Redeeming Waters

by Vanessa Davis Griggs

  “I suppose. But you know what I told you. I’m not going to lie. If my husband asks—”

  “I know. Look, we’re back in the states now. In fact, the stage crew, including your husband, is all up in New York. I’m here at my residence in Atlanta. All I’m asking is that you give me a few days to work on something, and I’ll get back to you. All right?”

  “All right.”

  “And I’m here if you need me now,” King d.Avid said. “Okay?”

  “Okay,” she said. Although she said it as though she really wasn’t all so sure about that.

  Chapter 25

  And David sent to Joab, saying, Send me Uriah the

  Hittite. And Joab sent Uriah to David.

  —2 Samuel 11:6

  King d.Avid put in an urgent call to Jock Adamson, the guy over his entire concert stage production crew. Jock returned his call quickly.

  “Jock, I know we just got back to the states, and that you all are deep into getting things set up for the New York concert this Saturday. But I need for you to send Unzell Waters to my home in Atlanta,” King d.Avid said, trying to push back his nervousness.

  “When?” Jock asked.

  “By tomorrow.”

  “By tomorrow?” Jock’s voice shrieked. “You’re kidding me, right? I know you’re kidding. You do know that Unzell is the stage manager for this production, and that what he’s doing and does right now is vital to the setup of your concert, right? The concert that’s five days away. You do know all of this, right?”

  “Yeah, I know.”

  “And you do realize the huge responsibility on a stage manager’s shoulders, forget about factoring in that this position is relatively new for him; he’s only been doing it for about seven months. And there are always new challenges popping up to overcome. Particularly when it comes to your productions.”

  “I do,” King d.Avid said. “But this should only be for one day . . . two tops. I’m planning to send my personal plane for him. He can fly down and see me, and I’ll have him back on that plane and back to New York before you can begin to miss him good.”

  “Oh, I doubt that it would be before I can miss him good. Look, King d.Avid, whatever it is that you want to discuss with him, can’t you do it over the phone, a conference call? Hey! I know: Skype. You can even use Skype. I hear it’s the next best thing to being there. It’s good enough for the Oprah show. Come on, help me out up here,” Jock said. “You know how things are when we move from one major site to another. But transporting everything from overseas and getting things set up in the states again is always tricky. We have to make sure that everything is here, and if it’s not—”

  “You’re wasting valuable time arguing with me about this. He could have almost been here in the time you’ve used trying to convince me that he doesn’t have time to come,” King d.Avid said. “Jock, my plane is fast; really, really fast. I promise you it is.”

  “Fine. Ultimately, it’s your concert, even if it is my reputation on the line. If things don’t go the way you’re accustomed to, I suppose that will lie with you?” Jock said. “I’ll let Unzell know that you want to see him, and that you’re sending your private, personal jet just for him. I’m sure he’ll get a kick out of that. Who wouldn’t? I know I would. And then to be able to be back home in Atlanta, too. Most likely, get to see and be with his wife after all this time of being away, if nothing more than for a few minutes, when he’s there. While the rest of us can only wait, imagining that glorious day.”

  “Well, we only have another two more weeks after this one. Then everybody will be able to go to their respective homes . . . for an extended period of time, at full pay, plus a nice bonus, I might add. Two, perhaps even three, months before we possibly start this over again. I’ll get Kendall to coordinate everything with you and Unzell. Thanks, Jock. I know what a professional you are. I owe you,” King d.Avid said.

  “Yeah. Like I don’t really know who works for whom. But King d.Avid, if this is what you want, you already know it’s what you’re going to get. May I ask you one thing though?”

  “Go ahead,” King d.Avid said.

  “Is Unzell Waters in trouble? Is there something going on that I should know about?”

  “The answer is no, and respectfully, no.”

  “Okay,” Jock said. “Just thought I’d ask.”

  King d.Avid hung up the phone and stared at it. So far, so good.

  Chapter 26

  And when Uriah was come unto him, David demanded of him how Joab did, and how the people did, and how the war prospered.

  —2 Samuel 11:7

  Unzell was escorted into King d.Avid’s activity room late in the evening. At the height of the NBA championship, the two dueling teams were headed for a seventh game. The activity room had everything real men loved. A pool table, game machines, a bar, a kitchen area all its own, and of course, a colossal high-definition television screen positioned right in front of the most comfortable leather reclining chairs on the planet.

  “How are you?” King d.Avid said as he slapped Unzell lightly on his back during their initial greeting.

  “Everything is wonderful,” Unzell said.

  “How’s old Jock and the rest of the crew?” King d.Avid sat in one of the brown leather recliners and gestured for Unzell to have a seat wherever he wanted to as well.

  Unzell sat down on the brown leather couch. “Jock is great,” Unzell said. “In fact, all of the folks in our troop are the best. It’s been a long tour for sure. But we all see the light at the end of the tunnel, and we’re glad that it’s not a train. We’re ecstatic about all that we’ve accomplished over these past months, especially the overseas part. And now, what’s about to happen over the next three weeks, counting the storage-packing days.”

  “So you feel we’ve done good work over these past few months,” King d.Avid said.

  “Absolutely. I know seeing everything come together, after we all put so much of ourselves and our hard work into it, is gratifying for every one of us. I just never knew how much was required behind the scenes to make everything else on scene appear so effortless. From the lighting to sound to what the stage looks like. Getting things onto the stage and off the stage so that the people watching don’t even realize that it happened, or when it happened for that matter,” Unzell said. “It sort of reminds me of those people who do magic tricks.”

  King d.Avid started laughing. “Yeah. Like how do magicians really make those women disappear? And where do they go so quickly?”

  Unzell nodded as he smiled. “Correct. But I love it, and I’ve appreciated the opportunity to serve on staff, especially for your concerts these past seven months. It’s been intense, that’s for sure. But to see the fruits of our labor has been so gratifying, for me in particular. And I personally want to thank you for all that you do to ensure that the people who come out to your concerts get the best there is to offer. It’s quite admirable.”

  “That’s so kind of you to say. But I tell people that we’re representing our Father God. There’s no way any of us who are bragging about God being our Father should be out there representing Him and His name with anything less than a Spirit of excellence, quality—which is doing it right the first time, and our absolute best,” King d.Avid said.

  “I know. I get so tired of people who do things with a ‘That’ll do’ attitude. And when things come to the Lord’s business, it seems to run rampant. People seem to bring God anything and say, ‘That’ll do’ while the world is bringing their A-game to the table.”

  “I know. Say what you will about Lady Gaga, but I hear that she puts on a full-fledged show when she performs. She doesn’t hold anything back. And people are talking about her from one end of the globe to the other. Not all of it good, but she gets the bang for her bucks.” King d.Avid stood up and placed his hand on Unzell’s shoulder. “Well, I just want you to know how much I appreciate the job you’ve done and are doing. I see great things in your future.”

  Unzell sto
od up. “Thank you for that. But things are going well.” He nodded. “We’re just looking forward to the next two-and-a-half weeks of concerts being completed. We’ll then break everything down for the last time this concert cycle, perform inventory, put things in storage, and we’ll be through. We’ll all likely crash for a good month. I know I’ll probably not come out of my house for weeks just to get caught up on some much-needed rest.”

  “See, now you’re making me feel bad,” King d.Avid said.

  “Oh, I don’t mean to do that. I’m just expressing how much we’ve loved this adventure. Weeks of back-to-back concerts first in the states, then getting to go to London, Spain, Italy, Africa, France—places like that, I never would have imagined going to. Not in a work-related capacity anyway. I always believed I’d travel with my wife on vacation to places like that, but never for work. It’s been something, that’s for sure.”

  King d.Avid led Unzell to the bar loaded up with foods like chicken wings, shrimp, various sandwiches, potato salad, baked beans, chips, and dip. “I’m certain you must be missing your wife, too. Brianna, isn’t it?”

  Unzell nodded as he followed his host’s lead and fixed himself a plate. He bowed his head, saying a quick grace. “Yeah, I miss my Bree-Bath-she.” He grinned as they sat.

  “Bree-Bath-she, huh?”

  “Yeah,” Unzell said, picking up a tuna salad sandwich. “That’s what I call her. Her name is Brianna Bathsheba, but on occasion I call her Bree-Bath-she. Now, should you ever run into her, you can’t let her know that I told you any of that.” He took a bite.

  King d.Avid smiled. “Okay. But I have met her before.”

  “Yeah. She told me,” Unzell said. “I’m surprised you remember. She said she was ten years old the one and only time she got to meet you.”

  “Yeah, I remember. I wasn’t famous at all back then. Her grandfather took a chance on me. He was my advisor. Now tell me: who could ever forget someone on a mission to hear the devil beat his wife?”

  “She has a lot of sayings like that,” Unzell said, laughing in his deep bass voice. “Old wives’ tales. Some I’d heard; some I hadn’t, until I married her.”

  “I met up with your brother-in-law this past December.”

  “Mack?” Unzell said. “Where did you see him? He’s pulled away from the family so much, I’ve only seen him two times in three years, and one of those times was at our wedding.”

  “He came here to my house.”

  “Here? To your house?” Unzell had a puzzled look on his face.

  “Yeah. I invited him. Actually, I invited him to bring Melvin, his adopted son.”

  “Oh, yeah.” Unzell nodded. “Brianna briefly mentioned Mack was in the process of or already had adopted a ten-year-old named Melvin.” Unzell turned up the bottle of root beer he’d chosen as his beverage. “Not that it’s any of my business, but why—”

  “Did I ask him to bring Melvin here to see me?”

  Unzell adjusted his body better. “Yes.”

  “Melvin’s father was at one time my best friend . . . back when we were teenagers. I owed his father a debt of gratitude for being such a good friend to me, and I wanted to repay that debt. So I asked Mack to bring Melvin here. The youngster was a bit apprehensive of me at first. But I eventually won him over. I’ve since ensured that Melvin will never lack for anything. If you don’t mind, though, I’d like to keep that particular information confidential,” King d.Avid said.

  “I know Brianna said Melvin had been crippled as a young child. I think it’s a wonderful thing what both you and Mack are doing to make his life better,” Unzell said.

  “Well, I didn’t do it because it was a wonderful thing to do. I did it because it was the right thing to do.” King d.Avid smiled. “And speaking of the right thing, since you’re here, and I happen to know that your home is also here in Atlanta, why don’t you let me do the right thing by you. Why don’t you go home and see your wife.” King d.Avid nodded, then smiled again. “I know she will be both thrilled and surprised to see you. You’ve been gone; she’s not expecting you: think of the gift seeing you will be for her.”

  A smile completely overtook Unzell’s entire face. “Seriously? Are you serious?”

  “Yes, I’m serious. Look how much you’ve sacrificed for these concerts as it is—being away from your wife for months on end. And a little birdie told me that you two are still practically newlyweds. So you’re here at home, be it for only a miniscule time. But we can certainly spare a few hours for you to go and put a smile on your lovely wife’s face,” King d.Avid said. “Don’t you agree? And my driver is at your disposal.”

  “Well, thank you. Wow, I appreciate this so much!” Unzell said with an even bigger grin on his face as he hurried to finish eating what remained on his plate.

  Chapter 27

  And David said to Uriah, Go down to thy house, and wash thy feet. And Uriah departed out of the king’s house, and there followed him a mess of meat from the king.

  —2 Samuel 11:8

  King d.Avid smiled as he and Unzell walked out of the room and headed upstairs. Unzell went to one of the guesthouses, where some of the security guards stayed, to freshen up, even though King d.Avid had graciously offered him a room in the house.

  King d.Avid went to the kitchen. “Chef, have you finished that picnic basket I asked for?”

  “Yes, sir,” Chef said. “Everything is just as you requested.”

  “Including that bottle of red wine?”

  “Yes, sir. An expensive one, from your private cellar. Everything as you asked.”

  “Great. Make sure you hurry and get that basket to Unzell Waters. He’s leaving in a few minutes. He’s the man who was here a while ago. I think he went down with the security guards. My driver is going to take him home to visit with his wife, and I want everything to be perfect for the two of them.”

  “I’m sure he’s going to love this,” Chef said. “Especially with all that you’ve requested be included.” Chef took the basket out of the refrigerator and set it on the marble island counter. “Two of the finest cuts of steak grilled to perfection, if I must say so myself, merely requiring reheating. Then that special chocolate you brought back exclusively from Europe. Exquisite.” He kissed his fingers. “Can we say aphrodisiac?”

  “Well, I want him to have a great visit with his wife. They deserve a good time. And anything that I can do to ensure that happens, I’ll do it.” King d.Avid pulled off a black grape sitting in the fruit bowl set out daily for him and popped it into his mouth. “These grapes are delicious!”

  “Yes. Healthy, like the good part that’s found in red wine. I was quite pleased with our fruit selections this time around. And yes, lots of fresh fruits are in the basket.”

  “Get that basket to Unzell before he leaves now.” King d.Avid patted Chef on his arm, then left.

  King d.Avid continued to periodically glance at his Rolex watch. Almost three hours had passed and Unzell hadn’t left yet. King d.Avid wondered what the holdup was. Had this been him, and someone had given him this opportunity to be with his wife that he hadn’t seen in almost three months, he would have been flying to get to her. King d.Avid called in and inquired of the driver once again.

  “Why are you still here?” King d.Avid asked.

  “He says that he’s not ready to leave just yet.”

  “Not ready to leave? It’s been almost three hours. He had a plane to catch tonight, which he could have easily made had he left hours ago. Now, it will be too late. He’s really needed back in New York. Did he say why he’s not ready to leave?”

  “No, sir. I go to him and tell him it’s time to leave for his home. He just says he will come and find me when he is ready. As yet, he has not come.”

  “Are you certain that he understands you’re the driver and that you’re going to drive him to his house? Do you think maybe he has misunderstood and he thinks you’re trying to take him to the airport, and that’s what he means when he says he’s not rea
dy?”

  “I’m sure it’s been made abundantly plain that I am to do both. My English is not that bad. I tell him you have instructed me to take him to his house to see his wife. Then I tell him, I will take him to the airport to the plane when it’s time for that. He asked what time the plane is to leave going back to New York,” the driver said.

  “The plane is pretty much ready to go whenever he’s finished here,” King d.Avid said, clearly frustrated. “What am I missing here? Listen, you need to go get him and take him to his house. And that needs to happen sooner rather than later because he has to get back to New York and finish his job for this upcoming concert on Saturday. Understand?”

  “Understood,” the driver said, then left.

  King d.Avid looked up at the ceiling. “Goodness! What’s this man’s problem?” He spoke to no one in particular, since he was alone in the room. “The man gets to go home and be with his wife, and what’s he doing? Lollygagging around here with a bunch of hard legs. What is his problem?”

  Chapter 28

  But Uriah slept at the door of the king’s house with all the servants of his lord, and went not down to his house.

  —2 Samuel 11:9

  Early the following morning, King d.Avid sent for the driver. “Well?” he said.

  “You are asking about Unzell Waters? He didn’t go,” the driver said.

  “He didn’t go? Are you saying that he didn’t go home?”

  “Yes, sir. No, sir, he didn’t go home.”

  “And you didn’t tell him that this was not an option?” King d.Avid said, a little more frantic than the situation appeared to call for.

  “Sir?”

  “I’m sorry. I know this is not your fault, nor is it on you. But here I was trying to do something good, and he just pretty much spits it back in my face.” King d.Avid paced a few times. “So where did he stay last night?”