The Believer

by Kym Davis Boyles

  Chapter 34

  Leon sat in the cafeteria surrounded by loud conversations and laughter of inmates and the constant scratching of utensils against their plastic plates. The group of guys that attached themselves to him seemed to follow him everywhere and sat with him at every mealtime. He brought a cup of coffee to his lips and sipped unassumingly as those sitting with him chatted and laughed.

  As if feeling eyes on him, Leon took the cup from his lips and looked to his right to see a man in uniform staring over at him. The man was a good distance away from him and with the inmates walking in and out of his view, Leon couldn’t be sure but he thought that he might have recognized him. The tall bullish caramel-skinned man stood at attention like a trained military soldier with his chin up, chest out and shoulders back.

  “Kelvin,” Leon said maintaining his gaze on the CO.

  Kelvin stopped in the middle of his laughter with another inmate and looked over at Leon. “Yeah Pastor?”

  “What’s that CO’s name over there?”

  Kelvin followed Leon’s gaze in the officer’s direction. “Frost.”

  “He looks mighty familiar.” Leon looked down at his plate and crossed his arms on the table in front of him. “What you know about him?”

  Kelvin put a spoonful of oatmeal in his mouth like he was shoveling dirt in a hole. “They say that he was in the military or something. He’s low key; I ain’t never heard nothing about him.”

  Leon didn’t know if he could get any information out of Kelvin so he looked at Polar Bear sitting beside him. “Something ‘bout him I don’t trust,” Polar Bear added, chewing with his mouth full and forcing Leon to look away in disgust. “I think he’s sneaky; too quiet for me.”

  Polar Bear’s remarks were met by uh huh’s from others at the table. Leon focused on the tattooed baby-faced thug next to him. Polar Bear didn’t seem to have a care in the world and knew everything about everybody inside. “Polar Bear, he associate with anyone around here other than the COs?”

  Polar Bear rested both elbows on the table. “I ain’t really seen him talking to too many guys but nobody messes with him and he don’t really mess with nobody. He’s pretty straight laced but like I said, there’s something ‘bout him that I don’t trust.”

  Leon looked away from the boy then back over at Frost who stood stiffly scanning the cafeteria. After looking at the man a little longer, it hit him. He recognized Frost from JMC; he wasn’t a member but maybe he’d seen him a couple of times. That was it and that was why Frost had been staring so intently at him. Leon smiled to himself. This was a little awkward but maybe he’d made a friend. Standing up from the table, Leon grabbed his tray with his food still on it and walked toward Frost who was standing near the trash can where he needed to dump it.

  Frost’s eyes were fixed on Leon as he approached the trash can. Leon began whistling as he dumped the food from his tray into the garbage. Out of the corner of his eye, Leon looked the man over unsuspectingly. Side by side, he and Frost were a lot alike: strong jawed with determined features, the two men were even the same height and build.

  “I just recognized you, Frost,” Leon smiled placing his tray on the line. Frost looked over at Leon then turned back toward the cafeteria activity. Leon continued, “It’s good to see a familiar face.”

  “Don’t act like you know me,” Frost said, not bothering to look over at Leon.

  Leon raised his brows but continued to stand beside Frost. “I just realized where I know you from: my church.”

  Without moving his head, Frost cut his eyes to the left where Leon was standing. “I hear that your church is doing just fine without you. As a matter of fact, I read that JMC has never been better.”

  Leon remained calm, knowing that Frost was probably attempting to rile him. He refused to give in to that. Instead with his back straight and head erect, Leon turned his entire body to face Frost. “Man, I was trying to be nice to you.”

  Still refusing to look in Leon’s face, Frost tilted his head toward Leon, “I respect men of God so understand that I have absolutely no respect for you.”

  “We both have to be here so we should try to be amicable,” Leon said.

  Frost finally turned to Leon. “Ladson, I have two daughters and I know what you did and the sight of you makes me nauseous. Don’t forget, you’re in here because you are a criminal and I’m here because I work here.”

  Leon took a deep breath. “I’m sorry that you feel that way.” He began walking away and then stopped. “I lead the bible studies every Tuesday and chapel on Saturday. You’re welcome to stop by if you ever change your mind.”

  Frost leaned toward Leon and whispered, “Move on, Ladson, and the next time that you approach me this boldly, you’ll have more than a few broken ribs.”

  The eyes of the two men met as they each held their position. “No problem, Frost,” Leon said and smirked before walking back to his table where he began whistling again as he sat down.

  Kelvin’s mouth hung open and his eyes stretched wide with curiosity. “What was that all about, Pastor?”

  “Nothing to worry about, Kelvin,” Leon said, with his eyes wandering back over at Frost. “I thought I recognized him.”

  Chapter 35

  The suite’s king sized bed was so unbelievably comfortable that Cai just wanted to lay in it all day. James was still asleep when she decided to get up. She had never been in a hotel so beautiful. The view past the French doors leading to the balcony was enticing. She wrapped the plush bright white bathrobe courtesy of the Whitmire Hotel around her body and headed toward the balcony that overlooked the ocean.

  A groggy James was awakened by her movement and watched her get out of the bed. “What’s up, beautiful?”

  “I want to enjoy the view as long as I can,” Cai responded, continuing to the balcony.

  “You should see my view. It’s a whole lot better,” James said with a sly grin.

  Cai looked back and rolled her eyes, pushing open the huge white doors and stepping outside onto the balcony. Placing her hands on the balcony railing, she closed her eyes and allowed the breeze to hit her face gently. She heard James’ footsteps walking up behind her and she opened her eyes.

  “It’s gorgeous, isn’t it?” James asked from behind, wrapping his arms around her waist and placing his face into her neck.

  “It is,” Cai answered as she looked out over the ocean. From 26 floors up, she felt like she had escaped the entire world and was in her own private heaven. Not only was the view extraordinary but the luxurious penthouse oceanfront suite was the size of Delilah’s entire house.

  “I’ve never been anywhere like this before,” Cai said. “How much does something like this cost?”

  James kissed her neck and with one hand still around her waist, he moved beside her. “If I said a million dollars would you think that I paid too much to spend a night with you or would you think that you’re worth every penny?”

  Cai continued looking out across the skyline. “I’m worth all of those pennies but if you did say a million dollars I’d think you were crazy.”

  “You don’t think this place is great?” James asked light-heartedly

  “It’s better than great but if it’s a million dollars great then you got ripped off.”

  James laughed. “Oh really? And how would you know that?”

  “I worked for a real estate attorney in New York.”

  “Ahhh,” James nodded. “Yes, it makes sense now.

  “How do you afford to live like this?”

  “Do you have to be rich to spend a night at a fancy hotel?”

  “No, I didn’t say that.”

  “What exactly are you saying then?”

  “Tell me about Victoria. I hear that she comes from money.”

  “And how did you hear that?”

  “You are the Chief of Police, people talk.”

  James turned his head away from her as if uncertain how to respond. He looked back at her. “She does. But
we built our kingdom together.”

  “Kingdom?”

  James laughed. “Does Delilah know where you are?” He changed the subject.

  “Of course not,” Cai responded. She spoke to Delilah once already reassuring her she was fine after Delilah left several voice mail messages. Delilah would not be pleased to know that Cai, even though a grown woman, was there with any married man. Especially him.

  “I hope she can rest a little more now that Devon’s case is closed,” James said. “I want her to have that closure.”

  Cai laughed. “There’s no closure if you think that Tim did it.”

  “I don’t follow,” James said, lowering his brows.

  “The real person who killed Devon is still out there walking around, free. I’ve known Tim since he was five. He and Devon were best friends, and they loved each other. He’d never do that.”

  James turned his head away from her. He looked out over the water. “The case is closed Cai. I’m sorry that Devon’s killer wasn’t who you wanted it to be but it is who it is.”

  Cai turned away from him and watched the seagulls flying in a large flock across the sky. “It’s not about who I want it to be James, I just know Tim.”

  “I’d do anything for you and if I thought I had the wrong person, I’d still be looking but we have his killer and it’s just something that you and Delilah will have to accept.”

  Cai didn’t know how to feel about what James was saying. He moved behind her and began massaging her shoulders, and then he leaned in and began kissing her ear. She moved away from his lips, hating how he found opportunities to touch her as if he was smooth. He wasn’t. “I went to talk to someone about losing Devon like you suggested I might need to,” Cai said.

  “Were they helpful?”

  She nodded. “Pastor Greg was very helpful, he was very understanding.” Cai put his name out there because she had been thinking about him since she met him at the church. She wanted to know more about this pastor. James stopped kissing her and moved in front of her.

  “Pastor Greg?” he asked, looking taken aback.

  Cai wrapped her arms around her body tightening the robe further. “I thought maybe you were right. So, I chose to meet with your pastor.”

  James let out a breath. “Why?”

  Cai relaxed her elbows on the railing. “Why?” she repeated. “I thought you’d be happy.”

  James rubbed the back of his neck. “I thought that maybe you’d want to utilize the victim’s assistance program that the city has. It’s a good program.”

  “He’s good, I like him,” Cai said running her fingers through her hair. “He’s personable.”

  “Oh, okay.”

  “What’s the story with him?”

  “Why do you think there’s a story?”

  “Just curious,” Cai said,

  “He used to be a cop and a Jesus freak. He left the force after he got shot in the hip; I guess he thought preaching was easier.” James smiled. “You don’t plan on seeing him again, do you?”

  “I don’t know. Maybe when I feel like I need to talk.”

  “You can talk to me.” James leaned close to her. “I want you to talk to me.”

  “It’s not the same thing.” Cai rubbed her arms. “I’m getting chilly.” James wrapped his arms around her. “This feels good,” Cai said.

  “You can live like this every day if you want,” James said.

  Cai leaned back and stared James in the face. “What are you talking about?”

  He took her by the hand and led her back inside the hotel room. He took her to the table where a platter of chocolate strawberries, fine cheeses and fruits were placed. He picked up a bottle of champagne and a wine glass. “Whatever you want, I want to give it to you,” he said.

  Cai pulled her long black hair back and sat on the chair at the table where she picked up a chocolate covered strawberry and placed it in her mouth. “James, I’m not a side chick.”

  James knelt in front of her. “I’m not asking you to be a side chick. I want you to be mine and I’m asking that you give me some time.”

  Cai turned to him. “Prove to me that you want me.”

  “What do I have to do?”

  “Let me know when you figure it out.” She walked off toward the shower, dropping her bathrobe along the way to let him see her lean brown body.

  Chapter 36

  Greg walked through the empty sanctuary and sat down in the front row. Although there was so much going on in other parts of the church, the sanctuary was quiet. He loved times like this when he was able to sit in the most sacred place of the church, alone with God without distraction.

  Occupying a space on the long front pew among the hundreds of rows, he felt small. He sat with his back straight, staring at the pulpit and wondering why God had chosen him for such a big job. After all, he wasn’t all that great of a preacher as far as he was concerned. There were so many that were better.

  Thank you Father God for all that you’ve done. Greg stood up and walked to the altar where he knelt and began to pray. He stood up only when he felt he’d heard from the Lord. He wiped his eyes with his hand. He didn’t know what time it was. When he spent time with the Lord like this, sometimes it was minutes and other times it was hours; it was as long the Spirit led him. Walking toward the exit, Greg glanced around the sanctuary and noticed someone sitting in a back pew. He smiled; someone else had the same idea. He kept walking up the aisle, not wanting to interrupt whoever it was.

  “Hello Pastor Greg.”

  Greg stopped, recognizing the deep voice. He turned toward the man. “Deacon Howard?” There was an elongated pause. Greg sensed something was wrong. He waited for the deacon to speak as he walked toward the back where the deacon was seated. “Is everything alright? How are Mary and Salinda?”

  Deacon Howard looked up with tried, baggy eyes. The puffiness of his eyes didn’t seem to be a sign of crying but rather of restlessness on his mature face. “It’s funny that you should ask that but they’re fine,” Deacon Howard answered with a slight smile.

  Greg’s forehead creased in curiosity. “Do you mind?” He gestured at the pew in front of the deacon.

  “Please,” the deacon said.

  He sat down and rested his arm over the back of the pew. “Funny that I asked?”

  Deacon Howard fumbled with the signature gray fedora in his hand. “I guess it’s just a figure of speech, Pastor.”

  Greg looked around the quiet sanctuary. “Is everything okay, Deacon?”

  The deacon lifted his eyes and stared a moment at Greg. “I see God’s favor on you and he’s using you in so many ways, that’s why I stayed at this church to support you, you know?”

  Greg nodded. “If you don’t already know, I’m very grateful.”

  Deacon Howard patted Greg’s arm. “It was a rhetorical question, son.” Greg didn’t know what to make of Deacon Howard’s words. He pressed his lips together, remaining questionably silent. “I don’t know if I can continue to do my job effectively,” the deacon said.

  Deacon Howard’s words hit Greg like a stack of bricks. “I’m sorry, what? Where is this coming from?” Greg shifted in his seat, trying to control himself and not sprout off the questions flooding his head.

  Deacon Howard put his head back and stared at the church ceiling then looked at Greg. “It’s just time for me to take a back seat in the church’s affairs. This church has grown and it’s requiring more work. I’ve been here a long time and I’m tired. I took on leading the trustee board after Sam because we both loved you and I saw God’s anointing on you.”

  “Okay,” Greg said.

  “When I was just a deacon, I was able to help out around the church and visit sick folk but being the head of the trustee board is something different and I’m not cut out for it anymore.”

  Greg’s eyes widened and his body tightened up. “Whoa, wait a minute,” he placed his palms up as if to calm Howard when he really just needed to calm himself. “Deaco
n Howard, maybe I, I mean maybe the church and I expected too much of you because you gave so much of yourself and we took advantage of that. I do apologize for that but…”

  Deacon Howard interrupted. “Greg, I look at you like you’re my son and nothing made me prouder than the moment you took the reins that God was handing you. I wanted to do everything to assist you as head of the trustee board because I believed that God entrusted me with my position. But now the time has come for me to step aside as not to do harm to you or JMC by not fulfilling my duties.”

  Greg looked perplexed. “Do harm to me?”

  A look of regret swept over the deacon’s face. “I just mean that I think it’s time for someone new to take the position. You are left with strong trustees and faithful men who will help guide and lead this church.”

  Greg shook his head and took a breath trying to comprehend what the deacon was saying. “Deacon, why?”

  Greg stared at the man with slightly graying eyebrows and age lines forming expressions of uneasiness and discomfort. If Greg didn’t know Deacon Howard as well as he did, he would have thought that the man was lying. “Deacon, I appreciate you and I trust you. If you tell me that God has called you out of your current position because it’s time then I will only say Godspeed to you. But if there’s something else going on, well... I would hope that you’d trust me enough to share that.”

  Deacon Howard stood up and looked down at Greg. “There’s nothing I can do about this, Greg.”

  Greg looked up at the man and took a deep breath. “Then let God’s will be done.”

  Chapter 37

  Leon sat on the bunk with his earbuds in his ears listening to music when the loud steel cell doors opened and four correctional officers burst into his cell. Determined not to look alarmed or frightened, Leon removed his buds and watched them swoop in.