Drama in the Church Saga (46 page)

Val and Jonah thanked him, and as Mr. Lawson walked away he spoke into the phone, “Reverend Baxter, what can I do for you?”

Once their meal arrived, Jonah and Val ate their dinner in silence. “Do you want to talk about what happened between us earlier today?” Jonah played with his food.

“No, not really.” She pointed across the table. “Can you pass me the salt?”

He handed her the saltshaker. “Val, I feel something special whenever I'm near you, and I know you feel the same.” He touched her hand. “You're the most beautiful, intelligent and generous woman I know, and it's rare to find a woman as pretty as you who isn't conceited, stuck-up or selfish.”

She couldn't help but smile. She threw her napkin at him playfully.

“I'm just kidding, but can you do me a favor?”

She nodded her head yes.

“Would you go out with me and Hope this Saturday?”

“Are you sure?” Val was honored that he wanted to share his time with Hope. “I don't want to intrude on your time together.”

He nodded his head. “The last time I visited with her she asked me”
—
he pointed to himself
—
“to ask you”
—
He pointed toward her
—
“to go out with us, and I told her I would.”

Val eyed him suspiciously. “She did not say that.”

“No.” He laughed. “Those weren't her exact words, but we did talk about asking you to go out with us on Saturday. It's the first time social services are going to allow me to visit with her away from the home. I thought it would be fun if you came along. She's grown so much since the last time you've seen her. We figured that if we treated you to lunch that would be a start at thanking you for everything you've done for us.”

Val pushed the broccoli around on her plate. Jonah's request warmed her heart. It felt good to be wanted by someone. “I would love to go out with the two of you on Saturday.”

“Great. I know exactly where we'll go. I promise you will enjoy yourself. So it's a date. I'll pick you up at one o'clock sharp in your living room.” They looked at one another and laughed heartily.

Dean wanted to come to the jail alone. He wanted to confront his grandpa in private about the vandalism that happened at the house, but Colin thought it was a bad idea. He knew how upset Dean was and he didn't want things to get out of hand. So he offered to tag along to make sure things went smoothly.

“I appreciate you coming with me,” Dean said after they sat down in the visiting room. “I'll do whatever I can to help you out.” Colin gave him a brotherly hug before Judge West was escorted in.

“Congratulations!” the judge shouted. “I heard you and Olivia got married. I always said she was a good woman. I'm so glad you made it official. You made a good choice.”

“How did you find out?” Dean wasn't going to tell him anything about the wedding.

“Reverend Simms told me. He still comes to visit at least once a week.” Then he turned to Colin. “I guess your partner told you everything.”

Colin nodded his head yes.

“Are you disappointed?”

Colin wasn't sure what to say. “Judge West, I love you. What you did in the past has nothing to do with right now. As far as I'm concerned, your slate is wiped clean with me.” Colin turned toward Dean. “It's others who may not be as forgiving.”

Judge West understood then spoke to his grandson. “I thought you were finished with me for good. What brings you back to this hellhole?”

“As if you don't know.”

The judge looked at him confused.

“Your friends left a burning cross on our front lawn? What do your people want? Why are they harassing me and my family?”

The judge inhaled a few times, and when he was finally ready to talk, he had tears in his eyes. “At first I thought they just wanted payback against me because I had left the brotherhood, but after the letter I got the other day, now I know they want more.”

He had Colin and Dean's full attention.

“The brotherhood accused me of abandoning them. They told me I was a thief, because I took their money for law school and they were never compensated for paying my way.”

“So this is about money,” Colin said.

“I wish it were that easy, but I think this is their way of warning me not to implicate any of them in the murder of that boy. If I try to cut a deal with the feds or cooperate with them in any way, they will reach out to hurt my family.”

“Damn!” Dean slammed his fist down on the table. “I can't believe this could affect my family.” He pointed in his grandpa's face. “Nothing better not happen to my wife or I'll kill you myself.”

“Dean . . .” Judge West was at a loss for words.

“Judge, is there anything we can do to stop them?” Colin intervened.

“I did get a letter the other day and they offered to have all the charges against me dropped,” Judge West said.

“They can't do that,” Dean said. “The feds are the ones prosecuting you.”

“Don't you understand? They
are
the government. I told you that they have connections everywhere. Don't underestimate the power of the brotherhood. A lot of liberals think that racism has ceased to exist, that it died off after the civil rights movement. That is far from the truth. Trust me, it's alive and well.” He folded his arms in front of him. “Just because they don't lynch people from trees any longer doesn't mean that minorities in this country aren't still being lynched. Millions of narrow-minded people run this country. They come in all forms. It could be that lovely real estate agent who is so nice and has done everything she could to help you find the perfect house, but she only shows you the homes in the black neighborhoods because they don't want your kind living next door to them. What about the school guidance counselor who insists that your child is not smart enough to keep up in the regular classes? Then your child is labeled as a special education case until graduation.”

“What do they want you to do?” Colin asked.

“They've asked me to rejoin them. They want to reinstate my membership and have me do the work I was supposed to do when I left the brotherhood.”

“Yo, man,” Dean was talking to Colin, “I told you this was some sick stuff. So I guess this means you're going to rejoin them.”

“If it means keeping you and your family safe, then I'll do what I have to do,” Judge West replied.

“Man, I can't take any more of this.” Dean tapped Colin on the arm. “I'll wait for you out in the car.” He left the room.

“Colin, you have to understand I'm just trying to do what's right, so that no one gets hurt. I know what kind of power that organization has and what they can do. They'll kill him if I don't cooperate.”

“Don't worry, Judge, I'll talk to him. But what about you? This has to be hard for you.”

“I've been beating myself up over being so dumb.”

“You were a kid. You didn't know any better. It's a good thing God doesn't hold us accountable for the things we did before we were covered with the blood.” Colin could see how sad he was. He needed some reassuring words.

“Some days I feel so ashamed of what I did in the past that I can't even get out of bed. I cover my head with blankets to try and hide my disappointment from God.”

“Let's pray!” Colin spoke a powerful prayer asking God to heal all hearts surrounding the matter.

Together they ended the prayer with, “Amen.”

“What do you do now?” Colin stared into the old man's aging bloodshot eyes.

“Nothing. I wait for them to get in touch with me. That's when I'll tell them that I'll rejoin them.” He looked Colin in the eye. “Please don't think less of me because of what I'm doing. I could never again believe in what they represent. I may have to do some unethical things to keep my family safe, but in my heart, I love all God's children.” He looked away.

“I figure the first thing they'll want me to do is work on this bill the Black Caucus is trying to pass. They sent me newspaper clippings describing the bill in detail. Ultimately, the bill will reopen hundreds of closed murder cases that occurred during the civil rights area. In more than ninety-five percent of those cases no one was ever charged. Each case, no matter what the evidence suggested, was automatically classified as a suicide or accidental death.” Judge West slowly shook his head. “I'll probably have to move back to Washington.”

“But it would take more than your vote to kill the bill,” Colin told him.

“They wouldn't want me to be a part of this for nothing. I'm sure they already have several members strategically in place to assist me. I'm just a small piece to the puzzle. I'm sure they have Charles Seale, Joel Watkins, Eddie Frist and Henry Sellers working for them.”

“Who are they?” Colin wondered out loud.

“They were guys just like me. The brotherhood put them through law school, and I know that each of them have become very successful in Washington. I've followed each of their careers, and I can tell by the things that they've advocated against and for that they are still active members of the brotherhood. One guy is even a part of Congress. They have people throughout this country shaping it into what they feel it should be.”

Colin looked at his watch. “Listen, Judge, I have to go, but I promise I'll be back to visit you some time next week.” He got up, and the two hugged.

“Colin, can you keep an eye on my grandson? I can see how this ordeal is taking a toll on his health. He looks so thin.”

Colin looked into his eyes and remembered that Judge West didn't know about Dean's illness. “Yes, sir. I'll do that.” He then left out the door.

 

 

“Colin, what's wrong? You haven't said much since you picked me up.” Danyelle and Colin held hands as they strolled along the Penn's Landing waterfront. He smiled before kissing her hand. “I'm just enjoying the evening with one beautiful lady.” “Olivia told me you and Dean went to visit with Judge West this afternoon. How did it go?” she asked.

“It was nice.”

His words were empty, and his face was so emotionless, Danyelle guessed that the visit was heavy on Colin's mind.

They walked a few more feet before Danyelle stopped and turned toward him. She grabbed both his hands. “You can tell me anything. I'm here for you whenever you need.”

Colin's heart formed a smile. It felt so good to know that Danyelle did care about him, but he couldn't let her know that. “Why you being so nice to me?” He looked at her suspiciously. “This is not the same hard, cold girl that brushes me off every time I speak to her.”

She pushed his hands away from her.

“The Danyelle I know would have hung up on me when I called.”

“I'm worried about you.”

Her words were full of sincere warmth that confirmed Colin's thoughts that she was the one for him.

“If that were true, then I wouldn't feel like you and I were secret lovers.”

Danyelle's face turned guilty.

“No one knows how I feel about you, and you act like you want to keep it a secret from your family and friends when I'm ready to tell the whole world.” He pulled her closer to him. “Can you put a little trust in me? I wasn't lying when I told you that I love you.”

“I want to believe you, but it's hard for me to put one hundred percent of myself into what we have. I'm scared that if I start caring for you that I might lose sight of God's vision for my life. I know the Father will provide all my needs, but I can't afford to lose favor with Him. He's brought me so far. I finally have a prosperous outlook on life.”

“Do you think I would get in the way of that?” Colin asked.

“Not intentionally, but it comes naturally for a woman to want to nurture her man. Right now I only have room for one man, and that's God.”

Colin was disappointed, but he understood. “I would try and change your mind, but I'm not going to do that. You may not know it yet, but God has already told me that we belong together. So I'm going to pray on it, and one day you will be mine.” He pulled the back of her hand up to his lips.

Saturdays were generally hectic at the children's home, and this Saturday wasn't any different. Jonah opened the lobby door for Val.

Mrs. Chambers smiled when she saw the couple enter together. While balancing the phone in one ear, she turned to another staff member. “Can you please go get Hope Reynolds from the rec room? I remember seeing her in there watching cartoons.”

The girl dashed off and Mrs. Chambers spoke to Jonah. “You are one of the more reliable parents. You haven't missed a Saturday,” she said.

“I miss her,” Jonah replied. Children screamed, phones rang and chaos was erupting in every direction.

“Jonah, I have to apologize again for not being able to get that overnight pass for you, but my supervisor wouldn't approve it because of the questions surrounding Hope's maternity.”

“That's okay, Mrs. Chambers. I appreciate being able to spend the afternoon with her.”

“She's excited. One of the aids was helping her get dressed this morning and she bragged about the new clothes you bought for her. Today she's wearing your favorite color.”

“Yellow,” Jonah said.

“Yes, but don't tell her I told you.”

Whoever had Mrs. Chambers on hold returned back to her.

“Daddy!” Hope screamed and ran into her father's arms.

“Don't you look pretty? And you're wearing my favorite color.”

She delightfully nodded her head up and down.

He turned toward Val. “Aren't you going to say hi to Ms. Val?”

She glanced at Val and hid her face in her father's neck.

Val knew Hope hadn't seen her in a while. She prayed their outing today would make her feel more comfortable around her.

Jonah signed Hope out, and they left.

“Where are we headed?” Val asked once they were in the car.

“Have you ever heard of the Please Touch Museum?” Jonah studied a few Internet printouts.

“Yes, Olivia takes her son there all the time. I've never been, but I heard it's a great place for kids.” Val merged into traffic.

“It was listed as one of the city's best places for children. I figured Hope would like it. She likes to explore.”

Val glanced at Hope in her rearview mirror. She sat quietly in her car seat checking out the new doll her father bought her. “I think you're right. She'll love it.”

The Please Touch Museum was built especially for young children. It encourages youngsters to touch the displays while at the same time providing a playful learning experience. Both Jonah and Val felt like children. The trio browsed the aisle of the mini supermarket and later had tea with Alice in Wonderland.

During the course of the day Hope's attitude toward Val changed little. By the smiles on their faces, any stranger would assume they were a happy family. They laughed and played together, but when Val tried to get close to Hope, the little girl got stiff. Her body would tense up, she avoided even looking in Val's direction and would run to the safety of her father's arms.

Upset that she couldn't connect with Hope, Val stepped back and watched how Jonah interacted with his daughter.

He saw her watching them. He told Hope she could continue playing in the pool of balls just as long as he could see her. Then he went to rest next to Val.

He took a seat. “What's up?”

“Nothing. It's been a long day, and I'm getting tired. I don't want to ruin your time with Hope, so I think maybe I'll leave and allow you to spend some time alone with her.”

“Listen, I told you it's going to take some time for Hope to trust you. I've seen how distant she is toward you. Stop being so anxious. She'll come around when you least expect it. Are you hungry?” Jonah didn't want her to leave. He grabbed Val's hand and wouldn't let it go. He called Hope over, and the three of them left. “Where shall we get something to eat?”

They stood outside the museum contemplating their next move.

“Why don't we let Hope pick?” Val suggested.

“Nope! Not this time. We invited you out. We always eat wherever Hope wants, and it's usually pizza.”

Hope squeezed her father's hand.

“Okay.” Val laughed. “I don't really like fast food. Let's see if we can find a restaurant close by where we can sit down and eat.”

They turned to stroll down the surrounding streets when Val's body froze at the sound of her name. She would recognize that voice anywhere. She turned around and stood face to face with Julian's mom and stepfather.

“Hi!” Val sang.

Mrs. McCormick reached out to give Val a hug, then her eyes did a beeline straight to Jonah and Hope.

“I told my husband that was you.” She smiled. “I would recognize those hips anywhere.”

“What are you doing out here?” Val's body temperature was steadily rising.

“We were taking a walk in the park, and I think he's getting a little dehydrated because he started getting a little sluggish during that last mile.” She reached out and patted her husband on the stomach. “We're going to the convenience store to get him a Gatorade.”

“You two have to be careful out here. Summer is fast approaching. We don't want either of you to hurt yourselves.”

There was an uncomfortable silence as everyone searched for something to say.

Mrs. McCormick knelt down in front of Hope. “You are such a pretty little girl.”

Val couldn't believe Hope's reaction. She let go of Jonah's hand and leapt into Mrs. McCormick's arms.

“And friendly. Look, honey,” she said to her husband. “Isn't she cute?”

He nodded his head yes.

“She doesn't do that with just anybody,” Jonah said. “I'm her father, and this is my daughter Hope.”

Val looked like she was in a daze. Jonah wondered why she hadn't introduced them to her friends.

“It's a pleasure to meet you.”

They shook hands.

“Were you at the Please Touch Museum?” Mrs. McCormick asked.

“Yes, and I shopped at the supermarket and I got this.” Hope held up the trinkets she bought at the museum store.

Val was stunned. She not only went to Mrs. McCormick, but she also talked to her. The little girl wouldn't even speak to her.

“She is adorable,” Mrs. McCormick said. “Val, you have to bring them by the house for dinner.”

“I would like that,” Jonah replied.

Val smiled. “Sure, Mrs. McCormick. I'll give you a call.” And she stepped backward, hinting it was time for them to leave.

Jonah held out his hand for Hope, they said their good-byes and left.

“You were unusually quiet at the restaurant.” Val hadn't even noticed Jonah had gotten back in the car. “Did you see how she reacted to Mrs. McCormick? Hope doesn't even know her.”

“I told you Hope is funny like that. Some people she takes to more readily than others. Plus, that lady reminded me of the grandmotherly type.”

“How did it go when you took Hope inside?” Val wanted to change the subject.

“She cried and reached out for me. One of the staff members had to pull her away. We go through the same thing every week. It's hard leaving her behind. I hope Mr. Lawson finds a way for us to be together.”

Val could hear how hard it was for Jonah to leave his daughter behind. She rubbed his back. “Listen, don't give up. Stay prayerful. I don't know what's in the Lord's plans, but I know He won't let you down.”

Val backed out of the parking lot, and they headed home.

“Mr. and Mrs. McCormick seem like a really nice couple. Mrs. McCormick talked like she's known you for a long time,” Jonah said.

Val kept her eyes straight ahead. She was not ready to have this conversation, but she knew this was the perfect opportunity for her to come clean.

“Why do I feel like there's tension in the air?” Jonah asked.

Val swallowed hard. “I was engaged to their son.”

“Oh! Now I understand why you were acting so nervous,” he replied. “You kept playing with your hands and shuffling your feet.”

“I was not.” She laughed.

“Well, I guess we won't be going there for dinner.”

“I don't think so.”

“Why didn't you tell me you were engaged?”

“There's not much to tell. Weddings are called off every day. I don't want to act like my broken engagement was something special.”

“Yeah, but I'm sure it hurt. Is that whose clothes were packed away at the house?”

Val nodded her head yes.

“I don't know what happened, but I can see it was painful. I won't mention it again.”

Val sighed. “I appreciate that.”

When they entered the house Val laid her keys down on the kitchen table and went toward the stairs to take a hot shower and change clothes.

Jonah stopped her and walked up close to her. Their lips were inches apart.

“Thank you,” he whispered.

Val could feel the intensity of the moment. When he looked at her she could feel her heart being drawn in his direction. Her palms perspired. She wiped them along her pants, and before she knew it, he pressed his lips to her and pulled her into his embrace. Val couldn't stop herself from wanting more kisses. She kissed him back, and her arms caressed his back. The kisses quickly rose in passion, and through his pants Val could feel his erection.

She pulled away from him. “We have to stop.”

But Jonah didn't want to stop. “We don't have to.” He tried grabbing at her.

“No.” She backed away. “Good night, Jonah.” Val turned and retreated to her bedroom.