When Hope Is Lost

Peggy

A F/X: The Series/Hope Island Crossover-Alternate Universe Story
(or would that be, A Hope Island/F/X: The Series Crossover-Alternate Universe Story?)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Chapter One

The Fall Harvest Festival over, Daniel Cooper carefully inspected the church again, looking for more spots that needed repairing. He wanted everything to be as perfect as possible for the Christmas season which really wasn't that far away when you thought about it. It seemed only one really big thing remained, a new roof. This was more than a desire, it was a necessity with the winter season soon arriving. He looked over his church's tiny budget and shook his head sadly. There just wasn't enough there. The amount available wouldn't pay for the needed supplies, never mind someone to do the work. Daniel didn't think it was wise for him to be clambering over the steep church roof more than he already had. A tumble from there would surely cause him serious harm, if not kill him out right. Patching a few leaks was one thing, replacing an entire roof was something else all together. Fortunately, Sundays had been relatively dry so far and quite sunny actually. He couldn't expect the good weather to continue though. Perhaps he should place the issue before the congregation at the next service. Maybe they would have some ideas. With that settled in his mind, he grabbed his coat and headed out the door. He was hungry and didn't want to eat his own cooking again. He would eat at the Widow's Walk. The walk down the hill would do him good, so would the company and the food.

Daniel considered his problem as he strode down the hill. Should he place an appeal with his father's office? He thought about it. Part of the agreement, if you could call a dictate from one person to another that, was that he had to be self-sufficient. But surely that didn't mean no help at all for the church! Fixing the roof was important. A new church, or an old one struggling to re-build itself, could not carry the burden alone. From the beginning, new churches, or old ones in difficult times that had to re-build, had appealed to their larger and richer sister churches. So, would his appealing for a new roof for the church be a violation of his promise? Truthfully, he would prefer to remain well away from the notice of his father and his people. But could he find another way? Perhaps, they could have a bake sale or a church bazaar. That was a thought, maybe they should do both. The congregation would be well served to raise as much as they could themselves. Maybe someone would know of a roofer who would donate his services. If they could find that generous person, then all they would need was the cost of the materials. They should be able to raise that much. He would pray for guidance tonight. A nudge toward the right person would be a tremendous help.

The young minister smiled at the people who greeted him. He nodded or waved, returning their greetings cheerfully. Daniel Cooper was a familiar and welcome sight for the islanders now. Somehow, he just fit right into the community. They were pleased to have him there and proud of the work he'd done fixing up the old church. Their minister was a doer, not a whiner or a beggar. He had seen his church needed work and he buckled down and did the work. He hadn't begged for handouts or others to do it. He hadn't whined about all the hard work or the injured digits he acquired in the process. He had just done it, quietly, methodically. They had all noticed the band-aids that were an ever present reminder of his efforts. They'd all seen the improvements as the church was built back to its original beauty. Reverend Cooper was welcome for that work. They also appreciated the service he gave the community. He'd worked hard there too, creating food drives and other needed services. He made Hope more self-sufficient. People who had once gone to Seattle for help frequently found the help they needed right here on Hope now, thanks to the efforts of Daniel Cooper and his congregation. Additionally, his congregation was pleased by his sermons. No fire and brimstone from their minister, oh no! His sermons were gentle, full of hope, warmth and love. He preached about helping each other and doing good, about loving and understanding your neighbors, accepting them as they were. Yes, Reverend Daniel Cooper had become a beloved member of the Hope Island community. He was always ready and willing to lend a hand, to help with whatever needed doing.

Father Mac nodded a greeting to his fellow clergyman. He smiled slightly as he turned his attention back to watering the flowers that graced his own church, Our Lady Of The Sea. He'd been uncertain about young Daniel at first. He had served as the only cleric on Hope for so long, he'd forgotten the give and take between churches and religions. Thirty years was a long time to serve Hope without help or rival. His welcome had been less than warm after Daniel had wandered into his church seeking directions to Hope Island Community. He'd been pleasantly surprised though. Daniel Cooper had forgiven the slight and worked hard in his own ministry. It was good that the Protestant population of Hope no longer had to take the ferry to church. Sometimes that had been a hardship and a burden, especially on the older members or the young families. Now, they merely had to trek up the hill to hear a sermon. Daniel had made no effort to draw members of the Catholic community into his own flock, only to bring the two congregations together for the mutual benefit of the island. He turned to Father Mac for advice and counsel when he was uncertain. Daniel readily admitted he didn't have all the answers, that he was seeking them as others did. It was quite refreshing and not what Father Mac expected at all. Slowly, he lowered his guard and accepted the young minister for what he was - not the brash know-it-all that he expected, but a gentle preacher of a somewhat different faith. There was room on Hope for both the old and the new. Even if he only admitted it to himself, Father Mac found Daniel to be a good friend in spite of his informality. He'd gotten the priest to loosen up and open up to the people of Hope more than he had in years.  He'd found members of his congregation who hadn't attended church for a long time wandering back in for services. Yes, Daniel Cooper was a good fit for Hope Island.

"Good morning, Molly," Daniel greeted the breathless Molly Brewster as he entered the Widow's Walk. She was a pretty woman, who seemed more beautiful in her joy now that Kevin had finally popped the question and asked her to marry him.

"Good morning, Daniel." Molly couldn't help smiling at the tall, handsome, young minister in spite of her hectic day. When her father had petitioned for a new minister, faking the signatures in the process, he had inadvertently done a great service for Hope Island. Daniel had filled a need they hadn't even recognized as existing. Now, she couldn't imagine Hope without this kind, gentle man serving the community. Kevin and Molly had already decided that Daniel had to be the one to perform the wedding ceremony. They just hadn't informed the minister yet, because they first had to settle on the date.

"Looks like it's busy," he glanced around the full room. The Widow's Walk was very popular being the only place you could eat out on the island. If you didn't eat out at the tavern, you took a boat to Seattle. There did seem to be an ebb and flow to the dinners though. Daniel just hadn't figured it out yet.

"Oh yeah," Molly looked around, trying to spot an open table for Daniel.

"It's okay, Molly, I'll just eat at the bar."

Molly laughed lightly. "All right, Daniel." She watched him slip on to an open stool and look around. Daniel, she noticed, liked to eat at the bar unless he was working on his sermon or something else. He was more likely to get to talk to Alex Stone, the owner, when he did that. She wondered about Alex and Daniel. There seemed to be something there, she just wasn't sure what. Was it Alex's young son, Dylan, that drew the pair together or was it something more? Molly rather liked the thought of her best friend, Alex, getting involved with the young minister. He was a calming influence on the fiery red-head, smoothing the rough edges of her frequently caustic tongue and calming her hot temper. You never knew, he might even draw her back into the fold. Alex hadn't been to church in forever and was adamantly opposed to religion. Daniel had gotten her to unbend quite a bit. Molly never thought to see the day that Alex would allow her son to get involved with church, but Dylan even served as Daniel's acolyte. Molly shook her head and turned to check on another customer. Thank goodness Alex had hired Boris as the cook, even if he did change the menu to suit himself sometimes.

Daniel enjoyed a tasty lunch and an amicable talk with Alex. He told her about his progress in rebuilding the motorcycle Father Mac had given him and she told him about the problems she was having getting more of a beer that had proven very popular with the fishermen. He agreed to accompany Dylan on a bike ride  Saturday. It might be their last for a while, because with the weather turning, soon the fall and winter storms would move in. Saying good-bye to Alex and Molly, he headed over to Ruby's and Bonita's. The General Store was well stocked and he needed more supplies. He was glad he didn't have to go to the mainland to get them. He would lose so much time that way. He ran into Callie, the local reporter and newspaper owner, on the way there. The short, dark haired woman fell into step with him.

"Hi Daniel!"

"Hi Callie. How's the news business treating you?" Daniel made sure he read each issue of The Lookout. For such a small place, Callie Pender found quite a bit of interesting news to report. He enjoyed reading the work of his friend, for she was a dear friend. She'd even given up a top story on him for the sake of their friendship. Daniel was eternally grateful for her kindness to him and her consideration.

"Not much to report so far this week. Don't suppose you know something, Daniel?" She looked up at him eagerly, always ready to report a story.

"No, I can't think of anything." He considered what he'd heard and knew had happened this week. Remembering the possibility of a bake sale and church bazaar, he continued. "I may have something next week though."

"Really? What?"

"I have to talk to my congregation first, Callie!" Daniel laughed as she promptly pounced on him.

"I'm part of your congregation, Daniel Cooper, and don't you forget it!" She declared firmly.

"Never!" Daniel grinned. "Well, all right, I guess I can go ahead and let you know. The church needs a new roof..."

"Well, yeah! The building was essentially abandoned for thirty years, Daniel. I would be more surprised if it didn't need a roof."

"Me too. Anyway, there's not enough money in the budget for it. I thought I would place the issue before the congregation next Sunday. See what they could come up with to help."

"That's probably a good idea," Callie pulled on the minister's arm, bringing him to a halt, "but you've already thought of something, haven't you?"

"Well, I thought maybe a bake sale and church bazaar. There hasn't been one since I've arrived. Does Father Mac ever have them?"

"Um? Yeah, they usually have theirs in the Spring when everyone is still stir crazy from the winter. You missed it by about a month." She thought about it. "It might be a good idea at that. With ours in the fall and theirs in the spring, there's no competition between the two and people will be looking for things they can do during the winter, puzzles, games and stuff. Yeah, I like it." She bounced on her toes.

"I'm glad you approve, but it's not done yet." Daniel started walking again. "If the congregation approves, maybe I'll ask Father Mac for some pointers. Organizing something like that can be tricky and it'll be my first time."

Callie grinned. "You'll do fine, Daniel, I've seen you organize. Oh well, that's next week's news maybe, but I need something for this week. See you later!" She headed off to see if she could get something from Kevin Mitchum. As Hope Island's sole law enforcement officer, he might have some news for her to report. When she left there empty handed, she found her thoughts drawn back to Daniel and the church. He'd done a remarkable job re-building the old church. She looked up the hill to where it stood, proud and beautiful in its fresh coat of white paint. Before, it had been an eye-sore. There had even been discussions in the town council about tearing it down, that nothing ever came out of them turned out to be fortunate for Hope. If they'd torn it down, Daniel Cooper would never have come to the island. Maybe she did have a story for the next edition. Maybe she should write a story about the Hope Island Community Church, its history and its revival. Decided, she went to see what she could find in the paper's archives. After that, she would talk to the older members of the community about what the church had been like before it was abandoned. Maybe she could even get a quote from Father Mac about the church, its last minister and its current one. Maybe she could find out why it was abandoned in the first place!

The week passed peacefully, with little to disturb Hope. Reverend Cooper was startled to open the paper and find his church on the front page. There were two pictures of it, one taken before his arrival and one taken recently, showing her in her newfound glory. He smiled as he took in the differences. He settled in one of the seats in the little park in the middle of Hope to read what Callie had to say. The history of Hope Island Community was interesting. Built during the heyday of the fishing industry, it had been a proud presence on the island. The reason for its hilltop perch was because of the higher than normal tide waters and rain that year. Having seen the flooding they brought to the lower built town, the fledgling congregation decided to place their church as high as possible. Daniel read about the notable weddings and funerals that were held within her doors. The loss of her last minister was sad. He'd become ill and had been told that a move to warmer, drier climes was necessary for his health. The poor man had been heart broken to leave his church and congregation. It seemed he'd left with a pledge from the mainland that a new minister would be appointed as soon as possible. The new minister never arrived and no one on the island ever found out why.

Hope Island Community was closed and waited with forlorn patience to return to service. He read how eventually it had gone on the auction block. It had been picked up by Brian's father for a paltry amount, passing on to him along with the rest of the Brewster estate. For years, it had served as basic storage for unwanted detritus, waiting, waiting to return to the service it had been built to give. Daniel looked up from the paper at his church sitting on top of the hill. Now, she was as pretty as a postcard and seemed happy to be in service once more. He blushed when he reached the part about himself and almost stopped reading. Daniel was not used to having others sing such high praises about him. Father Mac was more than kind when he spoke of Hope's newest minister. When Callie praised his efforts in renovating the church, he felt a renewed sense of pride and accomplishment fill him. He felt justified in his pride, he'd done a lot of work and the church looked beautiful. It was a visible reminder of his hard work. He smiled as he looked up at his church and folded the paper. He jumped slightly when a voice disturbed him.

"So, what do you think?" Callie asked. She'd watched Daniel reading and had approached him unnoticed. She valued Daniel's opinion. He was one of the most literate and literary people she knew. She'd seen when he blushed and knew, just knew, what he was reading at that moment.

"It's great! I learned a lot about Hope Island Community reading it. I didn't know anything about her history. Thank you." Daniel knew that the story would be good for the church, especially when they held their first bazaar. People would come out of curiosity and hopefully would leave with some little something, thereby helping them with the roof. "What made you decide to write about the church now though?" If anything, he would have expected a story like this one just after his arrival.

"Well, for one thing, it was a slow news week. For another, it was a good story to tell. You've put in a lot of hard work renovating the church, Daniel. It was time for us to acknowledge that. I'm glad you liked it."

"Don't you think you overdid your praise of me, Callie? It was too much."

"No, I didn't. You've been good for Hope, Daniel. If anything, I didn't sing your praises high enough. I wish I had gotten a picture of you for the story though." She sighed. "Oh well, there's always the next one!"

"Uh, next one?"

"Yeah, I have to report the bazaar and bake sale, right?" At Daniel's confirmation, she continued. "Besides, I haven't given up on finding why Reverend Samuel's replacement never arrived. There's a story there and it may be thirty years old, but it needs to be told."

"Well, good luck with that," Daniel answered. "It won't be easy solving a mystery that old."

Daniel placed the issue of the church roof before his congregation at the end of the Sunday morning service. After listening to them discuss it, he proposed the bake sale and bazaar. It was given resounding approval and they tried to pick a date for it. Finally, they settled on the Saturday after next. Everyone left discussing what they could donate for the sales.

Molly paused beside Daniel. "Maybe Dad could donate that old Tiki bar." They shared a laugh at the thought. Daniel was rather fond of that Tiki bar. As Molly had pointed out, it didn't belong on Hope, but it was still here and amazingly enough so was he. His rocky start seemed to belong to another lifetime now.

"Maybe," Daniel said his good-byes and walked toward his home, shrugging from his robes as he stepped inside. He wondered what he could donate for the sale. He didn't have a lot. Maybe he'd better bake cookies.

Callie, unable to find any clues on Reverend Samuel's successor within the local archive, widened her search. She checked her contacts with the Seattle papers. When that didn't bring results, she hit the internet, doing searches on Reverend Samuel and the church. Callie was getting ready to give up when she bumped into someone new on the internet. Christie was a good chatter and Callie quickly hit it off with her. Soon, she was sharing anecdotes of things happening on the island. Christie countered with things from her job as a research librarian at the University of California in San Diego.  She had Callie rolling from the antics of the professors and some of the things they had her research. This reminded Callie of her own search and she gave a virtual sigh.

What is it, Callie?

Nothing really, Christie. I just hit a dead-end with my own research.

What was that?

I was trying to find out what happened to the successor of the last minister of Hope Island Community. Realizing that might confuse her new net friend, she quickly explained.  I don't mean our current minister, Daniel Cooper. I mean Reverend Thomas Samuel. He had to leave his posting on Hope because of health reasons. The church on the mainland promised to send a new preacher, but he never arrived and no one ever learned why. At least, not on Hope.

I see. Maybe I can help you. I'm a mean hand with an internet search and there may be something in the university archives. Now, I'll need some facts, like where is the church located that received the appeal?

Oh, I think it's California actually. It should be the same place Brian petitioned for a new minister. I can get the address from Daniel if you like.

Daniel? Rather cozy with your new minister, Callie. <wg>

<blush> It's not like that, Christie. Daniel's my friend and he's a very good friend too!

It's good to have friends, Cal. Especially ones with connections in high places. <sigh>

Now why are you sighing? Come on, girl friend! Share with me. <g>

Oh, it's nothing really. Just my little girl. I...

Christie?

I'm a single mom. It's not easy raising her alone and she's just a baby! I don't what I'm going to do when she's bigger and has all those events to go to! There's so much she'll need to do and participate in! So many opportunities I need to provide her!

I hear you. Alex has raised Dylan alone too. His dad is always traveling and they split up. He never comes visit. I don't think he's ever been to Hope Island. Dylan was turning into a handful, cutting school and stuff. Then Daniel came...

Daniel again?

Daniel took Dylan as his acolyte and he tutors him in his schoolwork and, well, they're friends. It's a relief for Alex really, even if she isn't very religious herself.

Sounds like your minister is quite a guy and Alex should thank God he's there.

<l> She probably would if she believed. So what's your latest crisis?

Nothing really, just my sweetheart has a new dog. Stuffed, thankyou very much! Seems *I* am suppose to name the thing so one of the things she'll learn to say is his name. I haven't a clue what to call it though! Mrs. Barnes says it will stimulate her vocabulary when she starts talking.

Oh? Is that all? Well, how about you send a pic and I'll run a contest in The Lookout? Name this dog! <g>

<lol> That's funny, Cal! That's really funny!!!

What funny? I'm serious! Send me the pic and you'll see. I'll have a list of names a week after I publish it.

<blink> Well, wouldn't you need a prize? I mean if you run it as a contest. I don't have anything to use.

<wink> Don't worry I'll think of something. <l> I'll bet Nub wins. He named Moses.

Nub? Moses?

Nub is Nub. I don't think I can explain him well enough to do him justice. You'd have to meet Nub to understand. He's absolutely one of the sweetest people in the world. Nub is unique! Moses was abandoned on Daniel's doorstep. Nub named him Moses because he was

Found in a basket!

<vbg> Exactly! So how about it? Is it a go?

Yeah. I'd like that.

Callie, what happened to Moses?

Oh, they found his family. Don't worry, he's safe and sound with his mom and dad, well loved and spoiled rotten by the whole island.

:-) I'm glad. Look, I need to go. I'll email that pic to you. How will we know the winner?

Why by the name you give the dog, silly! Bye! <hugs>

TTYL, Cal! <hugs!>

When Callie received the picture attachment in her email, she stared at it thoughtfully. She'd have to find a spot in this week's paper. That way, Daniel could announce the winner at the Hope Island Community church bazaar. One more thing to attract people to it. Now, what would be the prize? It couldn't be anything expensive, but it would have to get people interested in the contest. Maybe Daniel would have an idea.

Daniel set out to find Father Mac and ask his advice on the bazaar. Surely, he could help him avoid some of the pitfalls of his first one. He found the priest at home and Father Mac invited Daniel into his study.

"So Daniel, what can I do to help this time?" Father Mac found he liked helping Daniel. It tickled his fancy and made him feel like he wasn't quite so old.

"You've heard we're having a church bazaar?"

Father Mac pursed his lips. "Yes, yes I have."

"I was hoping you could help me... avoid making any major gaffes. It's the first one for Hope Island Community in thirty years. I want it to be fun for people."

"So that they'll come back next year."

"Well, yes, if we have it next year."

"Trust me, Daniel. You'll have it. Now, is there a reason for this bazaar or is it to help your church coffers to grow?"

Daniel blinked at the question. "I wouldn't...!"

"I know. Now, what is it for?"

"A new roof for the church, Father Mac. We really need to get one before the winter storms."

"Yes, I expect you do. Thirty years is a lot of neglect to make up. You've done a fine job so far."

"Fine job," Barnabas chimed in, echoing the priest.

Father Mac raised a brow at his pet. "Raising enough money for it will take quite a bit of doing though."

Daniel smiled at the African Gray parrot, then turned serious. "I guess it is asking a bit much for one bazaar to raise that much money." He sighed. "I would be grateful for any advice."

Father Mac leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. "Will you be having it at your church now?"

"Yes, if it's a pretty day we can hold it outside, otherwise." He shrugged expressively, the back room was going to be very crowded and the whole thing would end as a bust probably.

"Would you," the priest hesitated for a moment, then took the plunge, "be opposed to some help from outside your congregation? We still have some things left over from our last bazaar and some of the ladies are splendid bakers. There might even be a few items that my congregation could donate as well and we have a large tent and some tables you can use."

"I... I don't know what to say," Daniel was stunned by the generous offer. "Thank you! Thank you very much!"

"Nonsense, we clerics have to stick together," Father Mac answered, a bit embarrassed, but also pleased by the young minister's response.

"Bless you, Father Mac! It's much more than I hoped for."

"Yes, well, whether it's enough for a new roof remains to be seen." He turned toward the window. "But just in case, I'll see if I can't dig up the name of who did our roof last."

"Thank you, Father Mac." Daniel left in a bit of a daze, shaking the priest's hand at the door. This was good news and it would be a tremendous help. This time, he literally ran into Callie. He reached out to steady her. "Oh, I'm sorry Callie. I guess I wasn't watching where I was going."

"No harm done, Daniel. Your head sure seemed to be in the clouds." She looked at him, her eyes brimming with curiosity.

"Father Mac is going to ask his congregation to help with the bazaar and bake sale." Daniel smiled widely as he said it. "And he's offered us a tent and tables to use as well!"

"That is good news, Daniel. That tent will be a big help." She smiled warmly. "And I've got something to attract people as well."

Daniel looked at Callie expectantly. Realizing she was going to make him ask, he did so, eagerly. "What? What is it?"

"I made a new friend on the internet and..."

"Uh, not another net romance?" The minister asked cautiously. He still hadn't gotten over the mess he'd made with the last one. Fortunately, it seemed to have ended in a way that pleased Callie. As far as he knew, she was still in touch with her Romeo.

Callie gave an exasperated sigh and slapped her thigh with her ever present notepad. "No, Daniel. I'm perfectly satisfied with the current romance." She grinned. "No, her name is Christie. She's a single mom with a bit of a problem. I told her we could help."

"Help how?" What was he getting into now, Daniel wondered. He already felt the water closing over his head.

"Name her daughter's new stuffed toy."

Daniel blinked. Surely he hadn't heard that right. He looked at Callie, then at the picture she was waving under his nose. He stared at the red, soft plush dog. "Bluey," he responded without thinking first.

"Bluey?!? Daniel, are you color blind? That dog is red!" Callie looked surprised by the minister's response.

"I... I know. I... Oh never mind. How is this suppose to attract more people to the church bazaar?"

Callie grinned again. "I'm going to run a contest in the paper to 'name the dog'. You will announce the winner at the bazaar."

"Oh." Well that sounded harmless enough. "All right. What's the prize and how will you pick the winner?"

"The winner is whichever name Christie picks for her daughter's toy." She deflated then. "I don't know what to use for the prize though. It can't be anything big, but it has to attract interest."

"Well, let's think about it. What would people like that we can afford?" He started walking and Callie fell in step beside him.

"I don't know."

"Well, they'll get their name in the paper. That's one thing. People usually like that sort of thing. Hm... What else?" He looked out into the harbor. "I know! How about a model kit? One of those build your own ship in a bottle things? I saw some really nice ones in Seattle the last time I was there and they don't cost that much."

Callie considered it, then nodded slowly. "I like it." She slapped Daniel's arm with her pad. "Good thinking. I'll go pick one up today. It can come out of the paper's budget." She started to walk off, but stopped and turned to face him. "Do you want your entry to be Bluey?" She asked the question with a perfectly straight face, even though she was bubbling with laughter inside at the thought.

Daniel opened his mouth, then closed it. Well, why not? "Yes, that is my entry, Callie." He flashed her a grin and walked away, leaving Callie with her mouth hanging open.