The McCoys of Holy Rock

by Shelia E. Bell

  "I think it's time we had a little one on one," the man said. "If you talk to me now, I don't see why I would need to bring the first lady into this."

  Before Hezekiah could respond, one of his armor bearers appeared. Hezekiah looked at the armor bearer with anger in his eyes. His nostrils flared and he balled his hands into a tight fist like he was trying to keep himself from bursting.

  The armor bearer must have detected the look on Hezekiah's face and realized that something was not quite right. "How can I help you, sir?" the armor bearer asked as he walked up on the man.

  "You can't help me," George said. "Pastor McKel, uh, Pastor McCoy, will you tell him that you and I go a long way back, and we're just catching up?"

  Hezekiah thought that he'd better see where this dude was coming from and what, if anything, he knew about him and Fancy. "Yeah, we do. Look, give us a few minutes. Tell one of the associate ministers to greet the congregation."

  "Pastor, are you sure about this?" the armor bearer asked, as a second armor bearer walked up.

  "Everything okay?" this one asked.

  "Everything is fine. This is an old friend of mine. I haven't seen him since..."

  "Since he moved from Chicago to Memphis," the man interrupted, causing Hezekiah to swallow deeply.

  "That's right. It's been a minute. Anyway, we're going to be in my office," he told both armor bearers.

  "Sure. I'll stay here outside your door," the first one said.

  "We won’t be long,” Hezekiah told the armor bearers.

  “Yes, Pastor. I'll go let Minister Eddie know that you won't return to the sanctuary," the other one said.

  Hezekiah turned and went back to his office with the man who knew too much following behind him.

  That day changed everything for Hezekiah as he listened to the retired Chicago police officer tell him that his name was George Reeves. George explained how he and his wife had relocated to Memphis from the Chicago area after he retired from a position in felony law enforcement. They wanted to be closer to their daughter and grandchildren. He was not a churchgoing man and did not consider himself to be religious, but his wife was just the opposite. She rarely missed a Sunday going to church, and ironically had chosen to join Holy Rock and insisted that he come along. To appease her and keep his home life in check, he frequently accompanied her. Happy wife, happy life, he told himself.

  His “cop intuition’ kicked in and he began to make it his personal mission to delve deeper into the McCoy’s past, seeing that he couldn’t shake the feeling that the couple had something to hide. He didn’t forget a face easily, and he had an uneasy feeling about this so called ‘man of God.’ He already distrusted men of the cloth, seeing them only as wolves dressed in sheep’s clothing. Listening to the sermon that fateful morning only added to his philosophy that all preachers were no more than hustlers, trying to get over. It became his personal mission to find out just how much of a hustler this Hezekiah McCoy was, and if there was something he was hiding. What he uncovered was enough for George to confidently approach Hezekiah and tell him what he knew about him and Fancy. He threatened to spill the beans to the congregation and anyone else who would listen about Hezekiah and Fancy’s past unless the two of them could perhaps come to an agreeable compromise.

  If George snitched, it stood to chance that it would ruin everything Hezekiah was finally building up in his life.

  Their meeting that Sunday boiled down to the two of them having several long and heated meetings. Hezekiah agreed to bring George on as head of Security. He paid him a nice salary, plus extra money under the table, all for George to keep his mouth shut. Part of their arrangement was that George was not to approach Fancy with any of what he knew about the felony couple and their past. George had no problem agreeing to Hezekiah's terms, as long as the dollar bills continued to flow his way.

  To this day, Hezekiah had maintained his word and George upheld his end of the bargain. Other than the fact that George was just as crooked as Hezekiah, the man looked out for his investment, Hezekiah and Fancy McCoy, as if his very livelihood depended on keeping them and their secrets safe - because it did.

  10

  Time moves in one direction; memory in another.

  W. Gibson

  Saturday evening arrived and the fall weather presented perfectly clear skies, billowy clouds, and the temperature hovered in the seventies with a gentle breeze.

  Hezekiah and Fancy, who some members jokingly called the Marjorie and Steve Harvey of the Christian world, because of their over the top fashion statements and extravagant lifestyle, stepped inside Holy Rock’s newly built 12,000 feet multipurpose hall. Hezekiah’s head was raised upward like he was King of the jungle. As far as he was concerned, he was the king of Holy Rock, Fancy his queen, and their two sons, heirs to the throne.

  The first family didn't go directly into the banquet hall, but instead were whisked off by George and members of his security team to a private area of the hall that had a number of smaller breakout rooms for more intimate events and gatherings. The plan was for the first family to remain out of sight until Pastor welcomed the guests, prayed, and then Minister Eddie would introduce them. They would come out and onto the purple carpet that was rolled across the glossy floor just for their entrance.

  Inside, the banquet hall was exquisite with a drapery entrance, soft amber uplighting, and an amber tint washing over the glossy floor. Guests entering could be seen and heard relaying their utmost satisfaction of the setup and decorations. Each clothed table was surrounded by eight clothed chairs, with fresh bouquets of fall flowers, and place settings that sparkled as if they had bits of diamonds encrusted in them. There was a complete staff to welcome guests and direct them to their pre-assigned tables. Everything was perfectly placed.

  Fancy and Hezekiah relaxed while they viewed everything taking place inside the hall from closed circuit television. Fancy couldn't be happier with the way things appeared. It reminded her of one of the beautiful Paris halls she and Stiles had been blessed to visit.

  Some of the mid-south's top political heads and officials, along with prominent pastors and their first ladies were in attendance.

  Rena and her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jackson, entered the luxurious hall. She gasped at its beauty, as did her mother, as they were escorted to their table. Rena took her seat and wasted no time people watching. She recognized some of the long time members as they made their entrance.

  Mr. and Mrs. Jackson got up from the table to go mingle with old friends who they hadn't seen since leaving Memphis. Rena remained at the table alone, glancing around, fake smiling as strangers passed her by, and taking in the splendor of it all. Pastor McCoy has really made his mark on this city, she thought to herself. It looks like the entire city of Memphis is here. I wonder if Stiles is coming.

  Continuing to look around, she smiled when she caught a glimpse of Pastor at the front of the room. He looked like he was headed toward the stage area. Someone announced that the banquet was about to officially start.

  The escorts brought two couples to her table. Rena didn't know them, but they exchanged pleasantries and smiled at each other as the couples sat down.

  Visually searching for her parents, Rena saw them standing several tables away talking to some other guests. She got up and headed in their direction to let them know that the banquet should be starting and they probably should return to their table.

  Moments after they returned to their table and sat down, Pastor walked up to the podium and began talking.

  “I want to welcome everyone to the fortieth Jubilee of Holy Rock. God is good and we are blessed. I’m thankful to be standing here, able to see somewhat clearly,” he laughed lightly, “all of you beautiful people who have come to celebrate this joyous occasion. Please stand and join me for prayer.”

  Pastor proceeded to pray and when he was done, departed the podium. Rena followed him with her eyes and saw him sit down at a full table. Her tummy fluttered nervously when she spotte
d Stiles.

  Minister Eddie walked up three steps leading to the stage and approached the podium. "Those who are able please remain standing to welcome the First Family of Holy Rock," he announced.

  A thunderous round of applause filled the room. Rena turned to the side and looked toward the back of the room to watch as the First Family entered.

  Hezekiah looked handsome in a black designer tuxedo with all the manly trimmings. Holding her hand, Fancy walked beside him looking radiant in a custom designed royal purple, tiered, peplum dress that rested just slightly above her knees. Dripping from her neck, wrist, and hands was a girl’s best friend—diamonds. Khalil, Xavier, and Hezekiah’s aunt, all just as fashionably dressed, followed.

  The applause continued as the first family nodded at the guests and walked up the aisle leading to the front of the room.

  Since she was standing, Rena was able to gain a clearer view of Stiles. He stood next to Pastor, looking handsome as ever in a black tailored suit. Rena felt her tummy do a somersault.

  As the first family drew closer to their table at the front of the room, Pastor's eyes widened. Josie stood to the right of him. He took hold of her hand like he needed to steady himself. It didn't seem to be enough so on the other side of him he latched onto his son’s arm and held on.

  Stiles looked down at his father, and in turn helped to steady him. "Are you all right?" Stiles leaned in and whispered.

  Barely able to speak, he slowly nodded and responded weakly, "Yes. I'm...I'm okay."

  "What’s wrong? You look pale," Josie whispered in his ear with a concerned look on her face and in the tone of her voice.

  "Nothing," he whispered. "Just felt a little dizzy for a second. I think I got up too fast. I'm good now."

  "Ladies and gentleman, the McCoys of Holy Rock," Minister Eddie announced again.

  Like royalty, Hezekiah and Fancy waved and then the family took their respective seats.

  "You may all be seated," the minister instructed the crowd after the McCoys sat down.

  Pastor, still wobbly and shaken, sat down. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead. He removed his white handkerchief from his pocket and wiped his brow.

  "Are you sure you're all right?" First Josie then Stiles asked.

  He reassured each of them that he was fine, all without taking his eyes off the woman who looked identical to someone from his past. Someone he wanted to forget.

  11

  Sometimes we are taken into troubled waters not to drown but to be cleansed. L. Daskell

  The program portion of the banquet was complete with entertainment that included a gospel band, praise dancers, and presentations. Politicians and pastors alike came forward to praise Hezekiah for the outstanding job he was doing as the senior pastor of Holy Rock. A couple of them acknowledged Pastor and Stiles for their past positions. Each person who came up and spoke presented Hezekiah with an envelope as they passed his table.

  "Pastor, look at Pastor McCoy’s table. See that woman sitting at the table with them?”

  “Yeah, what about her?”

  “Doesn’t she remind you a little of mother?" Stiles said casually while indulging in the first course of a three-course meal.

  Pastor coughed into his handkerchief. "Umm, no not to me." He picked up the glass of water in front of him and took a swallow.

  Hezekiah’s aunt pushed back from the table and stood up. "Excuse me, I'm going to the ladies room," she told Fancy. "I'll be back shortly."

  "Okay," Fancy replied and pointed. "It's over there, down the long hall, and to the right. Do you want me to go with you?"

  "No, I'll find it."

  Pastor watched as the rather short hippy woman got up from the McCoy’s table. “Josie, I’ll be back. I need to go to the men's room.” He removed the napkin from his lap and placed it on the table, then stood up.

  "Are you sure you're okay?" she asked him again.

  Pastor tried not to show that he was somewhat anxious. Seeing the familiar looking woman had him jumbled up on the inside and confused in the head. If she was who he thought she was, what was she doing here? He hadn’t seen her in years. It couldn’t be her because if it was, how did she know the McCoys?

  "I told you, I'm good, Josie. Now, I’ll be back in a few," he said, sounding agitated.

  "Hey, where are you going?" Stiles asked his father.

  "To the can," he said. "I'll be back."

  Entering the long hallway leading to the restrooms, Pastor saw people going up and down the hallway, in and out of doors, and in and out the bathrooms.

  There she is. He started walking toward her as she was coming toward him.

  “Hi, Chauncey. Long time no see,” the woman said nonchalantly, while she walked up and kissed him lightly on his cheek.

  Pastor’s skin turned red as a beet when he saw her up close and heard her voice. “Margaret? Is that you?”

  The woman laughed as if basking in the knowledge of the power she seemed to have over him at that moment. “Who else could it be, Chauncey? Surely, I haven’t changed that much. Well, maybe a few extra pounds here, a couple of wrinkles there.” Margaret pushed back loose strands of black hair from her face and laughed.

  “What are you doing here?” He walked further down the hall, with her walking next to him, until they came to a room that was open and empty. Taking her by her elbow, he led her into the room and closed the door. Next, he turned to face her and stared at her baffled. “I haven’t heard or seen you in….I thought you were….”

  “Dead? You thought I was dead? Well, I’m not.” She chuckled. “Far from it.”

  He gritted his teeth. “I asked you a question. What are you doing here?” he pronounced slowly.

  Looking him up and down, a sudden icy contempt flashed in her eyes. “I don’t answer to you, Chauncey. I’m not that young naïve, stupid, starry-eyed fool of a girl I used to be. Back then I was stupid in love with you until you showed me that you were nothing but a slick, two-timing dog. Anyway, aren’t you glad to see me?” she said flippantly.

  Pastor disregarded what she said and presented a question of his own. “How do you know the McCoys?”

  “I know a lot of people. Does that make you nervous, Chauncey, or do you prefer that I call you Pastor like the rest of ‘em?”

  “Cut the shenanigans, Margaret and tell me what reason you have to be here? And what does it have to do with the McCoys?”

  “First of all, it is Jubilee and I can be wherever I want to be. You don’t have a thing to do with what I do or where I go. You made that clear when you dumped me and married that woman.”

  Pastor walked up, closing the small gap between him and Margaret, who was barely an inch shorter than him. Grabbing hold of both of her upper arms, a swift shadow of anger swept across his face as he spoke. “Look, I don’t know what you’re doing here or what you’re up to, and frankly, I don’t give a….”

  “Whoa, watch your mouth there, Pastor,” she said with emphasis. You are in God’s house and you are supposed to be a man of God. I know you wouldn’t want anyone to know that you have a nasty little old mouth now would you?” she countered icily. “We’ll most definitely talk later.” Margaret laughed, then turned, opened the door, and boldly walked out of the room, leaving a stunned Pastor standing with his mouth open and his eyes fire red with anger.

  Pastor waited a few minutes before leaving out of the room and returning to his seat. When he entered back into the hall, Margaret was already seated. He watched her chattering with Fancy and some of the others at the table, still wondering who she was to the McCoys. One thing he was sure of, whatever the reason she was at Holy Rock, it couldn’t be good.

  The banquet continued without incident. Everyone appeared to be enjoying themselves and having a good time. As it approached the end, guests started getting up. Some mingled and others began to file out of the banquet hall and out to the parking lot to leave.

  “It’s good to see you.” Rena, who was standing next to her table, tu
rned around to see the person behind the voice she knew so well.

  “Hi, Stiles. It’s good to see you as well,” she said rather politely.

  “How’s the family?” he asked.

  “Good,” Rena responded. “How are you?”

  “I’m blessed.” Stiles looked at Rena’s parents who were still seated. He hugged and spoke to each of them and acknowledged the other guests at the table. They all exchanged light, friendly banter for the next several minutes until Stiles gently grabbed Rena by her elbow. “Can I talk to you for a few minutes? Preferably somewhere private.”

  She looked at him and as casually as she could manage, replied, “Sure.” She looked at her parents. “Mom, Dad. I’ll meet y’all outside.”

  “Okay, sweetheart. Stiles, it was good to see you,” her mother said. “I’ve been praying for you and I’m going to keep praying for you and your family.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Jackson. I hope to see y’all tomorrow. I just know the Holy Spirit is going to be all over the service tomorrow,” he added.

  “Yes indeed,” Rena’s father agreed, as did the others at the table.

  Stiles and Rena pushed through the growing crowd of people, speaking to some, shaking hands with others, until finally after several minutes, they were outside in the parking lot. He led her to his car, unlocked it, and opened the door for her, beckoning her to get inside.

  Rena looked puzzled and a little nervous, but she got inside, and Stiles closed her door.

  When he got in the car, he exhaled then looked over at her. “You look good,” he complimented. “Looks like life is treating you really well.”