She swatted his hand away from her belly. “I’m not pregnant.”
“Give me about thirty minutes and you can be.”
She huffed, showing her irritation. “I am so not in the mood.”
He figured as much, but a guy couldn’t be blamed for trying. “Babe, relax. You’ve built a wonderful relationship with Corrine. She trusted you enough to tell you about him. I seriously doubt she told Toni.”
“Oh, Toni would flip.”
“Exactly! I think Corrine wanted your voice of reason even if she doesn’t seem to be responding to it. She knows where you stand on things. She’s listening, baby. Give it time to sink in and even if it doesn’t, it’s not your fault. Don’t get all dramatic about being a bad mother. You’re not. You’re awesome. Corrine and Nate are proof of that.”
Natalie remained silent as her tears continued to fall. Troy stared deep into her eyes and saw the mixture of confidence and insecurity as they wrestled inside of her. On the surface, Natalie often seemed overly confident. From the assurance of her footsteps to the assertiveness of her speech, Natalie never went unnoticed. But somewhere underneath, Troy knew there was still a layer of uncertainty. Perhaps it was residual pieces of her brokenness—the time in her life before they met, before they married, before she placed her trust in God. Natalie was not the type to allow people to easily get close to her. She had other associates, but Aneetra was her only true friend besides another lady in Mississippi whom Natalie knew as a child and reconnected with several years ago. Neither Troy’s sister nor his best friend’s wife had been able to really crack beneath her surface. Though he did think Natalie was overdramatizing a bit right now, he realized each time she’d let down her guard in front of him, she was exposing her vulnerability and he was not willing to risk crushing her any further. He looked deep into her narrow, copper-brown eyes. “The mistake Corrine is making is no reflection of you. She’d be lucky to turn out half as good as you are.”
“But—”
“There are not buts. If you ask me, Corrine and Nate have the best mother on the planet.”
She smiled faintly. “I don’t think your mother would appreciate you saying that?”
“She’ll be all right.” He kissed her forehead before slowly making his way to her lips. “I love you, Natalie Renée Evans.”
“I love you, too,” she whispered between sniffles.
CHAPTER 11: IN THE MIDST OF IT ALL
On Monday morning Troy stopped at Hope Ministries Rehabilitation Center, a drug and alcohol facility for recovering addicts owned and operated by Hope Ministries Church—a small, but well-respected organization in Columbus. Troy hadn’t been here since the time he worked a high-profile case, but he was certain that the man he needed to speak with would still be around. Leaning across the desk, he flashed his badge. “Hi, I’m Detective Troy Evans with the Columbus Police Department. Is Robert available?”
“Um…just a sec.” The receptionist quickly dialed him on the phone. Seconds later, Robert appeared.
“Detective Evans, it’s been a while. Nice to see you.” The two men shook hands like they were old friends. Roughly the same age, both men had built physiques. The first time that Natalie had met Robert and his wife, she later told Troy that she’d thought Robert was “cute” and that his wife was “pretty.” Troy appreciated how he and Natalie could openly compliment others without stirring up feelings of jealousy. While he would agree that Robert’s wife was indeed attractive, Troy’s masculinity would not allow him to even fathom describing Robert as “cute.” Robert was a dark-skinned guy of average height who happened to keep himself in shape—something that another guy would notice. If that’s what Natalie considered cute, then whatever. “What brings you by?”
“Does the name Eric Freeman ring a bell?”
“Wow. It rings many bells. C’mon, let’s go to my office.” He turned to the receptionist. “Debbie, please hold all my calls unless it’s Pastor B or my wife.”
Robert’s office hadn’t changed much since the last time Troy had been there, if at all. A newspaper clipping of Robert wearing boxers and being escorted by the police in handcuffs still hung on the wall. Someone had written a scripture underneath it. Troy had always wondered about that picture and why in the world Robert had it hanging up like it was something to be proud of. He didn’t know much about Robert’s past, but he did know about the troubles his family had endured the last few years. Yet the guy was so full of life, always wearing a smile.
“You want to know about Eric Freeman, huh? You mind me asking why?”
“I’m investigating several cases.”
“C’mon, you have to give me a little more than that. My mind is wondering.”
“Eric is a person of interest in a case I’m working. I’m fishing for as much information about him that I can gather. Anything I say to you must not be repeated.”
“Not to worry, you have my word.”
Troy believed Robert. Troy’s life experiences and eighteen years of on-the-job training had made him an expert in character judgment. Through his limited, professional interaction with Robert, Troy could tell he was a cool, trustworthy person and perhaps that’s why Troy felt comfortable enough to come to him. A man doesn’t go from being in handcuffs to the director of a drug and rehabilitation center without proving his integrity somewhere down the line. “Is Eric a friend of yours?”
“Hardly…I don’t know him well at all. I’ve only had a few interactions with him, but that was enough for me.”
“You and your wife used to attend Abundant in Christ, correct?”
“I never went to that church,” he said adamantly. “Lisa did. They all went there.”
Troy didn’t need clarification of who they were. He knew exactly where Robert’s mind had drifted. “I’m sorry, man. I don’t mean to dredge up any bad memories. I’m just—”
“You’re cool. I take things one day at a time. Some days are easier than others, but that’s life. Anyhow, Eric and Lisa were, um, friends at one point. Like I said, I was around him only on a few occasions, but that was enough for me to figure out that the man is not playing with a full deck.”
“Please elaborate.”
“I think he suffers from some type of god-like complex. Of course it would take a psychiatrist to diagnosis him for sure, but I think he’s a Christian narcissist, if there is such a disorder.”
A narcissist? That certainly would fit the profile of someone who could commit these murders. Cheryl had said the killer was on some kind of a mission. Perhaps Eric wanted to show these women that they weren’t as knowledgeable about Christ as him. “Have you ever witnessed him show any signs of aggression?”
“Yep! Say something about the Bible that he doesn’t agree with and you’re in for the fight of your life. I know you’re trying to be discreet, but can you tell me what he may have allegedly done? The worst thing I can imagine him doing is going off on someone for misquoting scriptures.”
“No, I’m afraid it may be much more serious than that.”
“How serious?”
“I’m investigating several murder cases.” The room went jarringly silent. “You okay?” Troy finally spoke up several minutes later.
He nodded slowly and smiled. “I’m good. Anyhow, regarding Eric, he is a lot of things, but the last thing he strikes me as is a murderer. Then again, who am I to say that he doesn’t have a dark side?”
“Do you think Lisa would be willing to answer a few questions about Eric if need be?”
“She definitely knows him much better than I do, but I’m sure she’d tell you the same thing. As anal as Eric is about the Word, I can’t fathom him taking anyone’s life, but I’ve learned the hard way that you never really know what people are capable of until they actually do it. If your case against him becomes official then, by all means, contact her. But, I don’t want her involved if this is only a fishing expedition. She’s been through so much these last few years. We are finally getting used to our new s
ense of normal. I don’t want anything to upset her.”
Detective to citizen, Troy felt that Robert’s lack of willingness to involve Lisa was impeding his investigation. Sure, Eric was officially classified as a “person of interest,” but that was all jargon. They needed to gather as much information about him so he could be cleared or charged. How many women would have to die before this case came to a close? But, man to man, husband to husband, Troy understood exactly where Robert was coming from. He’d do anything to protect Natalie. She’d had a troubled childhood and if he thought for a moment that something or someone could cause her to regress, he’d put a stop to it immediately.
“It’s not that she can’t handle it,” Robert continued, “She’s probably way stronger than I’m giving her credit for. But I don’t want her to have to deal with it unless absolutely necessary.”
“I gotcha. For now, I’ll let her be. But, if this case does advance against Eric, I won’t be able to avoid talking with her.”
“Understood.”
“Well, I have taken up enough of your time. Thanks for meeting with me.”
“Not a problem. You’ve done so much for my family, it’s the least I could do.”
“I only did my job.”
“No, it was more than that. I’m from Baltimore, man, and I know the difference between a cop only doing his job and you. You’re good people, Detective Evans. Believe that.”
“Please, call me Troy.” He snickered to himself, recalling how bent out of shape Eric gets about being addressed by his first name.
“Okay, Troy. Is there anything else I can help you with?”
“No, not at this time. I’ll be in touch should there be any new developments.”
“So, you’re not going to ask me?”
“Ask you what?”
“I saw you eyeing that clipping on the wall. You want to know what happened, don’t you?”
“Guess I’m not the only detective in the room.”
“You’d be surprised about the things I pick up on from time to time.”
“I admit I’m curious. What’s your story?”
For the next twenty minutes or so, Troy listened intently as Robert shared with him the events of his past and how it was that night of getting arrested by the Baltimore PD that changed his life and propelled him into his purpose. Robert even admitted his infidelity, which shocked Troy to the core. He didn’t seem like the type. Troy’s expression must have revealed his thoughts because Robert said, “My actions were a shock to everyone, including myself. The thought of cheating on my wife was detestable to me. Something I’d never imagined doing. You wouldn’t believe how jacked up the chic was that I cheated with. It made no sense at all. Man, I wasn’t even attracted to her, but it goes to show how people get tangled up when they stray from the Word of God. I was going though all the motions, but my heart was rebellious against Him.”
“Do you ever get angry with God for the way things ultimately turned out? I know you and Lisa are back together, but it came at a hefty price.”
“Not at all. I’ve learned not to praise God when things are good, but even when they are not. My divorce, remarriage and even…” he took a deep breath. Remnants of sadness were felt during the pause. “Well, you know the rest. The point is that God is good and nothing that happens in my life will make me doubt that.”
Troy had been a Christian for about five years, but unfortunately his faith had weakened quite a bit over the last few. He couldn’t exactly pinpoint one thing in his own life that caused his spirit to diminish. As a matter of fact, Troy had to admit to himself that his life was pretty good. There was no room for complaints. Both he and Natalie had good-paying, steady jobs, despite the economy. Besides the mortgage on their four-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom home, and the payment on Natalie’s car, the Evans’ didn’t owe anyone for anything. They had a joyous young son with no medical conditions, the entire family had full coverage health insurance, and they were planning on expanding their family. Essentially, all of his family’s needs were met and there were many wonderful aspects about Troy’s life. It was his job and the devastation he saw happen in the lives of others that started to get to him. Robert was one of those individuals and yet, his faith hadn’t been shaken at all. What was Troy not getting?
“These last few years have not been easy, but no one can ever convince me that Jesus is not real. There’s no way my wife or I would have survived all we’ve been through had the Lord not been with us. I may never understand why things turned out the way they did, but I know Who has been the key to my having peace in the midst of it all.”
“Wow, man, that’s deep. Are you sure you’re not a preacher because I could swear that was a sermon you just gave.”
Robert laughed. “Ministry isn’t only about being in the pulpit. I am where I am supposed to be. What about you? Where does your relationship with God stand?”
Troy hadn’t expected Robert to be so direct. Being so spiritually grounded, Robert reminded him of his best friend, Elvin, who had been very instrumental in leading him to Christ. Elvin and his family lived in Chicago and though the two spoke on a regular basis, it was usually about catching up with the happenings in each of their lives. When biblical things did come up, Troy was able to talk a good game to make it seem like his faith was still strong, but he’d never shared with Elvin the doubts that arose the last couple of years. Elvin never called him out the way Robert had done, though Troy was certain he wouldn’t hesitate to do so if given the chance. “I believe in God.”
“Man, even the devil believes in God. I asked you about your relationship with Him. Belief in and fellowship with aren’t exactly the same thing.”
Troy respected a man who didn’t beat around the bush, but Robert was getting way too personal now and Troy wished he’d kept his mouth shut. “I—um, well—” As Troy struggled to string together a sentence, his cell phone rang. A welcomed interruption! “Excuse me for a moment. Evans here…” It was the voice of one of his colleagues informing him of some disturbing news. “All right, I’m on my way.” Troy turned to Robert. “Good talking to you, man, but I have to run. Sorry to end things so abruptly.”
“No problem. We’ll finish this conversation another time.” Robert smiled, but this time it wasn’t only a smile. There was much more behind it—like Troy had become a spiritual charity case or something. It felt eerie and Troy didn’t know quite how to respond. “I wish I could have been more help to you.”
“You were very helpful. Thanks again.” Troy extended his hand as Robert got up and opened the door. “I can see myself out. You take care.”
It looked like Robert was going to say something else, but Troy made his exit before giving him the chance.
CHAPTER 12: A REASONABLE EXPLANATION
Natalie noticed Aneetra’s downcast spirit all morning, but it wasn’t until later in the day that she was able to get her alone. The two hadn’t spoken since their outing on Saturday. Normally, they would see each other at church, but Aneetra wasn’t there yesterday and Natalie didn’t blame her. If Troy had been gone for weeks before returning home, she wouldn’t have been at church either, or work for that matter. She would still be “ministering” to her hubby at this very moment. Unfortunately, she and Troy didn’t get any recreational time in over the weekend. Not for lack of trying, but rather opportunity, convenience, and the fact that he kept ruining her mood with that crazy baby talk. “Our lunch was just delivered. See you in our spot in five.” Natalie walked by her friend’s cubicle, carrying the Chinese she’d called in.
“What makes you think I don’t already have lunch plans?”
“I know you don’t. Wrap up and meet me there,” she gently ordered and kept moving. Their spot was the conference room on the second floor where they worked. Every blue moon the ladies would eat in the cafeteria with their co-workers, but neither enjoyed the nonstop hour of office gossip or the let’s-talk-about-the one-who’s-not-here-today routine that often took place. Thus,
if they didn’t go out to lunch, normally they would eat at one of their desks or in the conference room, which was usually free during that time.
The room was huge. The sky-blue walls created a peaceful atmosphere and the ceiling-to-floor back wall-to-wall window overlooked the I-270 overpass. Plaques lined the walls, revealing tidbits about the company’s history. Aneetra walked in as Natalie finished unpacking the food.
“You’re awfully bossy today.” She was only half joking.
Natalie smiled. “I love you, too.”
“Yeah, yeah, whatever. This smells good. What did you get?”
“Orange chicken and fried rice. Here…” She handed Aneetra a paper plate. “You first, or rather crab lady before boss lady.”
“Whatever. I’m not crabby.”
“Something’s going on with you, but go ahead and eat. You can tell me what’s on your mind after your belly is full.”
“There goes that bossy thing again. Girl, you better be glad I like you and that I’m hungry, because nobody can tell me what to do around here except Alex and she’s out today.”
“You didn’t get the memo? I’m second in command, boo. Now eat.” Aneetra laughed and they ate their lunch in unusual silence while Natalie thought about her own dilemma.
Nearly four years into their marriage, Natalie was still very much attracted to her husband and his ever-so-slight, but very sexy Southern accent. Her entire body tingled when she first saw his six-foot-one, smooth, dark chocolate, sculpted frame. Marriage, children and having a relationship with God were nowhere on her agenda. He was to be her booty-buddy. Somehow he’d penetrated her heart and that was scary because both of them had so many issues at the time. Despite everything, she’d felt God had been merciful. He’d blessed them tremendously, although their beginning was not-so-biblical and rocky. Troy was a wonderful husband and father. She knew how much he wanted another child and at first, she was cool with it, but now she continued to have second thoughts.
Besides the fact that he worked like crazy, she was also concerned about his increasing withdrawal from God. She’d tried to speak with him about his spiritual struggles before, but that didn’t go too well. Instead, she prayed for him often and tried to be a godly wife to him. Natalie believed wholeheartedly in the Bible and she knew 1 Peter 3:1 which talked about wives being able to win over their husbands to the Word by their behavior. Troy knew almost everything there was to know about her past life. She surely hoped that the woman he saw on a daily basis served as a testament to him that God was most definitely real. She longed for him to be the spiritual head of their household, but until he was ready to take his rightful place, it was her responsibility to make sure Nate was raised in the “nurture and admonition of the Lord” as commanded in Ephesians 6:4. Spiritual leadership and being the primary caregiver for one child was enough. Natalie didn’t think she could handle another one.
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