by CC Dragon
“You’re very happy. You and the pastor didn’t see eye-to-eye but don’t be mean,” Martha teased Harry.
“I’m not happy about that. I’m happy you’re happy. Once all this funeral stuff is over, maybe we can go out on a real date?” he asked.
She smiled. “Sounds good.”
“Great. I just hope we get a more tolerant new pastor,” he said.
I stepped back. I was eavesdropping.
Gus walked up for a refill. “Tolerant?”
“Yeah, Pastor Luke told my brother some things that were pretty ignorant thinking. Small towns don’t mean small-minded.” Harry shook his head.
“About Larry?” Gus asked.
Harry cleared his throat. “Yeah, some people found out he was gay and have made comments. He goes to the pastor for support and he gets…not support. Then people complain when young people leave small towns for cities.”
“You think it’s the intolerance?” Gus asked.
“Sure. Belle went to college in Atlanta to get away. I can’t blame her. She did nothing, but her parents’ behavior gave her nothing but grief. My brother can’t change who he is. She can’t change her parents. I don’t think Pastor Luke would have approved of either of them,” Harry said.
“Luke wouldn’t disapprove of Belle,” Martha jumped in.
“Not her. If her parents were around, do you think they’d have dated?” Harry asked.
I shook my head. “No. I don’t think he would’ve. But we weren’t right for each other, so it doesn’t matter. His job is to support his congregation and give advice. He should’ve been better to Larry. I remember Larry came up to him the night Luke brought Pete into the bar. Larry wanted to talk. I didn’t realize so many people knew about Larry.”
“I don’t think he should hide, but it’s up to him. Then again, small-town gossip can be cruel.” Harry shook his head.
“No kidding. No man tells the truth about himself—only his neighbors do,” I said.
“I have to go to work. I’ll see you later, Martha. Have a nice day, everyone.” Harry slipped through the crowd.
* * * *
At choir practice, a lot of the women were sniffling and looking lost. I didn’t want to go in, but I had to. Some looked at me with pity, some as though I hadn’t deserved him, and others as if I’d lost out on the best thing in the world.
It was funny how death changed the way the deceased was viewed. A lot of times, all their bad traits suddenly vanished and people only remembered the good things. That was fine if it was an accident or natural causes. With a possible murder, there had to be motives examined.
“Should we practice?” one lady asked.
“Are we even having a service on Sunday?” Megan asked.
“His brother Pete said they’d have the funeral here with a guest pastor. I suppose we could brush up on funeral-appropriate songs,” I suggested.
We barely got through Amazing Grace and a couple of the women broke down. I felt awful that I wasn’t one of them, but I couldn’t force it. I wasn’t going to be fake.
I studied the women who were most hurt. A couple were giving me dirty looks off and on. Some were putting on an act. They had to put on a show—it was just how they acted. But how could I tell who’d been sneaking around with the pastor or previously dating him versus those who were just acting up?
“I’ll grab some more tissues,” I offered.
I headed for the big storage closet.
“Belle,” the church secretary called.
“Yes, Mrs. Woodson?”
“You don’t have to hide your tears, dear. And get some more tea bags while you’re in there,” she requested.
“Thanks, I will. You know, I think he was more interested in someone else. He was nice to me, but I don’t think either of us felt any spark. It’s just a horrible shame this happened and he never got to give the other relationship a real try.” I hoped that threw enough guilt off me for the moment.
I went into the storeroom and grabbed a box of tissues, and when I went looking for the tea, I nudged a pile of blankets with my foot.
Then the blankets moved and made a noise.
“Snake!” I screamed and ran out of the room like I was five years old.
“Snake?” Mrs. Woodson looked in.
“No, I’m sorry. I’m not a snake.” A man in boxers and an old T-shirt stumbled out. “I was asleep. I’ve been staying in there.”
The women all looked at each other in shock. Then they looked at Mrs. Woodson.
“I had no idea,” the secretary insisted.
“Pastor Luke knew, though. He said it was okay,” the guy insisted.
“Really? Did you know him?” Mrs. Woodson asked.
“No, well, yes, before. I fell on hard times. I used to have a church of my own. We had a scandal. People were stealing money. I got all the blame. I’ve been trying to start over, but I’m not qualified for much else.” The guy looked disoriented.
Glancing around, I saw most of us were shocked. Only Megan didn’t seem scared.
“Why was he letting you stay here and not with him at his house?” I asked.
“I didn’t want to be a problem or an object of pity. I was trying to get things together. I’m too young for social security or Medicare, probably too old to rebuild my reputation.” He leaned on the wall. “I had some medical issues too. I got through that but was out of options.”
“The pastor was very kind, but I wish he would’ve let me know. If I’d have found you, I’d have had a heart attack,” Mrs. Woodson said.
“How do we know it’s true?” another woman asked.
I grabbed my cell phone. “I’m texting the sheriff. He can sort out his story. I think we should cancel practice for today.”
“You’re not leaving me alone with him?” Mrs. Woodson asked.
“No, I’ll wait with you. The sheriff is on his way.” I checked my messages. “What’s your name, Pastor?”
“Jeff Johnson,” he replied.
“And where was your church?” I asked.
“Chattanooga, Tennessee.”
I nodded and plugged the information into Google. “One eyewitness is better than ten hearsays.”
The search was very productive, but I was going to wait for Gus.
Chapter Six
Gus arrived and Mrs. Woodson, a widow who was tall but very frail, relaxed and sighed in relief. “I’m so glad you’re here, Sheriff. I had no idea there was someone living in the closet.”
“It’s okay, Mrs. Woodson. You can go back to the office and I’ll stop by on my way out. Have some water or coffee. Sit down.” Gus steered her out of the room.
Jeff had put on pants and a sweater, which made me more comfortable. I sat at the piano in the rehearsal room. Jeff paced the room barefoot.
Gus came back and cleared his throat.
“Sheriff, Jeff Johnson. He’s been staying in that closet. Says he had Luke’s permission,” I said.
“He never told you?” Gus asked.
“Nope. And this isn’t just a random homeless guy either. They have a history. Should I leave you two alone?” I asked.
“You can stay. I’d like to meet more people. Luke was ashamed of me, but I’ve paid my debts and made my peace with my mistakes. I want to rebuild my life and reputation,” Jeff explained.
“Do you have ID?” Gus asked.
Jeff dug out a wallet from his pants and handed over his license. “I don’t have warrants, but I do have a record a ways back.”
“You’re Belle, the girlfriend?” Jeff asked.
“I was. We broke up. Why stay here and not his house?” I asked.
“He didn’t want to upset anyone. Like you, Belle. Or the congregation. He was helping me with his own money and I just crashed there. I was looking for a church or work. Luke was helping, but he didn’t want people to judge me or think he was using their donations to pay my way,” Jeff said.
“How can you get work if no one knows you’re here?” I a
sked.
Jeff chuckled. “I was getting over a chest cold and he told me to focus on being healthy. I helped him with some sermons. He needed some advice.”
I shared a look with Gus.
Gus nodded. “I see. He took advice from a homeless guy who he let sleep on the floor in a closet? Any chance you had a grudge against him?”
Jeff laughed. “No. Luke was always out of step with what people expected of him. He was harder on some people than others. The young man had some gifts, but he was still immature in many ways. An impressive preacher who saw potential in Luke helped him onto the fast track. They gave him chances most young wannabes never got. That’s why you had such a young pastor. His next move was Nashville and a much bigger church.”
“Sounds like a good deal. What was out of step?” Gus asked.
“Luke’s beliefs were bit more conservative than the trajectory he’s on. This is a nice solid Christian church. He’s more angled conservative. Less tolerant. He was feeling conflicted,” Jeff told us.
“Agreed,” I said.
“What do you mean?” Gus asked.
“He didn’t like me tending bar at Katie’s. He wanted me to close the shop or hire someone else to work on Sundays. Seriously, Luke thought women should be homemakers and mothers—nothing more. It was creepy. Also, I think he’s been giving some gay people not-great advice,” I warned.
“I’m going to talk to Larry about that,” Gus replied.
“Were you trying to get him to change churches?” I asked Jeff.
Jeff nodded. “I told him he needed the right congregation. He’d been keeping things general and open, so most people liked him here. They didn’t see his real opinions. But some of the couples he was counseling saw it. He couldn’t keep it up forever.”
“He talked to you about that?” I asked.
“In confidence. But he’s dead. I don’t know who he offended or upset. Some of the wives he was counseling were pissed. The old-fashioned opinions don’t fly in modern congregations. You need old-fashioned hardcore bible fire-and-brimstone groups, but those on his level tend to be smaller,” Jeff advised.
“Do you know Pete?” I asked.
“Sure.” Jeff cracked his knuckles. “He wanted to be a preacher too, I think. But his brother got tapped. Not by me. I wasn’t anything special to bring someone along. They came to the church where I was training. Luke always took the hard line, the strict interpretations. Pete was more open to modern interpretations.”
Gus scratched his chin. “Give me an example.”
“He never drank alcohol that I saw. Some churches interpret Jesus turning water to wine as grape juice. Or the thing about women being obedient to their husbands as frozen in time,” I explained.
“That would not go over well in marriage counseling,” Jeff pointed out.
“That pisses off the wives. I don’t see many women handling a four-foot python, but maybe that’s sexist?” Gus wondered.
I shivered. “I wouldn’t touch one of those snakes, venomous or not, but it doesn’t require any specialized man parts to do it.”
“Most people feel that way. But some people have odd pets,” Jeff agreed.
“You ever handle snakes?” I asked.
Jeff shook his head. “Those churches are very fringe. Talking in tongues is one thing but using venomous snakes? Trusting God is one thing, but testing Him? I’ll go on faith.”
“Did he tell you about anyone that he was afraid of or thought hated him? Was anyone out to get him?” I asked Jeff.
Leaning on the wall, Jeff sighed. “Not that he said. I know he pissed off a few people at his last church. That’s why he didn’t get into a bigger one in the city yet. He had to prove he could keep on message and not veer off into the wrong lane.”
“Anyone here? They’d need to know his schedule and where he lived,” Gus pointed out.
“Not that I know of. The secretary seemed to like him. The choir ladies never talked badly behind his back. I can hear a lot in there. Some of the ladies thought he could do better than Belle, but he never said that. I’d say he gave someone private counseling and it sent them down a dark path. Or someone from his life before,” Jeff offered. “But I don’t know all of his life here. He kept himself compartmentalized.”
“Clearly. Okay, we can’t leave you here. Do you have anywhere else you can stay?” Gus asked.
Jeff shook his head. “I can move on, but I’m guessing you’re not going to let that happen.”
“I’m going to detain you until I run you for any warrants, issues or anything. That’ll let you stay in our holding cell. Food, showers and TV. We can only do that for so long without charging you, but if you’re still a person of interest, we can put you up at the motel unless one of the deputies will let you stay at their home—under their watch,” Gus explained.
“I’m not running. Motel sounds nice. How do you know I wouldn’t take off?” Jeff asked.
Gus laughed. “We’ve got ankle bracelets that track people. Just to be sure, you’re not on parole? That generally limits where you can legally travel.”
Jeff crossed his heart. “I served my time. I got a lot of debt, but who doesn’t?”
“You’re okay with being detained?” Gus asked.
“If it helps solve a murder? Sure. Food and TV are good. Luke got me food, but it’s been a rough couple of days wondering how to introduce myself.” Jeff nodded. “I’ll grab my things.”
“Pete is staying at the motel. I’m sure he’d like to see you. You’re welcome to Baxter’s Jams and More for coffee and pastries whenever. On the house. If you need anything, just let me know,” I offered.
Jeff smiled. “Luke missed out. But you’re better off. Marriage is very tricky. Falling in love is easy, but forever—that takes partnership and communication. Luke liked people to listen, not talk back.”
“We’d never have made it.” I chuckled. “May he rest in peace.”
“Come on, Mr. Johnson, let’s get your stuff. Do you have any weapons?”
“A couple pocket knives, but that’s it.” Jeff led the way.
“Thanks, Gus. I’m going to check on Gran at the shop. Tell Mrs. Woodson so she can lock up when you go,” I explained.
“I’ll catch up with you later,” Gus called.
“Okay.” I checked my messages. “Gran has Pete there. We need to work on the funeral plans.”
“See you there in a bit,” he called.
* * * *
I arrived back at the shop to find it without power.
“We’re working on it,” Milan said.
“What happened?” I asked.
“The boys wanted to put up your charging tower thing. A bunch of teenagers came in and wanted to charge their phones and tablets. Then poof. We need to get the electrical box fixed.” Gran wagged a finger.
“Necessity sharpens industry. We need a handyman who won’t charge an arm and a leg,” I agreed. “But for now, we need power.”
“Relax. Everyone paid for their stuff. If they didn’t have cash, I put them on an account for now.” Gran waved it off like it was nothing.
“We’re not Little House on the Prairie, Gran. We need electricity.” I pulled the plug from the wall. “Try it again please, Milan.”
They flipped something and the lights came back on.
The men came out, congratulating each other. Gran fawned over them for a few minutes
“Now, back to the funeral plans.” Gran sat down in a corner with Pete.
“Sorry, I didn’t see you there,” I said to Pete.
“No problem. It’s just sad, picking hymns and readings,” he replied.
“I got the book from Mrs. Woodson,” Gran whispered to me.
I nodded. “I’m going to get some coffee and I’ll be right back.”
I picked up a big hunk of corn bread while I was at it and joined them.
“When will your pastor friend arrive?” Gran asked.
“On the day of it. He has his own church to
deal with. It’s so hard to believe, it’s crazy.” Pete flipped pages in the book.
“Did you know about Jeff Johnson?” I asked.
“What about him?” Pete looked up. “He lost his church and had some issues. The guy kind of disappeared.”
“He reappeared in the church storage room. Scared us to death,” I informed him.
“You’re kidding?” Pete asked.
“No, he’s now at the police station with Gus. I’m not sure how long he’s been in there, but he might need another friend going forward.” I turned to Gran. “I told him he could come in for coffee and pastry on the house.”
She leaned in. “Why is he under arrest?”
“He’s not. Not under arrest, just detained until they make sure he has no warrants or whatever. Gus is being nice—food, washroom and a place to sleep. We can’t just leave him living in the church. I don’t know if he has a car or any money, but he’s a stranger to us. People wouldn’t feel safe with him in the church,” I said.
Pete nodded. “If they release him, he can stay at the motel with me. I’ve got a room with two beds. He’s a good guy. Not as crazy conservative as others.”
“Yeah, Jeff gave Gus and me a quick crash course in tracks for the church. He said you were more moderate. Luke was hiding his conservative nature until he got into the big leagues or found a very conservative church to join.” I frowned. “It’s the bible belt. I’m sure he could’ve located a church to fit his views.”
Pete shook his head. “Maybe, but they’re still smaller, generally. Big churches have to keep women involved and valued enough to support the leadership. The young people need to be on board as well, or the mega churches won’t work. There’s a balance. Luke wants—wanted—the fame and the big screens. He wasn’t good at playing the game of pretending to be on board with that balanced approach. He’d skew hard right and get the moderate people upset.”
I folded my arms. “Some of those big churches are really conservative, though.”
“Some. Not all. Not as conservative as he is. Luke was waiting for the right chance. That’s why he kept sticking to small churches. If he screwed up or upset people, another small church would give him a chance. If he failed on a huge platform, his career would be over.” Pete sighed.