Crowning Glory

by Pat Simmons

  If only she knew, Karyn thought, ignoring her coworker. Access to Karyn’s employment file was so secured, no one at her job would ever know. The hiring manager was a relative of one of her church members. Besides, if Patrice knew, so would her coworkers. Thank God for confidentiality.

  CHAPTER 28

  Wake up and pray.

  Recognizing God’s voice, Rossi did as instructed. At first, he dozed, but he stayed on his knees for more than an hour. He began with his usual prayer requests: the safety of the military troops, the needs of the senior citizens, teachers, homeless, “Lord Jesus, deliver Kim from the spirit of homosexuality, David from his dependency on drugs, remove Pam from adultery…he lifted up Levi, Karyn and Jet’s names.” He prayed in earnest until God took possession of his mouth and began to speak in unknown tongues.

  Watch and pray, God had spoken through His tongues.

  Since the last time God had interrupted his rest, Rossi had kept his spiritual eyes open and hadn’t seen the devil on the Tolliver premises. He was certain Levi was going to Crowns for Christ again this morning, and he would be there too.

  Rossi checked the time on the clock on his night stand: seven-thirty. Getting off his knees, he reached for his phone. Surely, Dori and Levi were awake, so he called them.

  “I’m going,” Rossi didn’t wait for Levi to greet him.

  “Where?”

  “I’m going to Karyn’s church with you.” Rossi walked into his bathroom.

  “What makes you think that? Doesn’t matter. Dori and I are taking Karyn out to dinner after church. Don’t take this the wrong way, but four’s a crowd.”

  Unfazed, Rossi replied, “Okay, I’ll meet you there.”

  “I’m not saving you a seat,” Levi stated defiantly.

  “Did you forget as a minister, God always saves me a seat either in the assembly or by invitation in the pulpit? Either way, there’s room.”

  Before they hung up, Levi once again sung the praises of Karyn.

  Rossi grinned as he shook his head. His cousin had it bad. It was his job to be on the lookout for the devil’s mischief.

  ***

  “Miss Karyn! Miss Karyn!” Dori yelled, waving as Karyn stepped off the church van.

  Karyn didn’t disappoint Levi’s little girl when her eyes widened and sparkled with delight. She squatted and opened her arms. Dori ran into them.

  Levi stood silently, waiting for his acknowledgement. The best he got was a weak hug. “Hey, I want what she got,” he protested, pointing to Dori.

  “Too bad. It’s reserved for good little girls,” she teased. With Karyn’s hair back into the single braid, she looked younger. She gave a simple sweater dress class. Dori clutched Karyn’s hand as they walked into the entrance of the sanctuary with Levi trailing them.

  An usher led them down an aisle to a pew. Levi helped Karyn then Dori remove their coats, then finally removed his. He laid them on the back of the seat and was the last one of them to get on his knees to pray to thank God for another opportunity to be there.

  With praise and worship underway, Levi chanced a glance over his shoulder. A familiar face a few pews behind him came into view. Rossi nodded and then dismissed to worship, singing along with the praise team.

  Twenty minutes later, the pastor approached the podium and adjusted the microphone. “Good morning, saints and friends.” He waited for their response. “It’s Resist the Devil Sunday. For our visitors, this is the time we set aside to do preventive maintenance on our souls. If you haven’t already, turn to Ephesians 6:11. How has your faith and endurance been holding up these last thirty days? Is your armor still sturdy? Are you strong in the Lord, not in yourself or other people? God has a winning record. He’s never lost a battle. His death on the cross was victory, because we won.”

  Levi leaned over and whispered, “I have yet to hear a financial prosperity sermon. For the last three Sundays, he has preached about strengthening our salvation walk.”

  “Oh, he does preach prosperity, but he says it’s in three parts: financial, health, and soul. Pastor Scaife’s philosophy is to deliver God’s sheep spotless and blameless before Him. If our soul is progressing, then everything else will fall in place. I got saved through the pri…promising ministry,” she explained.

  Pastor Scaife drew them back in. “After you go through your armor checklist, then make sure you have your oil.” He closed his Bible and descended the steps of the pulpit. “God expects you to carry oil with your armor. Don’t be foolish as the virgins in Matthew 25:10. If you don’t have your oil today, God has plenty in the form of the Holy Ghost. Repent and walk down the aisle. Ministers are waiting to pray for you, then choose to get your sins washed away…”

  His appeal became dramatic and people from all directions flocked to the altar for prayer. Some were led away to a side door for baptism. It took more than a half hour, but twelve souls were baptized. Four came out of the water speaking in other tongues. Not long after that, Pastor Scaife gave the benediction as he directed everyone to stand and leave a free-will offering. “Fight the good fight of faith until we meet again.”

  Unofficially, Levi felt like a member when some near him made an effort to speak to him before leaving. Then Halo approached, reminding him of a bouncer. Size never intimidated Levi.

  Rossi came from the other direction and slapped him on the shoulder and squeezed. “I’m glad I came.”

  Karyn spoke to a few women who had gathered around her then she hugged Halo to Levi’s chagrin.

  As the crowd thinned, Levi was about ready to leave with Karyn when something or someone stole Karyn’s interest. Stuffing his hands in his pocket, he casually pivoted on one heel, scoping out whoever was competing for her attention.

  A fair-skinned woman adorned in a mink hat and wrapped in a mink coat stared at Karyn. Levi frowned. Should he be concerned because Karyn froze, then moved in that direction in trancelike state. The mystery lady’s efforts were more hurried toward Karyn.

  Levi tried to assess the situation and how to respond. Besides her roommate and Karyn’s Sunday van riders, he knew very little about Karyn’s other friends. It wasn’t until after she and the woman embraced that Levi relaxed.

  They were practically fused together as they planted kisses on each other. They stepped back, scanned each other and began the ritual again.

  “Who is that?” Rossi shoved Levi as Dori ran circles around them. A minute later, a toddler joined Dori in the fun. “Are they crying?” Rossi asked, concerned.

  “Let’s go.”

  Karyn was almost hysterical with emotion when Levi scooted next to her. “Babe, is everything all right?’

  Sniffing, she nodded. “Levi and Minister Rossi, I want you to meet Nalani Wallace, my younger sister.”

  CHAPTER 29

  “I haven’t seen my sister—”

  “In four years,” Levi finished. “I know.” He squeezed Karyn around her shoulder, then looked at Nalani for the first time and extended his hand. “Nice to meet you. I’m Levi. He’s Minister Rossi,” he tilted his head, “my cousin.”

  Rossi accepted Nalani’s hand, nudging Levi aside. “It’s nice to meet you.” He hadn’t taken his eyes off her sister.

  “And that bunch over there,” Karyn said, pointing to her favorite van riders, including Buttercup, “those are my people. They not only love me, but they have my back.” They waved and one by one formed an impromptu receiving line to meet and greet her sister.

  Pulling Karyn, Levi whispered, “Should I be offended that your only description of me is my name?”

  She was too emotional to respond, and Rossi seemed to take control, dispersing the group to give Karyn and Nalani space.

  “Since Levi was taking Karyn to dinner, why don’t you join us, Nalani?” Rossi asked.

  “There is no us Rossi. I didn’t invite you,” Levi mumbled.

  Any other time, Karyn would have blushed at his possessiveness, but not now. She was itching to be alone with her sister. Four years
was a long time to be detached from the world. Before Levi, there was her family, and no one could ever replace that.

  “Oh.” Karyn gnawed on her lip. “Do you mind if we take a rain check? I really want to catch up with my sister.”

  His cousin stood silently watching as if he was analyzing the situation. Rossi made Karyn nervous, as if God was exercising the gift of knowledge through him. She hoped not. Levi deserved the truth from her—if she decided to tell him. And her “if” was getting bigger every day.

  Karyn closed her eyes and gave Levi a hug. He didn’t seem to want to let her go, then kissed the crown of her head. “Woman, I’ll miss you.” He smoothed her cheek with the back of his finger. Karyn indulged in his touch.

  “Perhaps, we’ll see each other again.” Rossi faced Karyn. “Enjoy your afternoon.”

  The charm of the Tolliver men was in full throttle. Once they left, Karyn claimed the nearest pew and dragged her sister down with her. They squealed and hugged again like chatty teenagers.

  The deacons began to turn off the main lights in the sanctuary, but the sunlight through the stained glass windows beamed here and there in the auditorium. A quiet peace filled the place. Sighing, Karyn’s soul overflowed with happiness.

  “I have so many questions,” Nalani said. She removed her mink coat. The clothes on Nalani’s back were a designer’s. Karyn had been out of the loop too long to name the architect. Still, the two-piece suit with gold pearl buttons looked good on her sister.

  Nalani leaned forward. “You remind me of a teenager.” She reached out and fingered Karyn’s single braid. “But your eyes tell a different story.”

  “And you.” Karyn squinted. “You’re momma reincarnated—dainty, stylish, and confident.”

  Five years younger at twenty-two, Karyn guessed Nalani was about five-three without her four-inch stilettos. Where Karyn’s hair was long, black, and wavy, Nalani opted for a sassy short style and wore all the accessories for true diva status.

  Whatever men preferred on a woman, Nalani had it from the top to bottom. Karyn was sure Victoria’s Secret’s merchandise was sized with her in mind. Her skin was the perfect blend of beige sand. She had a tiny beauty mole above her left naturally arched brow, long lashes like their mom and light brown eyes that enjoyed sunny days. Nalani’s baby face remained with the delicately pinched chin. Plus, she had an irresistible smile, displaying straight teeth that were the result of their dad footing the bill for braces and an orthodontist’s meticulous attention.

  From the looks of her mink, Nalani hadn’t disappointed Senator Nathaniel and the late Lana Wallace. “You’re beautiful. I wish I could say I taught you everything you know, but…” She swallowed. Karyn couldn’t blame anybody but herself for her actions.

  “Hey.” She squeezed her hand. “You’re teaching me how to pick up the pieces. You’ve spiraled downhill, yet you survived prison, and I’m here to help you now.”

  Karyn sniffed, and dabbed her eyes. “It’s a good thing I don’t wear much makeup because I wouldn’t be very attractive right now.”

  “You’ll always be attractive to me,” Levi’s voice came from out of nowhere, startling them.

  Patting her chest, Karyn wondered how much he had heard. “You scared me. What are you still doing here?” Her heart fluttered with a bout of fear.

  He held up her purse and coat. “Dori left her Bible on the pew and your stuff was still there.”

  “Oh.” She lowered her eyes in embarrassment. “Thanks.”

  “You’re welcome, beautiful.” He winked and whistled as he strolled away.

  She followed his movements until he, Rossi and Dori walked out the sanctuary. When she turned back to her sister, Nalani was grinning.

  Nalani tilted her head in the direction of Levi’s retreating figure. “Hmm. He’s my first question. Does he know?”

  “No.” Karyn shook her head. She didn’t want to talk about Levi at the moment. “You have no idea how badly I missed you and Daddy. One bad decision caused my freedom to be snatched away—justifiably so. That’s when I understood that rights weren’t a given, but a privilege. I could no longer stay up watching late night TV. The lights went out at eight, and I had to pray for sleep to come. I don’t want to depress you.” Karyn mustered a weak smile. “So how did you find me? You stopped writing, so I figured something was going on at home with Daddy’s threat, I dared not call collect or write.”

  Nalani wouldn’t meet her eyes and fiddled with her manicured fingers. She was stalling. “Ah,” she twisted her lips, “Daddy died…about six months ago.”

  “Dead…six months?” Tears choked Karyn’s vision as her heart jumped. “Dead?” Her hands trembled as she covered her face. She had missed his last breath of life because she was in prison. Her last memory was his disgust that his well-bred daughter would commit such a cowardly and heinous act. She never would reconcile the hurt she caused him and others. Despite her incarceration, life went on and passed away. She had missed four of Nalani’s birthdays, her father’s death, and no telling what else.

  Whoever thought convicts had it easy with room and board needed to ask her. Perpetrators’ lives were changed inside prison just like victims’ lives were irreversible. Could the day get any worse? Now, Karyn craved for Levi’s strong arms of comfort and his solid chest for strength.

  Nalani steadied her hands. “Hey, let’s go somewhere so we can talk, but not at that New Beginnings place. I went there first and informed some woman in charge that I was your sister. She placed a fist on her hip and seemed too happy to inform me that my name wasn’t on your visitor’s list. Sis, I was getting ready to go ghetto on her, but another woman defused the situation. She flipped through a log and gave me this church’s address. The GPS in the rental car couldn’t get me here fast enough. I came here on a mission—to find my sister.”

  “Feisty, aren’t ya?” Karyn’s somber mood lifted and she hugged Nalani.

  “You know it, when it comes to my big sister.” She grinned proudly.

  “I have to call my caseworker to get her approval for a change of plans. With Levi, I’ve had a constant list of requests. I had no idea he planned to take me to dinner. Your surprise visit kept me from telling him no again. My caseworker is so sick of me. Although I can’t afford to violate my parole for anything or anyone, I’ve been close because of Levi. But for my little sister, it’s worth the call.”

  “I thought you were out of prison.” Nalani crossed her arms.

  “Yes and no. I’m no longer housed at the Decatur Correctional Center, but I’m still in the judicial system. I don’t have to be in bed by eight, but my whereabouts must be accounted for at all times.”

  “Oh.” Nalani handed Karyn her smartphone. “Make the call. I’m ready to eat.”

  “I have my own phone. Levi made sure of it.”

  CHAPTER 30

  “She really must have fallen from grace with her family.” Levi whistled. “Her sister looks like she has money to spare.” He stabbed his slice of meatloaf several times.

  The hearty appetite that the Tolliver men were known for had vanished from Levi. But Rossi’s hunger hadn’t been affected, since he had returned to the buffet station twice.

  Levi laid down his fork and shifted his arms. “Karyn catches the bus, works at a dead-end job, and is struggling to finish paying for her education.”

  He had to get Levi to snap out of his reverie. “Hey.” He used his fork to point. “You know your elbow isn’t supposed to be on the table. Aunt Jet says it’s bad manners.”

  Snarling, Levi obliged. ”Yeah Aunt Jet says is as aggravating as Simons Says.”

  Why did he say that? Rossi knew Jet’s nit-picking got under Levi’s skin sometimes. Usually, Levi held his tongue out of respect for his late wife. At those times, Jet aimed at his jugular. “Okay, back to Karyn…or her sister. She’s nice on the eyes too.”

  Nalani was beautiful. She was definitely a wealthier version of her sister. Sipping on his Diet Coke, he eyed his c
ousin and leaned back in their booth. “So, how much do you really know about Karyn?”

  Levi stared in space. “Definitely not enough.”

  That’s what I thought, Rossi didn’t dare voice it.

  ***

  Karyn’s regular caseworker had left early due to an emergency. Her replacement implemented the rules without the blink of an eye. Not surprised, Karyn accepted the denial without question while her sister was dumbfounded.

  So to Nalani’s disappointment, they remained at Crowns for Christ for dinner. Karyn did her best to keep the mood light. After the evening service, they tearfully parted ways. Karyn had to return to New Beginnings on the van with the other riders.

  “This garlic bread tastes homemade.” Nalani took another bite.

  “Judging from the way you’re shoving that spaghetti down your throat, I figured you liked El Café de Crowns for Christ,” Karyn teased.

  Buttercup left her cozy spot next to Halo and slid in the space beside Karyn. She didn’t say anything at first. “Hey, Karyn’s sister. I know we met briefly back in the sanctuary, but Karyn and I watch out for each other.”

  “Humph. More like she bosses me around,” Karyn joked.

  Smiling, Nalani reached across the table and tapped Buttercup’s hand. “I’m glad she had you. Thank you.”

  Buttercup tilted her head. “Well, don’t thank me too much longer, because it’s almost time for me to break out the joint.” She grinned, patted the table, stood, and walked back to where Halo was starting on his second plate.

  Leaning over, Nalani whispered, “I like her, but she seems odd. Is she part of a Native tribe with that elaborate headband?”

  “Every week,” Karyn said nonchalantly.

  “Huh?”

  Waving her hand in the air, Karyn chuckled. “Buttercup’s obsessions are another day’s topic.” Suddenly, her mood turned somber. She was still digesting that her last parent was gone and she had missed the opportunity to say good-bye. “What happened to Daddy?” she whispered as if not saying it aloud would not make it real.