“I know it’s a lot to ask. I mean, I know we don’t really have any kind of relationship, beyond business, but, I was hoping....”
He had to put an end to this. His reply was gentle. “I understand, Lynn, and I’m sure that one of Eddie’s friends would be more than happy to help you.”
Her voice rose to a childish whine. “But I don’t want them to help me, I want you to. You’re more mature. You’ll know what to do, and Eddie was crazy about you. You asked me if there was anything you could do for me!”
Sin remained unruffled, recognizing the hysteria caused by her grief. “I’m sorry, that’s something I can’t do. Once again, please accept my condolences. I’ve got to go.”
He disconnected before she could said another word, then buzzed his secretary.
“Please find out which funeral home has Mr. Carter’s body and make arrangements to send flowers.”
“Okay, Mr. Reasoner, and how should the card be signed?”
“Sign it, with condolences from Bayland.”
There would be no personal gestures, no attending the service, and from now on, no contact with Lynn Trellis. Eddie was dead. Yes, a lot of changes were going to be made in Sin’s life.
****
Nedra stopped by the church office to pick up the pile of work accumulated during her absence. She then headed to Ryan Advertising.
As she sat in the waiting room, Nedra wondered about Carla’s delay. Her friend was always punctual, but it was past ten and she hadn’t arrived at her office yet. Nedra was anxious to get to Sharon. She had spoken to her earlier and her friend was still in a lot of emotional and physical pain.
Glancing at the clock for the umpteenth time, Nedra laid the magazine she had been flipping through aside. Carla was out of luck. She had too much on her plate to wait any longer. She’d drive Carla’s car back to the house and give her a piece of her mind later for her tardiness. Nevertheless, she couldn’t help but wonder why she had been delayed.
Outside the answer became obvious. Down the street from the office, she saw Carla and her fiancé, Jacob, braced against his car, engaged in a very passionate public display. Nedra couldn’t help but recall her own hormones raging out of control only a short while ago. She approached them and loudly cleared her throat.
“Okay, you two, break it up! This is a city street, you know.”
Reluctantly, they ended their kiss and flashed her sheepish grins. Carla turned in the arms of the man who was to be her husband, the glow of love radiating on her face. Nedra raised a brow at the hair that was mussed, and the unbuttoned blouse. She glared at them accusingly, trying to hide her amusement.
“Where’s my car?”
Carla didn’t look embarrassed. “At my house. Jacob said he would bring me to work, and you could leave my car here. He’s going to take you back to the house.”
“Really? So it took you two over an hour to make a twenty-minute drive to the office?”
Jacob’s boyish looking face broke into a naughty grin. “We stopped to attend to some, uh....business.” He tightened his hold on Carla and planted a quick kiss in her hair. The gesture reminded Nedra of Sin.
“Yeah, I got your business.” Nedra shook her head at the love birds. “Come on, Romeo, let’s go. I’ve got some business of my own to attend to.”
After one last lingering kiss for Carla, Jacob and Nedra headed toward the Berkley Hills. Bopping along to the music coming from his radio, he sang off key.
Nedra liked Jacob Belle. They had grown close over the two years that he and Carla had been together. Six feet tall, he was a handsome man, a light, toasted brown, with a head full of thick curly black hair framing his square-jawed face. Jacob was fun loving, full of jokes and lots of teasing. He was also a brilliant attorney. Nedra had seen him in action in a courtroom. He was dynamite. A star in the Prosecutor’s office, he was destined to move to the top. She loved hearing him talk about his work. It was fascinating.
“Sharon told me that you’re working on a big case involving those people who got shot this weekend.”
Jacob groaned. “Don’t you women keep anything a secret? I told Carla that this was hush, hush.”
Nedra felt guilty for having spoken. “Oh, oh. She didn’t tell me that.”
“Obviously, but I guess it doesn’t matter. Pretty soon things will be going down anyway and then maybe we’ll be able to make at least a dent in this drug war. I don’t need to tell you how much drugs have cost the Black community.”
Nedra nodded. She knew all too well.
Jacob continued. “I hate the bas--.” He glanced at Nedra apologetically. “I hate the leeches making profits off other people’s pain. Eddie Carter was one of them , but that was taken care of for us. We’re going to get some of the hypocrites in suits this time, not just the small-time street hustlers. It’s the so called ‘legitimate’ businessmen and women that I want. The ones who sit in their ivory towers and pretend to be solid citizens, while they make it easy for people like Eddie to operate. They move dirty money through the system so that it looks legitimate, and help keep this whole drug thing going. A lot of big fish are going down this time, from Oakland’s waterfront to City Hall.”
Sin’s Bayland Imports flashed through Nedra’s mind as Jacob was speaking. His business was located on the waterfront. She hoped whatever was about to happen it wasn’t too close to where his building was located, or he might be in danger. Maybe, she should say something.
“But, I don’t expect this information to go any further than this.”
Nedra jumped “What did you say?”
“Hey, aren’t you listening to me, Ms. Preacher? I said you’re to hold what I’ve told you in confidence. I’ve already said too much, and, obviously, I shouldn’t have said anything to Carla.”
“You know that you share everything with her.”
“True, but promise me you won’t share what I just told you with anyone.”
“You can trust me.” None of what was said would be shared with Sinclair.
Arriving at the house, she thanked Jacob, retrieved her briefcase, and headed for the house. He stuck his head out the window before driving away.
“Hey, will you do me a favor?”
“Of course.”
“We drank all of the milk at breakfast today. Would you mind going to the store and buying some? I’ll pay you back.”
Nedra agreed, rejecting the offer of reimbursement. As Jacob drove off, she started toward the house, halted, then glanced down at her overstuffed briefcase, weighing her options. With the amount of work she had to catch up on, and the time she wanted to spend with Sharon, there might not be time to run to the store later. It was best to go now.
Tossing the briefcase into her car, she jumped inside and put the key in the ignition. The engine purred to a start.
CHAPTER 16
Inside the house, Sharon wandered to the front window in time to see Nedra get into her car. She had been waiting for her. They had a lot to talk about. She had decided to break up with Richard. It was time to take control of her life, but she knew she was weak when it came to him. She needed the advice and strength of her friends. Concerned that Nedra wasn’t coming into the house, she wrapped her robe tightly around her and shuffled out the door, calling to Nedra who was backing out of the driveway. She caught her attention.
Nedra turned the car off and rolled down the window. “Hey, Lady, what’s up? You certainly look better today.”
Self-consciously, Sharon’s hand flew to her bruised face and she gave a forlorn shrug. “I guess. Listen, where have you been? I missed you last night. Now you’re going off again without saying goodbye. Aren’t you coming inside so we can talk?”
“I am, but Jacob asked me to get some milk for the household. I’m just going down to the market. I’ll be back in a minute. Do you want something from there?”
Sharon shook her head no. Nedra turned the ignition again to start the car. There was a click, then nothing. She tried again. There
was another click and once again nothing. She frowned in annoyance.
“Try the radio,” Sharon suggested.
Nedra turned it on. Nothing.
“Try the lights. I’ll see if they come on.”
Nedra complied. Sharon shook her head.
“Negative.”
“It’s the battery.” Nedra grunted in disgust. Retrieving her briefcase, she followed Sharon into the house.
****
It was Tuesday morning when Nedra returned home. It seemed like an eternity since she had been in her own place, among her own things. The condo she had purchased some years ago was located on the island of Alameda, near Oakland. It was her refuge.
When she lived in Oakland, the small house that served as a parsonage was like a subway station. Her parishioners felt free to come in and out any time of the day or night. There had been absolutely no privacy. There was some grumbling when she purchased her own place, but she ignored it. She had the right to privacy, just as her parishioners did, and she made it clear that she meant to have it. If her church members needed her all they had to do was call. Uninvited guest to her home were not welcomed. Over the years her parishioners had gotten the message.
Her place was a two-bedroom unit, in an unassuming, ten year old building. The living room was spacious, with an adjoining dining area and a small kitchen. A hallway led to the master bedroom suite, which opened onto a balcony. A second bathroom separated the master suite from the smaller bedroom. Nedra had turned it into an office.
Overstuffed love seats and chairs in colorful floral prints dominated the decor. Limited edition prints by well-known Black artists adorned the walls. Her place was cozy and comfortable. Most of all it was home. She was glad to be back.
Unpacking her suitcase, she tossed her dirty clothing into the washer and then went to retrieve messages on her house telephone. She had decided to avoid working in the church office for at least one more day. So much had happened in such a short period of time, she needed to be alone to absorb it all, especially her relationship with Sinclair Reasoner.
Who would have guessed that the sound of a name could send her heartbeat into a full gallop? She hadn’t spoken to him since leaving his home. Sharon had occupied the rest of her day.
Her friend had flatly refused to press charges against Richard, but she had declared that she was breaking all ties with him. It seemed that Sharon was beginning to understand that real love brought joy, not pain
Settling at the desk in her home office, Nedra checked her messages and began writing them down. Her pen halted in midair at the sound of Esther Costello’s voice. Her tone left no doubt that she was not pleased.
“Reverend Davis, this is urgent. Return this call as soon as you return from your vacation.”
Her emphasis on the last word in the message was caustic, putting Nedra on instant alert. What was the woman’s problem?
Dismissing Esther, she continued to collect her messages, until another one caught her attention. It was from Mrs. Simpson.
“Reverend Davis. I’m sorry to call you at home this late. It’s Monday and I thought that you were back from vacation. Anyway, I’m beside myself. My husband’s back in the hospital with his ankle and I can’t take care of the boys any longer. I had to call their worker. She came and got them a little while ago.” There was an audible sigh. “I feel so bad about this. The boys have been through so much. Well, I just needed to talk to you. If you can call me when you get in, I’d appreciate it.”
Nedra called her at once. Mrs. Simpson was very remorseful and described the boys as sad and solemn when they left. Colin was especially quiet, and she was worried about him. She informed Nedra that Trevor had called Sin before they left home and begged him to take them in. She asked if Nedra could help the boys in any way. Making no promises, she said she would do what she could.
When Nedra called Sin he answered on the first ring.
“I just heard about Colin and Trevor. Mrs. Simpson left a message for me here at home.”
“You’re back at your place?” His voice registered concern.
“You said it was safe.”
“Yes, but I feel better when you’re around other people.”
Nedra was touched by his protectiveness, but enough was enough. “I’m fine, Sin. It’s those boys that I’m calling about. Mrs. Simpson said that Trevor called you. Do you know where they are?”
Sadly, he recalled the hysterical child who begged him to come for them. He hadn’t cried since he was a baby, but it had been difficult not to when heard the boy’s plea. His voice conveyed the pain of having to reject that request.
“I called Family Services and talked to the caseworker assigned to the boys. She said they’ve been put in the Children’s Center until they can find another foster home for them.”
“The Children’s Center! That’s like an orphanage! They don’t belong there.”
“I know, but maybe a foster home will open up soon.” Sin ran his fingers through his hair in frustration.
“Perhaps.” Nedra tried to sound hopeful, but Sin could hear the tears in her voice.
“Are you going to be all right?”
“Yes, I’ll be fine,” she reassured him. “How about you? That phone call from Trevor had to be hard on you.”
Sin savored the essence of this woman, her kindness, her concern for others. This was why he loved her so much.
“I’m fine. The worker said that I could visit the boys after they get settled. I’m going to take her up on that.”
Nedra knew that he would. That was Sinclair. That was her love. “I’d like to see you tonight,” she said, surprised at her own boldness.
“Me too. Can you come to my place?”
“I’m not sure. My car might not be ready.”
“Your car? What’s wrong with it?”
Nedra moved to the bedroom and stretched out on her four-poster bed. “The battery went dead. I called my mechanic and had him tow it to his shop. I told him go over the whole thing so nothing else will break down on me. He did find that the brake fluid had drained out somehow.”
Sin, who had drifted across his office to lounge on the sofa, sat up straight at this bit of news.
“What? That could have been dangerous!”
“I know. God was watching over me. Anyway, my mechanic said I need new brakes. He’s installing them. I won’t be picking my car up until tomorrow. So, I don’t have a ride. Why don’t you come over here?”
Sin remained uncomfortable with the idea of them being seen together. Under any other circumstances he would shout his love for her to the world, but there was so much he had to attend to before he became worthy of publicly calling himself her man.
“I...I don’t know.”
There it was again, the hesitancy that ignited her seeds of doubt. She was growing tired of this. What was it in his life that made this continued secrecy so important?
“I’ll tell you what, Sinclair. I have a lot of work to catch up on, and since you coming over here seems to be such a problem....”
“Nedra....”
“I’ll stay here, and you stay at home. Maybe we can get together some other time.”
She disconnected with firm resolve. She was going to get to the bottom of this. What was it? Because he had trouble with his faith, was he ashamed to be seen with a minister?
The telephone rang. It was Sin.
“What’s your address?”
She told him. He said that he would be at her house by six.
Sin brought Chinese food for dinner and slices of strawberry cheese cake for dessert. They sat at the table in her dining area feasting, but food was the last thing on her mind. There were matters that needed to be discussed.
“Why do you want to remain so secretive about our relationship, Sin? You said my life was no longer in danger. So what is it?” She watched his reaction closely.
Sin put his fork down and leaned back in his chair. He looked thoughtful for a moment before addres
sing her.
“Why is it you don’t want to make love with me anymore? You answer my question, and I’ll answer yours.”
“W...what? Well, I...,” she stammered. The question caught her off guard. The entire topic of conversation had taken another direction.
“I’ll answer it for you. It’s because you’re a minister. You’ve had sex outside marriage and your conscience is bothering you.”
She remained silent. She couldn’t deny the truth.
“When we were in Monterey I told you that I would be as honest with you as I could be. But have you been honest with me or with yourself?” He leaned across the table drawing closer to her. “You told me that you were ready for my love and for its consequences. I don’t think you are.”
For a moment, the room was so quiet that the tick of the clock hanging on the living room wall could be heard. Nedra took a shaky breath.
“Every word you said is true. I feel like a hypocrite preaching one thing and practicing another.” A single tear slid down her cheek.
Sin wiped it away with the pad of his thumb. “Don’t be sorry for having a conscience. You wouldn’t be the woman I love if you didn’t have one.”
“I’m not ashamed of having made love with you.”
“I’m glad to hear that. But?”
“I’ve got to show more control in the future.”
“No, we have to show more control. You’re not in this alone.” He pulled her up, around the table and then settled her on his lap.
She gave him a peck on the lips. “Do you know how wonderful you are?”
“Humph, no actually I’m horny.”
Nedra snickered. She could feel the evidence of that beneath her.
Sin hugged her to him. “I won’t lie. I want you. Every time I’m near you, hear your voice on the phone, I want you. But if we never make love again, that won’t stop me from loving you.”
She was touched by his declaration. She hugged him tightly.
“This will all work out, Nedra, I promise you. I just need a little more time to take care of some things. Then we can shout it to the world what we mean to each other.” He lifted her chin with his finger. “Just a little more time is all I need.”
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