Taylor listened intently; no one could accuse Evan of not being a clever woman. “I like that last sentence, may I use it?”
“Sure. I’m surprised that I’m even discussing Leon because I normally don’t. I like to keep the past in the past,” Evan said.
Taylor put her pen down. “I imagine that it’s kind of hard to do seeing that you still live in the town where so much happened, isn’t it?”
“You’re right but Greg and I have so much support here that we had to stay. We weren’t going to let Leon destroy our lives.”
Taylor fixed her eyes on Evan. “Do you ever blame yourself for anything Leon did? Like maybe you had some responsibility in it?”
Evan winced; gripping her napkin tightly. “No.”
“Oh,” Taylor said, staring at the trickles of water accumulating on the side of her glass of ice water. “Sometimes, victims question their roles in abusive situations, and that’s what I was referring to.”
Evan stared at her and shook her head. “I know better. I want it all behind me. The funny thing is that just when I was moving on, I get this email from Leon that just gave me the creeps.”
Taylor glanced at Evan. “Oh yeah?”
Evan took a deep breath. “It was just a bunch of gibberish really but it just made me think that an abuser just never gives up. Sometimes, I wonder if he’s somewhere watching me wanting to get revenge on me or come after me. I don’t know; it’s crazy.”
Taylor snickered. “That’s not likely. He’s in prison.”
“Exactly,” Evan answered.
“Here you are, ladies,” the young dark-haired waiter said, placing warm croissants in the center of the table and refilling cups. “Your meals will be here shortly.”
“Thank you,” Evan said to the waiter before she looked at Taylor. “I’m so glad we did this.”
Taylor smiled. “Me, too.”
Chapter 50
“I nominate trustee James Mason as head of the trustee board, to hold all of the duties and responsibilities that the duties and the role entail,” Minister Byron said.
“I second that motion,” Deacon Willis said with his salt-and-pepper mustache bowed up in a proud smile.
“All those in favor, say aye,” Minister Byron said.
The resounding voices were unanimously “aye” with none opposed. Greg forced a smile on his face, clapping along with the trustees at James' appointment. Having struggled within his own mind about this meeting and James' nomination for head trustee, Greg felt absent from the proceedings. It took everything in him not to stand up and stop the whole thing. If Tim was telling the truth, that meant that the chief was worse than anybody he ever arrested and it made Greg nauseous. Now, everything that he did had to be questioned including why he wanted to be head trustee so badly. Ben was right; he had given James a pass without ever questioning him and somehow James had waltzed right up to the head trustee position in JMC while Greg had never once heard him talk about the Lord.
“Pastor?” Deacon Little called out to Greg to get his attention.
Greg nodded. “Trustee Mason, you have been selected to serve as head trustee of the Jehovah Missionary Church. Minister Bryon, will you do the honors?”
Minister Byron stood up immediately, meeting James in the front of the board room. “Please raise your right hand.”
Sticking his chest out, James raised his right hand and placed his left hand on the bible.
“Do you, Trustee James Mason, accept and serve this office gifted to you to serve God and the church in all honesty, integrity and diligence and to uphold the teachings of the authority of God’s holy word in faith without waver or derision in Jesus' name?”
“I do,” James answered.
“You are hereby appointed as head trustee,” Minister Byron said.
Claps rang out while Greg watched James stand before them all with a modest smile at his newly appointed title. He placed his hands up to calm everyone’s clapping so he could speak. “Gentlemen,” James said over the now softening claps surrounding him. “I humbly thank you for this appointment. I will honor this position and be faithful in it.”
There were more claps as James stood, seemingly humble. He looked over at Greg, “And Pastor Greg, I thank you,” he smiled before turning back to the other men, “and the other trustees because I know that I have big shoes to fill. No one can replace Deacon Howard but I will do my best.”
“You’ll do fine,” Minister Byron laughed causing the other trustees to clap once again.
Rick rested his wrists on the table and intertwined his fingers. “This is a big job, James.”
“Deacon Rick, don’t I know it. I’ll definitely do my best.”
Greg looked out at the trustees at the table. “We certainly pray that James will be governed and directed by the spirit of God in Jesus' name.”
James looked over at Greg. “Yes, thank you, Pastor.”
Minister Byron stood up. “Now that you’ve been appointed, we ask that Pastor Greg pray over you with the laying on of hands.”
Greg sat a moment as all eyes focused on him. He stood up and walked over to James. The two men faced each other and Greg placed his hand on James. “Let us pray,” Greg said as he bowed his head and began praying for James.
After Greg’s prayer, James threw his arms around him. “Thank you Pastor, friend.”
Greg nodded as James turned and began chatting with the other trustees as the men stood around drinking coffee and shaking hands. Greg refused to stay in the room any longer. He was walking toward the door when James called out to him. “Pastor Greg, you have a minute?” James asked, approaching the pastor.
Greg turned around then looked at his watch. “Probably just that.”
“You seemed deep in thought today,” James said. “Is everything okay?”
“It is,” Greg crossed his arms. “What about with you?”
“Everything’s great,” James replied.
“Good, congratulations to you again,” Greg said.
“I wouldn’t be here without you. I appreciate your support. I admire you for transforming this church and I’m glad to be a part of it.”
“God transformed this church,” Greg corrected James.
James chuckled at the correction, “Right,” he said with the same zealous expression that he couldn’t seem to wipe off of his face. “I know how close you and Deacon Howard are so I appreciate you.”
“I trust that Deacon Howard made the best decision for him and his family.” Greg said, watching the other men talk among themselves.
James nodded. “I hope that you and I can be just as close and work just as well together.”
Greg paused, then smiled. “We have a long friendship Chief. God will make sure that all is well.”
“Yes, he will.”
To look at James was hard and carrying on a conversation was harder. “Chief, I know you probably have a lot going on at the station and I’d better head back to my office to get some work done too.”
“You need to relax,” James said as Greg headed toward the door.
Greg looked back and forced a smile
Chapter 51
Mimi picked up several tomatoes, squeezing them slightly before choosing two for her hand basket. Now, all she needed were cucumbers, garbanzo beans and spinach to complete her salad. She'd been in the grocery store far too long and she still had so much to do in preparation to see Aaron tomorrow. Mimi picked up a bag of spinach and was checking out the expiration date when unexpectedly, tiny arms were wrapped around her waist, causing her to jump slightly and drop the bag of spinach.
“Hi, Ms. Mimi,” the tiny voice said. Mimi looked down to see Rick’s son, Thomas, with his arms sweetly around her and his brothers, the twins John and Joshua, standing beside Rick, who was bending down picking up her bag of spinach.
Mimi smiled. “Hi, guys, how are you?”
“Fine,” they all said in unison. They had grown up so much. To think that Ariel and Rick’s boy
s were now nine and six. They were growing up fast and handsome, dressed in their private school uniforms. Rick was taking very good care of them.
“Here you go,” Rick said handing her the bag of spinach.
“Thank you, Thomas startled me,” Mimi said, feeling embarrassed.
“He recognized you first and wanted to come over and say hi,” Rick said.
“You didn’t?” Mimi joked with Rick.
Rick laughed. “Of course, once I realized that it was you, I intended on speaking. How ya’ doing, Mimi?”
“I’m great. Your boys must have either been hiding at church or growing up behind the scenes.”
“Yeah, probably both.” Rick smiled, looking over at his boys.
It wasn’t just the boys that looked different; Rick did as well. Maybe it was because Mimi avoided him so much at church that she hadn’t noticed. Slightly taller than her, he had put on more muscle over the last couple of years, causing his chest and shoulders to broaden out. She had never thought of him as handsome until this very moment as she admired his light brown complexion and that hint of a goatee.
“Boys,” Rick said, turning to his sons with bass in his voice as he addressed his seven-year-old twins who were trading fist jabs. “There’s not the way that we behave in public and around ladies.”
Mimi cheeks turned up. He is even getting tougher. “I guess when they’re at that age, it never stops huh?”
“Not really but it should,” Rick said. He put his hands in the pockets of his gray slacks. “It seems like you’re going to have a light dinner.”
Mimi looked at the bag of spinach in her hand. “Yes, I’m in the mood for a salad. I’m on this health kick and I’m trying really hard. Are you here picking up dinner?”
“No, I’m actually here because Thomas’ troop is having a party tomorrow and we came to pick up a vegetable tray or something.”
“Huh,” Mimi said, noticing Thomas’ disappointing frown at Rick’s mention of the vegetable tray.
“Huh what?” Rick asked her.
“I was just thinking that it’s not that cool to bring a veggie tray but kids love fruits so maybe a fruit tray? It’s still healthy. They have some nice ones here and there are lots of in-season varieties so it might go over better,” Mimi said, pointing to the deli counter behind her.
Thomas’ eyes grew wide. “Yea Dad,” Thomas said. “Come on Dad, please. I hate broccoli.”
Rick looked at Thomas then at Mimi. “Okay, a fruit tray it is.”
Mimi smiled and high-fived Thomas. “I better go,” she said smiling at Rick.
“Okay, it was good seeing you,” Rick said.
“I’ll see you gentlemen later. Maybe I’ll look for you all this Sunday,” Mimi said, giving each of the boys a hug.
“Have a great evening,” Rick said. Mimi adjusted the hand basket on her wrist and began walking off, wondering if he was checking out her behind as she walked away. She turned around. He waved. She waved back and smiled.
Chapter 52
Greg ended his run by checking the fitness tracker on his wrist then looking around for Rick who was coming in behind him. Panting and laughing at the same time at Rick’s slow trailing, Greg walked over to his truck for two bottles of water. Rick ran to Greg’s truck and collapsed to the ground. Greg laughed as he tried handing a bottle of water to Rick. Rick didn’t move, just opened his eyes and stared at Greg.
“Man, get up,” Greg laughed, reaching his hand out to Rick and helping him up.
Rick got up, leaned on Greg’s truck and brought the bottle of water up to his mouth. “Ahhh,” he drank, then looked at Greg. “That was a tough run, man. Don’t ask me to come with you anymore.”
“You did well; you finished,” Greg said, chugging water down his bottle as he leaned on the front of the truck.
Rick looked over at Greg. “You seem like you got a lot on your mind, man.”
“I guess,” Greg answered, putting the cap back on his bottle.
“What’s up?” Rick asked.
Greg knew that he couldn’t mention anything related to Tim or the accusations about James. “Why didn’t you put your name in for the head trustee position? You weren’t interested?”
Rick looked over at him. “Of course I wanted to put my name in but for some reason the votes were already decided in James' favor prior to the nomination and vote.”
Greg looked confused. “How’d you know that?”
“In conversation with some of the other trustees,” Rick answered. “I didn’t say anything because I didn’t want to start confusion. God is in control.”
“Yes, he is, Rick,” Greg said shielding his eyes from the sun.
“My momma always said that what doesn’t come out in the wash will come out in the rinse,” Rick said.
Greg immediately looked over at Rick. “Your momma said that?”
“Yes.”
“Okay,” Greg said, taking another drink.
“I saw Mimi the other day,” Rick said abruptly.
“Oh yeah, evil Mimi?”
“I didn’t say that she was evil,” Rick said.
Greg removed his armband with his cell phone from around his arm. “Maybe you didn’t use that exact word.”
“It was weird; we were in the store, Tommy saw her and before I knew it, he went and threw his arms around her like he was really fond of her and…”
“And what man?”
“And she was looking and smelling real nice,” Rick said.
“Who is this guy right here?” Greg laughed, patting Rick on the back. “So, do you want to have that dinner or not?”
Rick grinned. “Naw man, Mimi and I aren’t like that.”
“Nobody starts out like that,” Greg said.
Rick wiped his forehead. “Take me home,” he said, changing the subject and walking around to the passenger side of Greg’s truck. “This is the last time that I let you convince me to run eight miles.”
Greg opened his truck door. “We’ll go for nine miles next time.”
Chapter 53
James had seen the deposit slips prepared a thousand times. As he calculated and recalculated the church deposit, he was careful to remain serious now that he had officially been given the privilege of signing checks for the church. It was finally a done deal and none of his associates could have been happier than he was. There was indeed a lot of money flowing through JMC. James confirmed the amount of the church deposit then signed off on it along with Minister Byron and Rick. They packed the money together in the deposit bag.
Minister Byron struggled to get his large belly from beneath the table as he stood up. “I’ll accompany you to the bank.”
“I got it. I know exactly how to do this, minister,” James said.
Rick looked over at James. “It’s customary that at least two make the deposit, trustee.”
“It’s not absolutely necessary, I don’t guess,” Minister Byron said. “I’m supposed to meet my wife across town anyway.”
“I don’t mind,” Rick said.
James slipped on his suit jacket. “That’s okay Rick, we can’t be afraid of change. I’m in a police car; no one is going to mess with me.” Seeing that he was outvoted, Rick stepped back, succumbing to the pressure. Minister Byron smiled and patted him on the back. James cursed him under his breath. He was like Greg; he wanted to control everything but there was a new sheriff in town. No pun intended.
James made his way out of the church and to his patrol car with the deposit. Once inside, he texted Officer White telling him when he and Officer Hernandez would need to be at at the warehouse. They needed everything set up and ready for movement by the time he got there. This process had to be precise. Their earnings could not be confused with JMC’s church deposit because it had to match the church books. Combining their business earnings with the church deposit would allow for a clean trace in case the government ever came knocking inquiring about where their money came from.
Officers White and Hernand
ez were laughing when James walked into the warehouse with a satisfied grin on his face. “How ya’ doing today gentlemen?”
“Good afternoon Chief,” White said immediately standing up.
“What’s up Chief?” Hernandez said opening up the drawstring bags on the table.
“It’s a good day gentlemen and I smell money. How did our pickups go?” James asked pulling up a seat in front of the money machine that was set up and ready to go.
“Everything was good,” White said, opening one bag and taking out his ledger.
“Then let’s begin because I have a deposit to make,” James said.
Chapter 54
“Hello Greg,” Maria said in her thick Brooklyn Italian accent as she hugged him.
“How are you, Maria?” Greg asked, walking into Maria and Ben’s brick ranch style home where he was assaulted with the smell of Italian meatballs. He was all too familiar with the aroma.
Maria closed the door behind him. “How are Evan and Gracie?”
“They’re fine, Maria, thank you,” Greg answered, looking toward the kitchen where the smell was coming from.
“I know that you’re doing well because it’s written all over your handsome face. Evan is doing excellent by you, Pastor,” Maria surmised with a smile.
Greg smiled. “She definitely is, Maria.”
Barefoot, wearing shorts, a Yankees jersey and a backward turned Yankees cap, Ben walked into the kitchen and popped Maria on the behind. “Stop flirting with this guy. It’ll go to his head.”
Greg gave Ben a quick hug. “Jealousy is an ugly thing, Benjamin.”
Maria walked past Greg and patted his arm. “I knew you were coming so I cooked your favorite. I hope you haven’t eaten.”
Ben reached in the fridge for two bottles of Gatorade. “You know he hasn’t because he wants you to cook for him. I honestly think that’s why he wanted an Italian for a best friend, just so he could come over and eat.”
The Believer Page 19