His First Lady (12 page)

“I’m saying that we only know what Emily told us.” Leon shrugged his shoulders. “It’s strange that Emily didn’t hear anything; didn’t notice anything strange and they just left her alone in the room and took nothing. That’s all I’m saying.”

Evan shook her head. “That’s absurd.”

“Look, you can think whatever you want but leave this up to the police who get paid to answer these questions.”

Evan stood up in frustration and walked back over to the window. “I can’t accept that. Someone broke into their home and killed a good man.”

Leon stared at her with his piercing brown eyes. “Don’t make this about you. Your job is to help Emily get over this.”

Evan looked at Leon in complete disbelief. “Get over this? She’s not getting over this. Her husband was murdered.”

Leon shot her a look. “You know what I mean,” He said looking in the mirror again.

“I don’t understand how you can be so calm,” Evan said watching as he continued to groom himself.

He turned to face her. “I’m calm because death is a part of life Evan and there’s nothing you or I can do about it.”

Evan gasped. “This isn’t just about death Leon; it’s about murder. There’s a murderer still out there who took away our friend, our church member…a family member.”

“This isn’t the time for this,” Leon shot back at her as he walked toward the bedroom door.

“Well, when is the right time?”

Leon turned around and looked at her.

“Where are you?” Evan cried out to him. “I don’t understand.”

Leon walked toward her. “Where am I?” He snickered and pointed his index finger in his chest. “I’m being pastor of The Jehovah Missionary Church; I’m being Shepard of this church. Don’t ask me where I am when I’m on the front lines every day, every hour, every minute of the day!”

“You don’t have to raise your voice.”

Leon turned away from her and walked back toward the bedroom door. “Emily’s children will be here to get her tomorrow and they’ll be making all of the necessary funeral arrangements.”

“Emily can stay as long as she needs to.”

Leon seemed to fight to remain calm and shook his head. “What part is so hard for you? This is a part of life. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. Isn’t that what the scripture says? Get it together, First lady.”

Evan knew that Leon’s reference to her church title was his intent to taunt her but she was choosing to ignore it. What amazed her more was how at such a time as this that he seemed so unaffected when everyone else was so devastated. She turned back to the window.

Leon began turning the door knob. “Ev…do not do this now,” Leon rebuked her. “There are a lot of people downstairs and I need you down there.”

Before Evan could respond, Leon had walked out of the bedroom closing the door hard enough where only she would get the message. She walked over to the bed and sat down. Picking up the phone, she dialed her parent’s number. She had missed them so much. Her mom answered on the second ring.

“Hi mommy.” A tear ran down Evan’s face at the sound of Evelyn’s voice. She knew speaking to her would only make her more emotional.

Evelyn seemed surprised to hear from her. “Baby, how are you?”

“Okay, but I can’t talk long. I just wanted to hear your voice. Where’s daddy?”

“He’s sleeping. What’s wrong?”

Evan wiped her eyes and shook her head. “Nothing, I miss you and daddy so much.”

“I think it’s time for a visit.”

Evan agreed like she always did when her mom suggested she visit. She also knew that her mother wouldn’t completely buy her explanation that nothing was wrong. But her mother did do what Evan expected her to do; offer reassuring words regardless and prayer. Her mom’s demure nature and calm voice was like a shelter in a hurricane. It was all she needed as a reminder that God was still in control no matter what it may have looked like. Momma quoted a scripture and sent a kiss through the phone. Evan sent one back for them then motioned to hang up the phone when she heard her mom call her name.

“Yes ma’am?”

“Remember baby that First lady is just a title. Anybody can give you a title but only God can give you a position.”

A small smile crept on Evan’s tender face. “Yes ma’am,” She replied before standing up, adjusting her peasant top over her jeans, and heading downstairs.

There wasn’t a time when Evan remembered feeling such loss. Sam’s funeral was one where although knowing she should have rejoiced because she believed like the bible said that he was with the Lord, she still felt such extreme sadness. Nevertheless, she smiled encouraging everyone that attended with God’s promise that Sam was with the Lord; just as Leon had instructed her to do.

Leon stood close to Emily and her family. In the opening of Leon’s funeral sermon, he asked the congregation to join him in prayer for the family’s strength during this difficult time. She had to admit that Leon gave a superb going home service for Sam that had everyone jumping on their feet. So many people had attended Sam’s funeral that it seemed as if it were both of their church services combined and it was a celebration just the way Emily wanted.

Evan had stood by Leon and the family as they greeted the attendees. Sam’s funeral had so many attendees that the reception had to be held at the church. She had overheard Leon telling Greg that this was one of the reasons why they needed more land and more facilities for the church. She pretended to be oblivious to the conversation. Although Greg was on the receiving end of Leon’s conversation; it was obvious that he thought the timing was inappropriate.

Now that everything was winding down, Evan attempted to keep herself busy helping other church members clean up and organize in the church reception hall. There were still a lot of people but certainly a lot less than a couple of hours ago.

“Hey you,” Mimi said walking up beside Evan.

“Hi.” Evan looked around Mimi. “Where’s your date?” She asked having noticed that Mimi came with a handsome gentleman that Mimi hadn’t mentioned to her. She’d been so consumed with Sam’s death that she had no idea what was going on with her best friend.

Mimi blushed and playfully bumped hips with Evan. “He went to the restroom.”

“You know I wanted you to go out with Pastor Greg.”

“Don’t start,” Mimi said with a wink.

“He’s cute though; who is he?” Evan asked.

“He visited the church recently. We talked a little after he filled out the visitor’s card then he asked me out to dinner.” Mimi beamed speaking of the man.

“Wow, you really are a part of the welcoming committee.” They both laughed. As heavy as Evan’s heart was, it felt good to smile.

“His name is Aaron,” Mimi said helping Evan tidy up the table a little. “He says that he met Leon somewhere and that’s how he heard about the church. I told him that he didn’t have to come but he said that he wanted to get to know me and my friends so he came.”

“Nice; but are you supposed to bring a date to a funeral?”

“I’ve always been different,” Mimi said picking up a few plates lingering on the table. “How are you holding up?”

“I don’t know,” Evan said. She put the empty macaroni and cheese pan down that she was holding. “It just seems so unfair that this happened to Emily and Sam.”

“Yeah, I can think of a lot worse people this should have happened to.”

Evan turned and looked at her. “Mimi, really?”

Mimi shrugged. “I’m just saying.”

Evan laughed to keep from crying. “Leave it to you girl. Seriously though, I don’t understand any of this and it feels like I’m going crazy. Leon is acting like I should just let it go.”

Mimi nodded. “Greg’s certainly not letting it go. He says that the police are working hard on Sam’s case. We can definitely pray.”

Evan stared off. “That’s all I know to do.” Evan noticed Mimi’s date walking around as if not knowing where he should be. “Your date looks lost; you better rescue him.”

Mimi blushed. “I want you to meet him.”

Evan nodded. “I will another time. How about I have you two over at the house for dinner when I can get Leon to come home at a decent hour?” Evan asked. “We can get to know him a little better.”

Mimi leaned in and hugged her friend. “That’ll be fun. Let me get back, okay?”

There was an air of melancholy in the conference room but it was obvious to Greg that Leon was anxious for what was about to happen; for what he had worked tirelessly for. The last time they were all gathered together on this matter was when their brother was with them poignantly against this same issue that was now being finalized. No more discussion would occur about this issue as Leon’s plans for the church were all about to come to fruition and whoever objected no longer had a voice.

Leon sat on the corner of the conference room table looking over the purchasing agreement for the church’s newest property. As Leon mulled over some of the papers, the rest talked a little amongst themselves some remaining silent. Greg was uneasy about the decision but was clearly outnumbered by the board members who were now in favor of Leon’s plans.

Sam seemed to always be in the back of Greg’s thoughts especially now that what he had opposed was now being done as if everyone had forgotten why he opposed it. Leon had shown his power and the board members who originally opposed the idea had simply given up. But Greg refused to let Sam’s memory or his love for JMC be forgotten.

Greg cleared his throat then looked around the room. “Brother’s, may I have your attention?”

The chatter stopped as the men focused on Greg. “I’m going to interrupt quickly while we wait because I’ve been thinking of a way to honor Sam. Our brother was a faithful man and I believe the Holy Spirit is leading me to propose that one of the new buildings be named after Sam.”

The brothers around the table didn’t take much time pondering the proposal but quickly agreed anxiously backing Greg’s proposal. The men began to clap unanimously then thanked Greg for the proposal.

Greg put his hand up to decline the praise. “No, thank you; this has nothing to do with me.”

Greg looked over and found Leon staring at him. Their eyes locked.

Leon cleared his throat. “I always believe in doing things decent and in order, Associate Pastor Greg.”

Greg realized that he had just stepped on Leon’s toes and Leon felt it.

“It’s the perfect time and I wholeheartedly second this proposal,” Rick said glaring at Leon.

“Yes sir,” Deacon Howard agreed.

Leon eyed the men then continued to flick the pen as Paul, the attorney who seemed unfazed by the impending drama showed him where to sign if he was ready. The attorney continued flipping through each page instructing Leon where to sign. Upon completion, Leon slid the papers down the glossy table toward Greg.

Greg looked over at him knowing that if looks could kill; he’d be dead. Leon looked away from Greg and onto the faces of the board members surrounding the table.

“I just want to thank everyone for sharing the vision and allowing God to continue his work here at JMC.” Leon looked down seemingly emotional. “This is an occasion where we rejoice for God’s favor but also acknowledge our sadness that our brother Sam isn’t with us to see this dream come to fruition.”

The room was silent as everyone focused on Leon. Greg put the signed papers on the table along with the pen and prepared for what he considered was Leon’s show.

“Having said that, I also want to thank Pastor Greg for an awe inspiring proposal that I believe will bless Sam and Emily’s family and our church members. However, Sam loved the Health and Learning centers and I think it’d be only fitting to rename those after Sam knowing how closely he worked with our families in those capacities.”

Leon’s words stunned Greg who sat in disbelief at Leon’s sudden boldness.

“The Health and Learning centers?” Greg asked interrupting Leon’s speech.

Leon’s eyes cut to Greg. “Is that a problem?”

“I believe there is,” Greg spoke up causing all eyes to look on him. “Sam did love working with the families in those centers but he loved working with families’ period. He spent his whole life helping people.”

“Then what’s the problem?” Leon asked.

“I agree with Pastor Greg,” Brother Boone said whose shiny bald head gleamed more from the overhead lighting. “Sam was faithful and if we’re going to honor him then honor him with naming the new developments after him. It’s only fitting,” Brother Boone said.

“That seems appropriate,” Deacon Tripp said.

“That’s right,” Rick sneered as a few others nodded in agreement.

An unsympathetic Leon took a deep breath but maintained his staunch composure. “We’re not going to make this an issue. We’re just not.”

“It’s not an issue, this church loved Sam,” Deacon Howard said.

“No one is disputing that, brother,” Minister Bishop said turning to the man seated a few seats away from him.

Greg watched as Leon seemed to enjoy the discord that he created. As if feeling Greg watching him, Leon looked at him.

“Associate Pastor Greg, I will leave it up to you to handle all of the necessary arrangements for the Health and Learning centers to complete this transition,” Leon said all the while maintaining his signature smile.

“I want a vote on it,” Rick said.

Leon stared at Rick then smiled. “Not now, not today. There are more important matters at hand, Deacon Rick.”

“Why not Pastor?” Rick asked not letting up.

Leon winced. “The issue is settled.”

Greg felt his entire body tense up. “I think we should at least have the centers renovated professionally as a show of respect.”

“That’s not in the church’s budget. But it’s a good opportunity for the church family to get together and make this happen. All of the materials will be supplied by the church,” Leon declared.

“That’s insane,” Deacon Howard said.

“Gentlemen, we already know that the budget is stretched and this dedication wasn’t originally a part of the plan until Pastor Greg suggested it so it’s a bit exorbitant at this point,” Leon continued as he sat down in his chair. “We know Sam loved this church so let’s not focus on things we do not agree on but focus on what’s best for the church.”