by Rachel Dylan
Thankfully, Layton pulled her over to him, wrapping his protective arm around her shoulder. “Why don’t you run and grab a drink, Stacey, while I discuss a few business items with Nina Marie?”
She didn’t waste any time and walked quickly to the other side of the room, looking for a restroom to regroup. Morena was right behind her.
“What in the world happened back there?” Morena asked her.
“That woman.” She paused sucking in a big breath. “She frightens me.”
**
Nina Marie watched as Stacey hightailed it away from her. Then she turned her attention to Layton.
“Nina Marie, whatever you’re thinking, just stop it right now,” Layton said.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Stacey is a member of Optimism. She’s not up for discussion. If you try to mess with her, you’ll have to deal with me.”
“Ah, you like this one, huh? Maybe she and I really do need to have a chat then.”
He clutched hard onto her upper arm and squeezed, but she broke away from him.
“What did I tell you about putting your hands on me?”
“I just want to make myself abundantly clear.”
“I have no interest in your plaything, Layton, but you better watch out for that one. Her strength was unlike anything I’ve felt in a long time.”
“She’s young and still has much to learn. That’s why I’ve taken her under my wing.”
“You don’t understand what it’s like to be a woman. She needs a female in her life.”
“She has Morena.”
Nina Marie laughed. “Morena is good at parlor tricks, but she is not an equal to either of us. This Stacey girl could be the real deal.”
“If you try to poke your nose into this, you’ll regret it.”
She sighed. Layton was up to his old games again. “I thought we were supposed to be working together right now for the greater goal we have.”
He nodded. “You’re right. Stacey’s just come from a fragile situation. She used to be a member of Windy Ridge Community Church. So all of this has come as a shock to her. I’m probably being a bit overprotective right now.”
“When are you going to speak to the group?”
“Soon. Grab yourself a drink and some hors d'oeuvres.” He looked down at his watch. “I’ll speak within the hour.”
He walked away to talk to other guests. Yeah, there was no chance she was going to leave Stacey alone. This girl had some serious potential, and she’d much rather have someone like that on her side than on Layton’s.
Chapter Five
Layton looked out into the living room that connected to the parlor. It was time to conduct some business before dinner was served. Tonight he had a large group because the crowd included not only his Optimism members, but also a solid contingency from Astral Tech.
He didn’t trust Nina Marie, but teaming up on a temporary basis was a guaranteed recipe for success. The believers in the town simply wouldn’t be strong enough to withstand the onslaught of both groups working together. Especially since their beloved pastor was currently sitting in prison. He couldn’t hold back the large grin spreading across his face at the thought of Dan rotting behind bars.
But he had a different game to play here tonight in front of a large audience, and it was time to do it.
“Thanks to everyone for coming this evening. I hope you’re having a wonderful time enjoying some great food and wine and meeting new friends.” He paused for a moment. “Before we sit down to our dinner, which I’ve been promised by the chef is going to be utterly amazing, I want to talk about some issues affecting our community and our two organizations.”
He surveyed the room and had the full attention of the group. “I’m sure everyone has heard by now that the police have arrested Pastor Dan Light of Windy Ridge Community Church. The primary charge against him is embezzlement—he was stealing from the church coffers. As members of Optimism, we’ve known for a while that Dan wasn’t to be trusted, but these charges reinforce the opinion we’ve had, but we should use this as an opportunity. Everyone knows our agenda includes removing the influence of the church in our town. With their pastor in prison, many church members will be questioning whether they should continue going to that church. Our job is to be friends to them in this very difficult time, and then show them there is another way. A way that doesn’t include being blind followers of church doctrine.”
“Do we have any more information on how this all came about with the pastor?” one of the Optimism members asked.
Layton smiled, but he had to play this carefully. “My sources actually tell me it was someone who works for the church that went to the police.”
A few gasps came out from the crowd.
“Yes, I know everyone is very interested to see how this whole thing will play out.”
“Is he still in prison?” another person asked.
“Yes. I’m not sure what his bail situation is. But last I heard, he was still in prison.”
“We have to be careful,” Nina Marie stood up. “If he stays in prison, he’ll try to play the martyr card.”
“That would be assuming his church was behind him, but from all I’ve heard, that isn’t the case. Even his associate pastor is doubting him.”
Nina Marie strode up to where Layton stood. He figured she’d want to assert some authority tonight, and at this point, he wasn’t even bothered by it.
“We need to figure out the best way to use all of our collective resources and talents,” she said. “Each one of our respective groups has particular strengths, and beyond that, we have many members with specialized skills.”
“And I completely agree with you,” he said. “But I want tonight to be one of celebration and getting to know each other. We can certainly have a business meeting to focus on the details of our action plan. In the meantime, though, we can talk about a couple of key strategic ideas. Nina Marie has a great point. Think about what you bring to the table and how it can be used in our effort to rid this community of the Christian faith.”
“Remember,” Nina Marie said. “A lot of these church members are going to be upset. They’re going to feel betrayed, and that’s where we can come in. Providing an alternative to their faith. A path that focuses on their own personal power.”
“Yes,” he said. “Our fresh approach will be interesting to those who have felt duped by the church.”
“And the Astral Tech app can be used to help those who are not as familiar with the New Age lifestyle become acquainted quickly.”
Of course Nina Marie would have to push the app. As part of the settlement agreement between the two companies, Astral Tech had to pay Optimism a small royalty, but Astral Tech got to keep selling their app. That was all well and good. Nina Marie was better at marketing technology than him. He preferred the more old-school ways of influencing, but he realized that for the younger generation, it was important to have the technological edge. “Remember, everyone, we’re on the same team here. I know it still may be odd for some of you because we were in such a hard-fought lawsuit against each other not that long ago. But if Nina Marie and I can put that aside, then we expect all our members to be able to do the same. We can’t afford to lose this golden opportunity to change this town forever.”
“Layton is right. So why don’t we use this time to really get to know each other? Learn what we can do together.”
“I couldn’t have said it better myself, and on that note, let’s have dinner.” What an amazing evening. Everything was falling into place beautifully.
**
Olivia walked into church the next morning with Grant by her side. This was going to be one of the most difficult services to get through. The congregation was in total disarray.
When she stepped into the chapel, a wave of cool air rushed over her. She looked around. There were a lot of people there, but they were upset. Some of them were even in small groups huddled together and cry
ing.
“This is bad,” Grant whispered.
“We knew it was going to be tough.” She looked up and saw Chris walking toward them.
She reached out and gave him a tight hug. “Are you ready for today?” she asked.
“I didn’t sleep at all last night. I feel such a huge weight of responsibility on my shoulders today, and I’m not even sure what I’m going to say. A normal sermon seems dreadfully inappropriate right now.”
“Chris, just speak from the heart. Whatever God lays on you.” She was about to make a big request of him, but it was something she had to do. “I’d also like to ask you if I could speak to the congregation as well. Once you’re done, of course.”
“Do you really think that’s a good idea? You’re Dan’s lawyer. I don’t want to be seen as having some sort of agenda here.”
She blew out a frustrated breath. Chris’s words let her know which way he was leaning in all of this, and she was still troubled by the fact Chris had seemed to give up on Dan so easily. Something didn’t add up. As she looked into Chris’s bloodshot eyes, she saw a man who was tormented.
“I should go get ready to start the service,” Chris said. His eyes softened. “And yes, Olivia, of course you should speak if you feel led to. It’s what Dan would want.”
“Thank you, Chris.”
He nodded and walked up to the front of the church.
“Let’s get to our seats,” she told Grant.
“What can I do to help you?” he asked.
“Just having you here to support me makes all the difference in the world. I can only pray that the hearts of the people haven’t been totally hardened against Dan.”
He placed his hand gently on her back, and they found their seats. “Are you worried about what Chris is going to say?”
“Yes, but there’s nothing I can do except try to advocate for Dan after Chris is done.”
The worship started, and it was evident to her by the sound of weak voices that people were not fully engaged. Even the worship team on stage wasn’t their normal selves. It broke her heart to see the church turned upside down like this, and it also made her angry. She refused to let Satan take down this church.
So while those around her may not have lifted up their voices, she sang, not caring what people thought about her.
When they finished the worship, they took their seats and she glanced over at Grant. She wondered what he was thinking. As a new Christian, this all had to be very difficult for him to digest and understand. She could only pray that these setbacks wouldn’t cause him to turn away from his new faith.
Lord, this church is under attack, but I know that You are greater than anything that can come against us. Please give Your believers in this building strength to face the enemy.
Grant reached over and placed his hand on top of hers. She knew in her heart that she was starting to have real feelings for this man. Feelings that went beyond friendship.
Chris stood at center stage and looked out into the congregation. It was so quiet in the chapel she could hear her own breathing. “I know everyone here today is hurt and has a lot questions. There’s confusion, anger, and sadness. Unfortunately, I can’t stand up here and tell you that I have all the answers—or really any of them at this point.”
He paced back and forth on the stage not saying anything else for a couple of minutes. The silence was deafening. She had no idea what he was going to say next.
He turned and faced the people again. “I can’t stand here and proclaim Pastor Dan’s innocence. I wish I could. I prayed I could. That I could come up here today and tell you this was all a big mistake and that Dan would be freed any day now.”
She watched as tears filled Chris’s eyes, matched by the ones that were already falling down her face.
“All I can tell you is that I’m praying for guidance, and that even though I know it’s hard, now is not the time to leave the church. Just the opposite. We are stronger as a family in Christ than we are as a fragmented group of individuals. I’d also urge you not to feed into the gossip mill of the community. Under our criminal justice system, Dan will get his day in court, and under the law, he is innocent until proven guilty. But as the current acting pastor of this church, all I can do is ask you to stay, to pray, and to know that God’s love is stronger and more powerful than any of these challenges.”
He continued on with a very short sermon and when Chris’s eyes met her own, she knew it was time. “Olivia Murray has asked that she be able to say a few words today. You should know she is acting as Pastor Dan’s defense attorney. Olivia, please come on up.”
Her heartbeat raced as she stood up from her seat and walked down the aisle and then up the steps to the stage. One of the tech support people handed her a microphone. Taking a deep breath, she prepared to speak, not knowing exactly what to say. It was imperative she fiercely advocated for Dan. Not as his lawyer, but as his friend.
“Thank you, Chris, for allowing me the opportunity to speak today. As Chris just told you, I am Dan’s attorney, but today I want to talk to you as a fellow member of this church. Last year I met Dan Light when I came to town for the trial between the two New Age groups this church knows all too well. Even though I walked into this church as a stranger and was entangled in a legal mess with members of the occult, Pastor Dan welcomed me with open arms. He and his faith were instrumental in me being able to face down those challenges from powerful and sinister groups. I chose to take Dan’s case because I have absolutely no doubts about his innocence. Chris wants to gather all the facts, and that he feels a duty to this congregation to get it right. But I implore you today to pray on all of this and to believe that the man who has been standing up here and preaching for the past decade is a man of honor. He’s been there for each of you time after time. He’s performed marriages and funerals. He’s taken those calls in the middle of the night when you most needed him. He’s sat at the bedside of a dying loved one. He’s visited you in the hospital. And now, when he needs you to stand by him and believe that he is a man of God, I ask that you don’t turn your back on him. Because I know one thing for certain. He’s never turned his back on you.”
She watched the faces of those in the audience. Some seemed sympathetic, while others skeptical. But all she could do was speak from the heart. She was about to ask the congregation to pray with her when a woman stood up. It wasn’t someone she was familiar with.
“I’ve been watching the news. I read all about this, and the evidence seems very damaging against the pastor. I, for one, came today to hear what the church had to say about all of this. But I can’t attend a place like this with a black mark over the pastor. So for me and my family, this will be our last day here.”
Her heart sank listening to this woman’s words, and then things went from bad to worse. A man stood up from his seat. “I agree with her. My family is also leaving this church.”
“Me, too.” Another voice rang out.
And just like that, multiple people were gathering their things and walking out. What could she do?
“Please, wait,” she said.
But most people ignored her and kept making their way out of the chapel. There were still some people in their seats, though, and she had to focus on them. “For those of you still seated, I’d ask that you realize how important it is we stay as a strong body of Christ—united against the schemes of the devil.”
Chris walked over to her, and she knew her time was up.
“I appreciate everyone coming out today,” Chris said.
He clenched his left fist, and she could tell that he was stressed about this turn of events. She’d never been at a church service where multiple people walked out.
“I know this wasn’t a traditional service. We’re all doing the best we can under the circumstances. I also understand that you have to do what you feel God is leading you to do, but I hope you would still give this church a chance. We need you here, and for many of you this has been your church home for
years.”
Chris closed in prayer, and when Olivia opened her eyes, she noticed a few more empty seats. A churning sickness filled her stomach. They had not won the battle today. That was for sure.
**
Dan sat in his prison cell, deep in prayer. It was the strangest thing because he’d found more peace since he’d been in prison than he had in months. The thing about being in prison was that there were very few activities to occupy his time. So he’d been spending his days and nights talking to God.
Maybe the Lord put him there for a larger purpose, and on his mind right now was the inmate he’d been talking to who was in the cell directly across from his.
“Pastor,” Jim Dunn said.
“Yes,” he answered.
“You’ve been quiet so far today.”
“It’s Sunday, Jim. The first Sunday I haven’t been preaching in quite a while.” As he said the words, the reality of the situation really hit him.
“Well, Pastor, you don’t even want to know how long it’s been since I stepped foot inside a church.”
“That’s the thing about Jesus. He is willing to take us exactly where we are right now, even if we have tremendous sins in our past.”
“Even sins like mine?” Jim asked.
“I don’t know what your sins are, but if you repent of those things, you can find forgiveness in the Lord.”
“Robbery and assault,” Jim said. “That’s why I’m in here. You’ve been nice enough not to ask the past couple of days, but I feel like you should know. I broke into a home and had an altercation with the man of the house. I stole some things. Got caught a couple of days later.”
“Are you sorry that you did that?”
He was met by silence.
“That’s the first step. You have to actually have some contrition for what you’ve done.”
“I was stupid and that got me locked up.”
“I’m not talking about getting caught. I’m talking about what you did in the first place.”
He paused, taking a deep breath as the silence stretched. “The look of fear in the woman’s eyes as she screamed when she saw me before her husband came rushing into the room. I’ll have to live with that guilt forever. It doesn’t feel good.”