Best Enemies (A Triple Trouble Mystery)

by Lynn Emery

  Willa felt the pull of his voice the longer he talked. She shook her head to clear it wondering if the man was some kind of hypnotist. MiMi must have felt it, too. She leaned close to Willa.

  “Girl, that man almost had me up there. Look at this.” MiMi nudged Willa in the side.

  “Yeah,” Willa said.

  At least twenty or thirty people, mostly women, walked to the altar. Many had tears streaming down their faces. After a few moments of Fisher praying over them, the converts were led away by three ushers. Fisher sat down. A deacon handed him a bottle of water. While he drank and caught his breath, the choir broke into another song. Once they stopped Fisher made an impassioned speech about the power of tithing. MiMi nudged Willa again.

  “I’ll bet he rakes it in every Sunday. Has to. Can’t be cheap keeping all this going.” MiMi looked around the sanctuary with appreciation.

  “Gotta admit one thing though. He works hard for the money.” Willa gazed at Fisher. He was no ordinary preacher chasing after a religious empire.

  The benediction and final hymn were just as impressive. Willa felt drained and overwhelmed by it all. She didn’t think she could handle Fisher and his mega production on a regular basis. Not to mention being worried that she would end up one of the mesmerized faithful. The man had mad skills to be sure. Willa started to leave, but MiMi grabbed her arm and held her in place.

  “Let’s chat with some of the movers and shakers,” MiMi whispered. “We might find out which one of the faithful is Isaac Nelson.”

  “You never came here with Jack?” Willa asked then nodded a greeting to several people.

  “No. Jack said it was all business.” MiMi waved to a woman wearing a wide brimmed lavender hat that matched her elegant suit.

  “And you believed him? Please. Take a look at some of these church ladies.” Willa nodded at the well-dressed and attractive sisterhood that surrounded Reverend Fisher.

  MiMi sniffed. “Jack didn’t go out for hamburger. He had filet mignon at home.”

  “I believed that line the first three years of our marriage,” Willa wisecracked.

  MiMi frowned at Willa and started to reply. Then she glanced over Willa’s shoulder. Willa turned to find Brother Sanchez had returned.

  “Ladies, Reverend Fisher has invited you to fellowship with him and a select group of the faithful. This way.” Brother Sanchez swept out a hand dramatically and waited.

  “What an honor,” Willa said.

  They followed him to a door set in the far wall. They made their way down a hallway, across a wide room bustling with activity and though another door. When it closed the sounds outside all but disappeared. They passed through a foyer then another set of open double doors.

  “Whoa,” MiMi blurted out.

  “Amen,” Willa said softly.

  They entered into Reverend Fisher’s inner sanctum. Red, gold and royal blue furnishings made the room look rich. When MiMi gasped and looked down, Willa followed her gaze. The wool Persian carpet beneath their feet took her breath away. Bordered in rich blue, a center medallion in sumptuous jewel tones pulled in the colors around them. A wide cherry desk sat to their left. Reverend Fisher stood in front of it. To the left was a seating area. Next to that was a round table with eight leather chairs circling it. Fisher’s office had enough room for a small convention.

  “Mrs. Crown, I am so happy you blessed us with your presence.” Reverend Fisher clasped Willa’s outstretched hand with both of his. “I hope our message and musical praise touched your spirit.”

  “Thank you, Reverend. I certainly was moved,” Willa said with sincerity. When he turned his smile on MiMi Willa pulled free of his too warm grasp. “This is MiMi Landry.”

  Reverend Fisher glanced at MiMi then at Willa. His brow lifted for a second but he recovered quickly. “Nice to see you.”

  Before he could say more a group of middle-aged women swooped into the office. While they gushed and made a fuss over the preacher, Willa took in more details of the office. No expense had been spared. The smell of fine leather furniture and wood polish mixed with Fisher’s cologne.

  “Reverend Fisher knows how to work the ladies,” MiMi muttered as she walked past Willa. She stood with her back to the room staring at a depiction of Jesus healing a blind man.

  Brother Sanchez appeared after a few minutes. “Ladies, let me show you our new media room.”

  “So glad to see you,” Fisher beamed as he nodded at them.

  “Thanks again for taking time to visit with us,” Willa said and started to follow the women out.

  “No hurry.” Fisher closed the door softly then turned to face them.

  Willa felt a flash of anxiety, as though an escape route had just been cut off. The swish of MiMi’s silk suit as she turned reassured her. A little. At least she wasn’t alone with the man.

  “What inspiring artwork. Who is the artist? I’m a collector of sorts.” MiMi sat down and crossed her shapely legs.

  “A young man of immense talent. We met him during our community outreach. He used to be a drug dealer. Now he’s using his God given gift to glorify Him.” Fisher swept a hand out at two other paintings. He pointed to the ceiling.

  Fluffy white clouds on a sky blue background had been painted on the ceiling. Brush strokes of a golden hue lightened to white, became the robe of an angel. The face of the angel held a kind, loving expression.

  “His interpretation of our journey to everlasting life,” Fisher said in a hushed tone. “What a day of rejoicing that will be.”

  “Praise the Lord,” MiMi sighed.

  Willa glanced at her to find a dreamy look on her face. “Er, we really should let you get back to what I’m sure is a busy day.”

  “Ah, Mrs. Crown. Even on the Lord’s day his servant takes time to rest.” Reverend Fisher walked close to Willa.

  Willa resisted the urge to step back. “Then we should allow you to relax.”

  Brother Sanchez appeared again. “Ms. Landry, would you like to see our sacred art gallery?”

  “I’d loved to,” MiMi breathed. She placed a hand on the man’s arm and was gone.

  Willa stared in disbelief at how smoothly she’d been played. Somehow Fisher orchestrated being alone with her. She calculated how she could drop her purse and execute defensive moves in her slim skirt.

  “Don’t worry. They should be right back. The gallery is small. Though we do have plans to expand. Coffee? I have a wonderful Columbian blend.” Fisher didn’t wait for Willa to respond.

  “You’re going to too much trouble for me. Really.” Willa raised an eyebrow at him.

  “No trouble at all. It’s brewed and ready to pour.” Fisher deftly poured coffee into two beautiful lapis blue cups. “Here we are. Ah, a moment of blessed peace at last.”

  “Yes.” Willa accepted the cup and sat down in a chair.

  Fisher sat on the sofa. “How are you and your children coping?”

  “Day by day we’re making it. Thank you for asking.” Willa sipped some of the coffee. The rich flavor flooded her taste buds. She drank more.

  “Wonderful isn’t it? A member of my congregation imports it along with other products for high end food markets.” Reverend Fisher sighed. “Our congregation has been blessed. Many of the most successful business people in the city attend our church.”

  “Which helps your ministry I’m sure.”

  Willa said and glanced at a set of ornate vases on a side table.

  “We’re able to do a lot of good, yes. The material things of this world can be used to advance the spiritual,” Reverend Fisher said, repeating one of his famous quotes.

  “Right. Sometimes even the Lord’s work takes cash.” Willa sipped more coffee and smiled at him.

  Reverend Fisher let out a deep laugh. “That’s true, Mrs. Crown. Willa. What a lovely name.”

  “Thank you, Reverend Fisher.” Willa gave him a polite, and she hoped, distant smile. She’d roast in hell before letting him get too chummy.

  H
e gave her a gentle, tolerant smile in return. “Your security services are top notch. Seems Jack taught you well about his business.”

  Willa sipped her now lukewarm coffee. “Not really. Jack and I were separated when his business really took off. Before that I had my hands full with kids and attending school.”

  “A well-rounded woman. I knew it.” He let out an audible breath.

  “You have multiple talents as well. Gifted preacher, singer and businessman.” Willa felt her temperature rise despite her efforts not to be affected by his charisma.

  “I’m indeed blessed, but I don’t do this all on my own you know. Of course God is the foundation.” Fisher’s handsome brown face affected an earnest expression.

  “Of course,” Willa echoed.

  “And my ministry leaders are some of the smartest folks around.” Fisher tugged at the cuffs of his expensive dress shirt.

  “No doubt picked for that reason.” Willa set the coffee cup down on the end table nearest her.

  “Jesus set the example when he carefully chose each disciple,” Fisher smiled back at her.

  “True.” Willa nodded as though she was becoming one of his female converts.

  “Each of my lay leaders has a defined role. Of course each has flexibility to be creative as well. We face the challenge of ministering in a complex, modern world.”

  “Still you seem to have mastered the difficult balancing act,” Willa replied.

  “Balancing act?” Fisher blinked at her.

  “Yes. You stay in spiritual, close to scriptures. But you are very twenty-first century, using technology and running a successful business. No offense intended, but Abundant Love Ministries is like a corporation with many divisions.” Willa knew she was speaking his language.

  Reverend Fisher put down his cup of coffee. “Mrs. Crown, your level of understanding is refreshing. Most ladies look at me and calculate my net worth. You see beyond to what I’m really trying to accomplish.”

  “Definitely. You have a vision to create a unique ministry.” Willa managed to spout that crap with a straight face. She just hoped his ego was big enough not to see it as obvious flattery. When he stuck out his chest and lifted his chin she stopped worrying.

  “I’ve tried,” he said.

  “And succeeded. In my humble opinion.” Careful, girl. Don’t lay it on too thick.

  “Thank you for that, Mrs. Crown. I hope to see you more and more at our services. We have a singles ministry that meets every Tuesday evening. I personally attend those meetings.”

  I’ll bet you do, Willa almost blurted out. If his singles ministry was anything like it was at most black churches ninety-nine percent of the members would be lonely women. In this case they were likely well-to-do lonely women.

  “I’ll certainly consider that. Of course I’m so busy with the business and my family spare time is something I can only dream about.” Willa smoothed down her skirt. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Fisher watch the movement of her hand. Did he actually smack his lips?

  “Speaking of business, I wanted to meet Deacon Nelson and discuss the Strafford, Inc. contract.” Willa looked up to find him gazing at her with a saintly demeanor.

  “Of course.” Reverend Fisher took out his slim cell phone. He hit the talk button. “Brother Nelson, come to my office please.” A male voice replied immediately.

  “May I freshen my coffee?” Willa stood.

  “Let me serve you.” Reverend Fisher reached for the cup at the same time Willa did. Their hands touched and he gazed into her eyes.

  “No, no,” Willa replied with a smile. “I can certainly do it myself. You’ve had a strenuous morning. Relax.”

  Fisher’s eyes brightened. He sat back against the chair, a man used to being waited on. “You are a rare jewel, Mrs. Crown. I wonder how Jack managed to lose such a treasure.”

  “Some men are so busy chasing what looks good that they don’t value what they have,” Willa replied. She took his cup and poured more coffee for both of them. Without asking she added one spoon of sugar for him and a bit of cream.

  When she handed him the cup Fisher gave her an appreciative smile. “Perfect.”

  After two respectful knocks on the door it opened. A tall bulky man came in. His suit was a copper brown. He wore heavy gold chain bracelets on both wrists.

  “Reverend.” The man nodded at his pastor then glanced at Willa.

  “Mrs. Crown, this is my deacon Isaac Nelson. We just call him Ike.” Reverend Fisher gazed at him. “This is Jack Crown’s widow. She’s taken over his firm.”

  “I know,” Nelson rumbled.

  Something about the way he said that gave Willa a chill. His black eyes seemed to be missing something. Willa chided herself for having an over active imagination.

  “Nice to meet you finally. I’d mentioned to Reverend Fisher that I can’t seem to find any paperwork on your company. So I’m not sure what we’re supposed to do for Strafford, Inc.” Willa’s unease grew when Nelson gave her a sharp-edged and cold smile.

  “That a fact? Well, I’m sure surprised my old buddy Jack wasn’t more organized.” Nelson seemed to relax into a better mood.

  “Organization wasn’t one of his assets,” Willa said and smiled back at him with effort. The man gave her the creeps.

  “So you don’t know anything?” Nelson shot a sideways glance at Fisher.

  “Not really. But if you could get me your copy of the contract that would be lovely. Frankly, I’m puzzled I haven’t heard from your employer.” Willa studied him.

  “Yeah. Guess it fell through the cracks. I’ll get with my bosses and let you know.” Nelson rubbed his big rough hands together.

  “You’re not in charge of contract?” Willa said.

  “Not exactly. But I did get Jack the hook up so to speak,” Nelson said, baring his teeth in his scary version of a friendly smile.

  “As the owner I like to take responsibility when we don’t live up to our end of any agreement.” Willa took out her PDA. “Just give me their names and numbers. I’ll set up a meeting.”

  “Of course Ike can do that,” Reverend Fisher said before Nelson spoke. The deacon grimaced and rolled his shoulders. He seemed to be holding back a protest.

  “The project manager, Dean Haywood, is the guy you want to talk to,” Nelson finally said. “I don’t know. I think maybe he’s out of town. I could talk to you about it.”

  “Thanks. I’ll call him first thing Monday. After all I don’t want Mr. Haywood to think Crown Protection doesn’t value his business.”

  “Yeah.” Nelson opened his mouth to say something, but the reverend spoke first.

  “I’m sure he understands the circumstances.” Reverend Fisher nodded gravely. “Thank you, Ike.”

  “No problem.” Nelson didn’t move toward the door. Instead he stared at Willa. His gaze slid down to her legs.

  “If you need to deal with the van drivers don’t let us keep you.” Reverend Fisher stood and smoothed down his suit. In the process he blocked Nelson’s view of Willa.

  “Right. Right.” Nelson rolled his bulky shoulders again then left.

  MiMi appeared at the same time Nelson opened the door. Her flirty smile went stiff when she looked into his eyes. She hesitated, let him walk by then came into the office.

  “You okay?” MiMi blurted out.

  “Ms. Landry, your friend is perfectly safe here of course,” Reverend said, his resonant voice boomed.

  Willa stood up quickly and walked to her. “Thanks again, Reverend Fisher. Nice of you to take the time.”

  “I only hope you return soon. As we say here at Abundant Love Ministries, our hearts are as open as our doors. So come right in.”

  “How lovely. I must say you have a beautiful complex here and— ” MiMi stopped when she glanced at Willa. “Uh, goodbye, Reverend Fisher. Lovely spending time with you.”

  MiMi and Willa were once again in the care of Brother Sanchez. He led the way out of the maze of hallways leading to offic
es and meeting rooms. They walked back through the sanctuary to the front doors.

  “You ladies have a blessed day.” Brother Sanchez nodded to them then spun around and walked away.

  MiMi and Willa put on their sunglasses. They looked back at the church then at each other.

  “Brother Sanchez is fine, but he is like one of those cyborgs from a sci-fi movie. Beautiful on the outside, but no human feelings. I like my men a bit more warm blooded.” MiMi bit her lower lip, “Maybe he’s gay.”

  Willa barked a laugh. Releasing the tension felt good. She walked down the sidewalk toward the parking lot. “What?”

  “Yeah. You know, one of those find black men on the down low. Manly man on the outside, but…” MiMi shrugged. “Some of these homeboys are into that.”

  “What happened? He didn’t respond to your long eyelashes fluttering at him or your silky seductive laugh?” Willa chuckled when MiMi pursed her lips.

  “Exactly. And I always get guys to open up. I don’t know. Maybe I’m giving off some kind of earth mother vibe. That could hamper our investigation.”

  “Our investigation. And you are no earth mother.” Willa stopped and put both hands on her hips.

  “Hey, feminine wiles are very handy when it comes to getting information.” MiMi wiggled her hips and grinned from behind her designer sunglasses.

  “One, we are not investigating anything. I’m trying to find out about a contract. I’ll be contacting Strafford, Inc. Monday.”

  “Excellent. Please don’t give me that modern women don’t use sex nonsense. I saw how the good Reverend was all into you, and you used it.” MiMi grinned. “Now we’ll get to the truth about Strafford, the Cayman Islands and my money.”

  “Two,” Willa continued, hands still on her hips. “We haven’t established that you have any money. And finally, three.”

  When Willa paused MiMi tapped her clutch purse against one thigh. “Okay, spit it out.”

  “We are not pals. Don’t follow me again and my lawyer will be in touch.” Willa spun around and started for her car.

  “That was more than three,” MiMi called after her. “It’s a free country. Besides, Mikayla and Anthony should get to know their baby sister. Or brother.