Keith’s neck popped back. “He didn’t. You know that. Now, let’s get going or they’ll start without us.”
“They wouldn’t dare. It’s our foundation.”
Gina chaired the Trey Keith Foundation established in their son’s honor after Trey battled leukemia and won. The foundation assisted other families with whatever they needed—money, food, clothing, shelter—so they could focus on what mattered: fighting cancer. Gina volunteered her time and often read stories and tutored the children in the cancer ward.
When Gina and Keith arrived, Keith was ecstatic to see the crowd of professionals in attendance. What started out as a venture with 150 people now boasted 1,000 participants at $10,000 per plate. Keith’s celebrity status was a draw. He tapped his pocket for the small speech he’d prepared.
He scanned the crowd and smiled at Natalie who was being chummy with Dexter Greene, NFL quarterback. That’s one hookup he could not see happening. Keith tilted his head at Natalie, summoning her.
“Has the bishop shown up yet? Or are you too busy swooning over Dexter Greene?” he asked once she had made it over to him. Bishop Combs had returned from his cruise but had been avoiding a meeting. Keith intended to pin him down tonight.
“No, the Bishop hasn’t shown up. I’m keeping an eye out for him.” She did a couple of dance steps and turned to rejoin the football star.
“Let me know when he does,” Keith said.
Natalie nodded and pointed in another direction. Following her finger, Keith saw the back of his brother’s head. Of course, he had Verona with him.
With a hand on Gina’s back, Keith guided her through the throng over to where Michael and Verona stood. Since Gina was short, she had not seen Michael until they were in close proximity.
Too late now.
Gina gripped his hand in a tight squeeze to communicate her vast displeasure. Through a forced smile, she said, “I can’t believe you invited him.”
Keith knew she would not act out in public, but he would catch heat for it later.
“Verona, you look lovely.” Keith kept his eyes away from his wife’s, feeling the heat of Gina’s indignant glare. Good thing he wasn’t made out of ice.
Verona wore a cream A-line gown with a generous slit in the front. She blushed at Keith’s compliment. “Thanks so much for having us,” she said.
Keith nudged Gina to say something.
“You do look amazing,” she finally said. Her good manners won out and she addressed Michael. “How’ve you been?” Despite her question, her demeanor said, “I really don’t care,” but Keith was glad she had spoken.
“I’ve been better,” Michael stated. Keith saw him eye Gina’s gown. “You look good, Gina.”
Gina didn’t acknowledge Michael’s compliment. “I must go greet the other guests and check to see if Colleen and Terence have arrived.” Gina referenced her best friend since high school, Colleen Hayworth, and her husband, Terence. She excused herself. Keith knew Gina couldn’t abide being in Michael’s presence for too long.
Keith noticed Verona’s facial expression when Michael eyed Gina’s outfit. He knew that look well. Poor girl. Jealousy was depicted all over her face. Did Michael know? Keith doubted it. Michael could be clueless when it came to women.
Keith spared Verona by changing the subject. “Our court hearing is set for two weeks.”
“I know. Verona told me.” Michael hung his head. “At times, I can’t believe this is happening to me. How did I get here? How did I manage going from the top of my game to the lowest of the low? Could somebody explain that to me?”
Keith shook his head. “I may not be able to answer that question, brother, but God has His reasons. You might feel like Joseph now, but God has a way of working things out, when you least expect Him.”
Keith could see Michael was listening. His brother squinted his eyes. “Who’s Joseph?” he asked.
Verona chimed in, before he could answer. “Mr. Preacher Man is talking about Joseph from the Bible. His father, Jacob, had twelve sons. Of the twelve, Joseph was the treasured son. His brothers were so jealous they sold him into slavery. A lot of things happened but basically, Joseph went from prison to become the second in command of the entire nation of Egypt.”
“You know the Bible?” Michael swung his head to face her, like he’d never seen her before.
Keith saw Verona blush. “I grew up in church,” she stammered. “There’s a lot you don’t know about me.”
“I’m seeing that,” Michael agreed, touching his chin in thought.
Watching their interaction, Keith felt like he was intruding on a private moment.
“Verona, let’s meet up tomorrow to go through the case,” Keith suggested.
“I’ll be there too, and she goes by Tiger,” Michael rushed in.
“You don’t have to come,” Verona assured his brother with a small pat.
“I’ll be there, I said,” Michael insisted as he faced her. “It’s my case, and I’m paying you. I want to ensure you’re doing the best for me.”
“You can always fire me,” she shot back. “I don’t know why I continue to work for such an insufferable . . .”
Some serious bickering between the couple started. He suppressed a knowing grin. Michael had feelings for Verona, even if Michael didn’t realize it. They sounded and acted like an old married couple. Speaking of married, Keith sought out his wife.
Tuning them out, Keith scanned the crowd until he located her schmoozing with Ned and Penelope Winthrop: his boss and his boss’s wife. As he left Michael and Verona to their own musings, he wondered why Michael had insisted on coming. Was it that Michael didn’t trust Keith around any woman?
Chapter Twelve
“Did you forget already why we’re here?” Michael gripped Verona’s arm.
She shrugged out of his grasp. “Ease up, will you? I saw Gina head toward the ladies’ room. I’m on it.” She sashayed toward her destination.
Michael watched the sway of Verona’s hips and swallowed. Why did she look so appealing all of a sudden? When she arrived to get him, he had not been prepared to see such a vision before him. Michael had taken in her upswept hairdo and the sheath gown hugging her curves like it was glued on and forgotten how to breathe. To cover his discomfort, Michael had been gruff. “You’re late. I don’t pay you to be late.”
Verona growled at him but he hadn’t cared. He didn’t need her looking so . . . good. It was a distraction, and one he didn’t need.
A hand burrowed deep into his shoulder blades.
Michael whipped around. It was Bill Laurelton, his former partner and his accuser’s father.
“What a shame I didn’t bring my bug spray.” Bill jabbed his finger into Michael’s chest. “You’ve got guts showing your face in public after what you did to my daughter.”
Bill’s gnarly breath hit him with full force. Michael retreated several steps. “Trey’s my nephew and this is a foundation in his honor. I’m here to support him. I don’t want any trouble. But, I didn’t do anything to your daughter.”
Bill raised his voice. “Yes, you did. You raped my little girl.” He tried to take a swing but staggered.
Michael felt the stares of a few onlookers. He did not relish the attention. He whispered, “Bill, please, this is not the time or place. If you want us to talk, we can. Remember, we’re friends and partners.”
“Friend! You’re no friend of mine. You’re a rapist and when I’m done with you, you’ll be penniless and eating with swine.” Bill’s loudly slurred words quieted the room.
Michael saw a flash in his peripheral vision and recalled the press was present. Michael turned to leave.
Men pulled their women behind them, giving him confrontational glances. There was not one friendly face. Michael broke into a light run. In a childish move, someone stuck a foot out. He tripped and stumbled. Oh, no. His body catapulted. Michael was going down face first. Then a strong pair of hands grabbed him.
“It’s all righ
t. I’ve got you.”
Michael gave Keith a grateful look. Once he had been righted, Michael flung himself into his brother’s arms. For the first time, in a long time, he felt at peace. He felt at home.
Verona’s bravado vanished as soon as the door closed. She scanned the stalls until she located Gina’s shoes. Those silver stilettos were must-haves. Verona entered the stall and hurried to relieve herself before Gina exited hers.
Okay, here goes. “I can’t believe there’s no paper in here.” She groaned, and then waited.
“I hate when that happens. Do you need me to pass you some?” Gina offered.
Bingo. “Would you?”
She heard a chuckle. “Look out for my hand.” Their hands met between the stalls.
“Thank you so much.”
Seconds later, Verona heard the flush and telltale lock unclick. She took care of her business and rushed out to join Gina at the sink. “I must say I love your shoes.” Gina’s smile faltered once she recognized her. The smaller woman nodded and then moved to dry her hands. It was obvious Gina could not get out of there fast enough. Verona knew she had to talk fast. “Gina! Wait, don’t go. Please.”
Gina turned. Deadpanned, she asked, “What can I do for you?”
Verona looked Gina square in the eyes. “I was doing my job. I don’t always have to agree with my client’s wishes. In fact, I’m glad you have your children. They belong with you.”
She referenced the court case of three years prior, when Michael hired her to pursue custody of Trey and Epiphany. He did it to punish Keith and Gina for their betrayal. Michael knew he didn’t have a chance to win but he wanted to make them pay.
“Really? Forgive me if I don’t believe that. I think it’s all about money for you. Just like the hefty donation made on behalf of Tiger Trust for Cancer Kids? What was that about?”
Now Verona sounded like a money-hungry she didn’t know what. “No, it isn’t about money. I have to earn a living. I worked hard to get where I am. The donation I made will help children in need.”
Gina snorted. “Or, it will help assuage your guilt for not caring about anyone or anything.” Her words hurt, but Verona didn’t respond. Gina shrugged. “Okay, I’ve heard you out, and forgive me when I say I hope I never see you again anytime soon.”
Verona wasn’t one to give up easy. “I hope you’re referring to not seeing me in court, because my real reason for seeking you out is that I want to learn more about God.” Where had that come from? She knew she had to think on her feet, but now she’d put her foot in her mouth. She couldn’t tell when she’d last been to church.
Ever the pastor’s wife, Gina’s tone changed. “You’re interested in Bible Study?”
No, Verona really wasn’t. The things I do for Michael Ward who doesn’t even know I’m a woman, or I exist, or I’m in love with him. “Yes, I am. Believe it or not, I’ve seen your husband’s show. I’ve listened to his sermons and he’s really inspiring.” Well, she had listened in an attempt to discredit him, but Verona wouldn’t mention that tidbit. Verona had to admit he was eloquent and could sway a crowd. However, that didn’t mean Keith still possessed the skills to sway a jury.
Gina wife beamed at Verona’s compliment. Aha! Keith was her ticket into Gina’s good graces.
“He is inspiring. Keith’s conversion is genuine. He truly cares about people’s souls. That’s why he’s taken Michael’s case. Keith thinks this is God’s way of leading Michael home.” Gina snickered. “Keith seems to be under the mistaken impression we’ll experience another prodigal return home sappy story.”
Verona crooked her head. This time she wasn’t pretending her interest. She wanted to know what Gina thought. “You don’t think Michael’s life mirrors the story of the prodigal? I mean he is about to lose everything. He’s signed over his business. His assets are frozen. His freedom’s on the line,” she rattled off. “Your ex-husband is in a bad place. Michael had to return, reunite with Keith, and seek his help.”
By tacit agreement the women left the restroom when other occupants entered.
Gina arched her eyebrow at her. “You sure you need Bible Study? Because it seems to me you know your Bible pretty well.”
Busted. “True. But, knowing the Word isn’t the same as living the Word.” Gina nodded.
Silence ensued.
At that moment, Verona and Gina heard shouting. Gina’s hand covered her mouth in shock. Verona clutched her chest. They heard Bill Laurelton eviscerating Michael before the massive crowd. They saw Michael’s ashen face and his attempt to run.
Without realizing it, their hands connected upon seeing the well-placed foot that precipitated his fall.
“Looks like the fall of the prodigal.” Gina smirked. Her sense of humor wasn’t welcomed or acknowledged.
They’re going to stampede him, Verona realized. She had to help Michael. “No!” Verona stepped forward, but Gina pulled on her hand.
Verona and Gina watched as Keith pressed through the crowd to lunge and save Michael from falling. Every one watched the embrace knowing they had front row seats to brothers who had found their way back to each other. Cameras flashed in rapid succession. The reporters in the crowd pulled out their pens, glad to have found something newsworthy.
Verona found her voice once her heart slowed. “Looks more like the return of the prodigal to me,” she said, enjoying the verbal sparring. Was she starting to like Gina a little bit?
Gina rolled her eyes. “Bible Study. Wednesday night. Seven p.m. Don’t be late.”
She was in! Verona kept her features cool but she wanted to dance a jig. “I’ll be there. On time.”
Yes, Verona admitted, in spite of her jealous notions, she liked Gina. In fact, Verona applauded Gina knowing how difficult this must be for her. She would be scared too if she had faced the possibility of losing her children. Even if it was farfetched, it was still scary. “I’ll be there,” Verona responded with her most humble tone.
Gina took a couple steps then turned. “Oh, and, Verona, you can bring your Bible, but don’t bring that face with you.” She swirled her index finger in circles as she commented.
“What face?” Verona creased her forehead.
“The face of a woman in love with her boss.” With a click of her heels, the shorter woman left Verona standing there to pick her face up off the floor.
She did not appreciate that barb. So what if the barb had hit its mark? Verona swung her head from left to right paranoid her face reflected her emotions like a light bulb. She touched her cheeks in a self-protective gesture, feeling like all eyes were on her.
Common sense spoke to her brain. She was being dramatic. No one was paying her any attention. No one could tell. Her eyes connected with Gina.
She was wrong. Gina Ward could tell. Gina knew Verona was in love with her ex-husband.
Chapter Thirteen
THE PREACHER AND THE PRISONER!
ONE BROTHER FOR THE PULPIT, ANOTHER FOR THE PRISON!
NO SECOND CHANCES FOR HIM!
FROM PROSPER TO PAUPER!
“Blah, blah, blah. They’re all the same.” Verona read the headlines as she plopped one paper after another on the on the kitchen table in Michael’s penthouse. “The press is marching in a grand parade with this.” She pointed to a picture of Michael and Keith embracing. Outraged, she exclaimed, “They’re making a mockery of a tender moment.”
“As they should.”
Verona had not been prepared for Michael’s response. “Don’t you care what they are saying?”
“Not if it’s the truth,” he said. “Look at me. I look like a wuss having to clutch my brother for help. My old business partners must be enjoying a laugh at my expense.” Michael snatched the paper to examine the picture before slinging it to the floor in disgust. “I wish they hadn’t captured me at that exact moment. I look—”
“Vulnerable?” Verona filled in. And cute, and hot, and human.
Michael shoulders slumped. “Yes, vulnerable.”
He grabbed his head. “I hate it! For years I’ve prided myself on not needing anyone. I climbed to the highest rung on the proverbial ladder of success and now look at me. I’m practically on my knees.”
If only he would get on his knees. “Humility never killed anyone. It’s pride that goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall,” Verona said.
With a question in his eyes, Michael asked, “Did you quote the Bible?”
She gulped. “I did.”
He looked at her with suspicion. “I didn’t know you were into the Bible and stuff like that. I don’t ever recall hearing you say you go to church.”
“That’s ’cause I don’t.” Verona’s voice sounded as edgy as she felt. Michael was treading into dangerous territory.
“But you used to be in church,” he pushed. It was as if Michael sensed something and he could not resist digging. “I mean, no one quotes scriptures like that unless they grew up at the altar.”
Fine. She would admit to the obvious. “Yes, I used to go to church. Used to; as in not anymore.” Folding her arms, she injected steel in her voice. “I don’t want to talk about it.”
Michael glided into her space. “You don’t want to talk? Or, you won’t?”
She blinked. “Either one, pick your choice.”
He held his hands up. “Prickly, aren’t we?”
“Very. Now leave it alone.”
Michael touched his chin before tilting his head. “I see there are many more facets to you I still haven’t discovered.”
What an understatement. Verona was wading in the river of denial and she liked it. “What you see is what you get.”
He tapped her chin. “Somehow I doubt that.”
She was shaken from his touch, but Verona refused to take the bait. If it killed her, she wouldn’t show how moved she was by his proximity. She lifted an eyebrow at Michael and said, “Can we get to work please? Your brother will be here in an hour and we have things to discuss.”
Taking purposeful steps, Verona walked into Michael’s study. Once he had entered and was seated, she took a deep breath. “Even though you’ve resigned, the company is still in trouble. The stocks plunged. Investors and contractors are dropping our business faster than I can count. After Bill’s stunt last night, we’re on our face.”
The Fall of the Prodigal Page 6