Blanche chewed her fingernails like she did when she was nervous. It amazed me that she seemed as concerned about protecting Kevin as I did. What had gotten into her? I wasn’t sure where the sudden dose of human compassion had come from, but I was grateful to have her on my side.
We had spent the entire afternoon making phone calls to everyone we knew. The multipurpose room was packed with DC’s top journalists. It seemed crazy that we were responsible for taking Bishop Walker’s press conference to the next level.
Even though quite a few people we called said they had received a phone invitation from Bishop’s secretary, the room wouldn’t have been anywhere near as full as it was if me and Blanche hadn’t pulled out her Rolodex.
I only hoped our little plan didn’t backfire. I’d never forgive myself if Kevin was “outted” in front of every reporter in the DC metropolitan area because of me.
The door to Bishop’s administrative suite finally opened. He emerged behind his new secretary and Pastor Duncan. He came out with his head bowed in that “I’m a victim in this whole situation” posture. When he raised his head and saw the size of the crowd, I could tell it was hard for him to keep his demon grin from erupting. He nodded his acknowledgement of the press and approached the podium.
Probably because of my height and my crazy afro, Bishop Walker spotted me at the back of the crowd. This time he couldn’t keep his Lucifer grin from erupting. Even if only a little. The corners of his mouth tilted slightly and his eyes narrowed. I was probably the only one who noticed it. He nodded at me, and then stared me down for a second.
I didn’t know whether he was surprised at my presence there or concerned about what I might have told the press. Did he really think I wouldn’t find out about whatever stunt this was he was trying to pull? Whatever was going through that sinister mind of his, I knew my standing there, staring right back at him without flinching, was making him nervous.
As well he should be.
I glanced at the door to the corridor again, almost willing it to open. I looked down at my watch. The press conference was starting just as scheduled. Where were they? I looked back at Bishop.
Blanche cleared her throat and elbowed me in the side, breaking up the staring match between me and Bishop Walker. She looked down at her watch and pointed. I nodded and looked at the door again, giving a little shrug of my shoulders.
Bishop Walker grabbed the sides of the podium. “I would like to thank all of you for coming here today, especially on short notice. I feel that what I have to share is important enough that it garnered more than just a written statement. I wanted to meet with you face to face to share my horror over the events that have transpired in the last few days. And then to share further information that has come to my attention from the Bishop’s council.”
I drew in a sharp breath. That was it. He planned to release the identity of the person who wrote the letters of accusation against Deacon Barnes and Pastor Hines. I was sure he also planned to slander Kevin in whatever way his twisted mind had conjured up to do so. I stared at the door.
Please, God. Please let them hurry up and get here.
Bishop continued, “First and foremost, let me again voice my deepest regret for the tragic incidents that have taken place over the last twenty odd years in my congregation. This has been the most difficult thing I’ve ever had to face in my entire tenure in ministry. As I said before, as the leader of these flocks, I assume full moral responsibility for every act against every victim. This heavy burden will always weigh upon my heart. Until I go to my grave, I will experience the depth of their pain. To imagine the number of lives that have been affected is . . . unthinkable. I’m still trying to comprehend it.”
He leaned over the podium for a few minutes, gripping it tightly, almost as if he didn’t have the strength to stand.
Blanche leaned over to me. “You gotta be kidding me. This man is as evil as it gets.” She looked around the room at the journalists scribbling on note pads, photographers snapping pictures. “And they’re eating it up.” She stared at the door. “Where are they? This needs to end. Now.”
Bishop Walker raised his head and leaned into the microphone again. “To the family of the young boy whose life recently was so deeply affected by these tragedies, my heart goes out.” His voice cracked. “As we have said of the other victims, Love and Faith Christian Center is completely committed to your healing process. We will be providing intense psychological therapy for this young boy and all the victims that are involved.” He gestured toward Pastor Duncan. “My director of pastoral counseling has already begun making arrangements for three of the victims. We hope that everyone involved will take advantage of the services being provided. That includes the actual victims and family members who have been affected by these tragedies as well. Although we can’t change what’s happened in the past, we hope to ensure a better future for these young men and their loved ones.”
Bishop Walker accepted a handkerchief from his secretary and mopped his forehead with it. “In addition, we’ve taken measures to ensure a better screening process for any individual on staff at Love and Faith Christian Center. Whether it’s the janitor cleaning the toilets, or my right hand men on my pastoral team, every individual currently employed or seeking employment at this church will undergo rigorous psychological testing and a criminal background check before they are hired or can continue working here.”
I had to give it to him. He was brilliant. In such an evil way. I shuddered.
Blanche leaned over to whisper. “Yeah, everyone but him will be screened. I’d love to see the results of his psychological testing. Although he’s such a natural liar, he’d probably come out looking like a saint.”
She looked down at her watch, and we both stared at the door as if our eyes could make it miraculously open.
Bishop Walker cleared his throat. “And now finally, the news I received from the Bishop’s council.”
I clenched my jaw and my fists. God, please. This can’t end like this.
Sandra Jensen raised her hand. “Excuse me, Bishop Walker. Before you move on, I’d like to ask a question if you don’t mind.”
Bishop Walker looked at Sandra, then looked at me, then made himself smile. “I thought I’d take questions at the end of the conference. I have one last piece of information I’d like to share, then I’ll be happy to answer as many questions as time permits.” He glared in my direction.
He looked down at the podium, and then up again. “As I was saying, I recently received some information from the Bishop’s council as to the identity of the individual whose information started this entire investigation. Unfortunately, I have some disturbing news about that individual as well.”
I bit my lip and looked from Bishop Walker to the door, to his smug face, and to the door again. He couldn’t hide his sinister smile. The room was dead silent, pens poised over pads, breaths bated, greedy journalists waiting for this latest juicy nugget of church scandal gossip.
And then it happened. The door to the corridor swung open, and several men dressed in dark suits and an authoritative air strode into the room. They walked directly to the podium behind Bishop Walker. The stocky one took one of Bishop’s hands. I could only see the slightest flash of silver, but the sound of the clinking metal was undeniable. The tallest one spoke with a deep voice, “Clarence Walker, you’re under arrest for conspiracy to sexual misconduct, accessory after the fact, and tampering with evidence. You have the right to remain silent . . .”
Thirty-one
It was over. After shaking hands with reporters, talking to Blanche, and thanking Sandra Jensen, the whole ordeal was over, and I could finally go home to my family. I had to sit in my car for a few minutes, my whole body still shaking. My bottom lip was raw from me biting it those few seconds before that stupid door finally opened.
I picked up the phone to call Gabe. He fussed at me for not calling sooner. I had given him a brief call after I left Bishop Walker’s office to let him
know I had quit and was safe, but he hadn’t expected me to take that long. I didn’t bother to tell him everything that had just happened. I’d wait until I got there to explain.
He had gone to the house to wait for me hours ago. A scary thought. Gabe spent the entire afternoon at my house. With Moms. I needed to rescue him before something bad happened.
When I got to the house, Gabe was sitting at the kitchen table with Moms and Tiffany. When I walked into the kitchen, they seemed to be engaged in a serious conversation, so I didn’t want to interrupt. I went straight upstairs to change into a pair of my new jeans I had ordered off the Internet. They fit pretty well. Might have to do all my shopping online. I went back downstairs to see what they were talking about.
When I got to the bottom of the steps, I heard Tiffany say, “I guess you’re right, Gabe. If we don’t forgive him, we’re the ones that stay miserable while he goes on, happy with his life.”
My mouth fell open. What had Gabe done? Were they actually talking about my father? Did he tell them I had told him the whole story? Moms was gonna murder me. I stayed at the bottom of the steps, listening.
I heard Moms say, “Son-in-law, I appreciate you having the courage to say all these things you said to us. It’s hard, though. I’m an old bird, set in my ways. I know it’s not too late for my girls to change their way of thinking, but—”
I heard Gabe’s gentle voice, “Mummy, it’s never too late. You just make a decision to change your heart and your mind and the rest follows. Who knows what may happen. After all the bitterness is gone, the cancer may leave your body as well.”
I heard her laugh. “Baby, please. I’m just trying to make things right so I can have some peace before I go ‘head and die. You and Trina and all this talk about miracles and healing—”
“We know what we’ve seen, Mummy. People healed from diseases just as bad as or worse than yours. Even a baby coming back from the dead. Why should we watch you die when we’ve seen so many healed? It simply wouldn’t do.”
“I love the way you talk all proper, baby. You could talk to me all day.” Moms gave a nervous laugh that let me know Gabe was getting to her.
I smiled and sat down on the step to finish listening to their conversation. If I knew Gabe, he wouldn’t quit until he had closed the deal and sealed their eternal future.
Gabe said, “So as I said, you cannot hold God responsible for the sins of men who claim to belong to Him. Each of us must search out God on our own to discover who He is. You cannot allow the sins of this man from your past to keep you from experiencing the most beautiful relationship of your lives. God is real and powerful and wonderful and there’s no way we should have to live this harsh life without Him, experiencing His love in our lives daily. And Mummy, since you’re so determined to die, shouldn’t you ensure that your soul will live eternally with Christ in His paradise?”
Moms grunted.
Gabe continued, “And Tiffany, it’s not a matter of what you might have to give up, or being afraid that you’re not perfect enough to enter into a relationship with Jesus. You give Him your heart, and He perfects you, yes? It is only He that can make us perfect anyway.”
The kitchen was quiet for a few moments. I held my breath, waiting to hear what their responses would be. I wondered just how long Gabe had been there and what all he had said before I arrived. Was he really about to get my mother and sister saved in one day after I had been trying for years? I guess the scripture about a prophet not having honor in His hometown and Jesus not being able to do any miracles in Nazareth was true.
I finally heard Tiffany’s voice. “So what exactly are we supposed to do?”
Gabe said, “It’s the simplest thing on earth. You simply open your heart and accept Him in.”
Silence again. I was afraid to move from my perch on the steps. I didn’t want to break the spell Gabe and the Holy Spirit were casting on my family.
I finally heard Tiffany’s voice softly say, “Okay.”
Moms only grunted. Without seeing her face, I didn’t know what that meant. Her grunt could mean “I heard what you said, and I don’t agree, but I’m being polite so I’m not going to tell you how I really feel.” Or it could mean, “I agree with what you’re saying, but I don’t want to appear too enthusiastic about it.” Or it could mean, “I wish you would shut up so I can go upstairs and go to bed.”
Gabe didn’t know Moms well enough to appreciate the art required to decipher the meaning of her grunts. I could only pray that he would be led by the Holy Spirit in what he did next.
I heard him say, “There’s no rush, Mummy. You take your time and think about it, and when you’re ready, you let me know, yes?”
“Okay, baby. Deal.”
I imagined they were shaking on it.
“Tiffany, you ready?” Gabe proceeded to lead Tiffany in the sinner’s prayer. I almost fell off the step. I heard her voice, firmly repeating every word Gabe said.
I didn’t know whether to scream or shout or cry. I felt like doing all three. But I sat there quietly, waiting to hear the end of their conversation.
When they finished their prayer, Tiffany said, “So I’m saved now?”
Gabe said, “Yes, my dear sister.”
Tiffany said, “I don’t feel any different.”
Gabe laughed. “Trust me, you are. Completely different. And as time progresses, you’ll realize just how different you are.”
“So you telling me that’s all Tiffany has to do to go to heaven when she die? Just say the words you just said?” Moms asked.
What had Gabe been talking about before I got home? Moms didn’t believe in heaven and hell. I guess it was like she’d been saying lately though, staring death in the face made her examine all her beliefs.
“Exactly, as will be the same for you when you get saved. And should you decide not to let Jesus heal you, and you decide to ‘go ‘head and die,’ as you say . . .”
Tiffany laughed at Gabe imitating Moms.
“. . . then you’re sure to go to heaven shortly thereafter.”
I heard Moms’ voice call out, “Tree, get off them steps and come on in here. We know you out there listening.”
I laughed and almost ran into the kitchen. I hugged Tiffany, then hugged Moms, then hugged Gabe. I whispered in his ear, “Can’t leave you alone for a minute. And to think I was worried about leaving you alone with Moms.” I reached up and kissed him on the cheek. “I love you.”
“And I love you.” He kissed me on the lips. “Did you tell them?”
I shook my head. “They were sleep when I went upstairs last night and sleep when I woke up this morning.”
“Tell us what?” Moms reached out for me and grabbed my left hand. “Well, now. Does this mean what I think it means?”
We both nodded.
She put her hand to her heart. “Well, now I can really die in peace.” She bit her lip and grunted. “Or maybe live in peace. We just gon’ have to see.”
My heart swelled, and I thought I would cry.
Moms grabbed my hand and stared at my ring. “That sho is a fine ring, baby.” She looked up at Gabe. “You brought this all the way from Africa?”
“Well, Mummy, actually it’s from Canada.”
Moms frowned. “They ain’t got no diamond rings in Africa? Much diamonds and gold as they have in the Motherland?”
I slipped the ring off my finger and held it up to explain. “That’s just the problem, Moms. In Africa, diamond mining is a very vicious process. Men, women, and children are often murdered or brutally attacked and enslaved to get the diamonds, so I didn’t want any diamonds from Africa. And Africa has been raped for its gold, so I didn’t want a gold band from there either. This ring is certified completely conflict free.”
I slipped the ring back on my finger, and Gabe took my hand in his and kissed it.
Moms grunted. “Well that’s all fine and good, but all I want to know is, when is the wedding? I ain’t got much time left.” She bit her lip
. “Or maybe I do.” She looked at Gabe, then looked at me. “Well, let’s just have it soon just in case. You never know what might happen.”
It was weird to watch her begin to struggle with the fact that she may not have to die. I silently prayed that God would continue to cause the seed of hope to grow in her heart. “I don’t know yet, Moms. We haven’t talked about all that. Soon, though.” I smiled at Gabe. “Soon.”
Tiffany asked, “Where you guys gonna get married? I know not in Africa. I ain’t peeing in no holes, and I got to take a shower every day. And I definitely ain’t eating with my hands, and I ain’t gonna be eating no rice and beans and stuff and—”
“Tiffany, shush your mouth,” Moms said. “If they decide to get married in Africa, you gon’ have to learn to pee in a hole.”
“So you would really travel to Africa for us to get married, Moms?”
She nodded. “I still got my passport from when me and Aunt Penny went on that cruise last year. How soon can we go?”
I looked at Gabe. “As soon as possible.”
I was a little nervous about taking Moms to Africa, but then again, maybe that was just what she needed.
I looked down at my watch. “I gotta watch the news.”
Thirty-two
I got up from the table and started toward the living room. “What’s going on?” Moms asked.
“More than I can even say.” I walked into the living room and plopped down on the couch, grabbing the remote off the coffee table. I flipped through the channels until I got to Fox 5 News, Sandra Jensen’s station. I sent Monica a quick text to tune into her evening news because I was sure the story would go nationwide.
Gabe sat next to me and put an arm around me.
Tiffany picked her purse up from the armchair. “Sissy, can I borrow your car to go to Stacy’s house? We got some outfits to finish.”
“You’re coming home tonight?”
Tiffany rolled her eyes. “Of course, silly. I’m saved now. I can’t be out drinking and smoking and all that stuff anymore.”
Selling My Soul Page 21