A second story unfolds during the 1849 California Gold Rush. Padre Felix, a young Catholic Priest, chances upon two murdered men and their secret that puts his life in jeopardy. To keep from being killed and to prevent the destruction of the Catholic Mission, the padre devises a scheme to keep the secret hidden until law and order comes to California.

Back in the present day, suspects are plentiful, but Denise's investigation takes a twist when someone illegally digs up the grave of Padre Felix. Denise deciphers a cryptic message carved into the gravestone that leads her on a trail of clues planted by the padre. After someone tries to kill her, it validates her suspicion that the padre's secret is the motive for the mayor's murder.