shadows on the wall. “And.. what would make you so afraid to display the Holy Cross?”

 "Look no offense Reverend, but its not me that I am worried about. Its the folk I tend to, them folks came in here a few days back and sent a man to the hospital, broke his arm and roughed him up real good. They told me it start happening a bunch more if I kept taking the Catholics food and takin on their parishioners fer help. So I stopped, these folk need anyone that can help im and right now, I am it. I'd love to see shit change, but from what I gathered they are real tight here in the slums and run all sortsa rackets. Nothing I want a part a messin with."

The preacher's eyes widen slightly as the woman tells him about the harming of the man. "That is terrible." He frowns. "I do not blame you for fearing for the others. But who are these people to want to force such a thing? Some sort of gang? I have heard the word Church used along with their name... but surely they could be no church of God to be spreading such hate."

He pauses a moment for a breath. "I was going to offer my help to your cause, but do you think these people will react negatively? What is it they hope to accomplish by banning Catholics? Or is it all religion…?”

 "I really don't know. Could be one or the other, hell I just want to help where I can. You seem real nice, but I can't just provoke them. Their place is in the slums you can't miss it, why don't you see for yourself."

He considers those words for a moment, then nods. "Maybe I should." Standing up, giving the lady a smile despite the grim topic they spoke of. "And it is alright. I understand your concerns and I wouldn't want to get anyone else hurt either. But thank you for your time, Katherine. I am certain this whole sordid business can be worked out." Said as if he really believed it.

After politely shaking her hand and giving her a warm farewell, Desmond heads out of the soup kitchen... though not after giving those nice Latino guys a friendly thanks for their help.

It was time to find out more about this so called New Paradise "church".

((Moved to the Slums))