She seemed happy to see them both and with a raspy voice, thanked him for saving her life.
“I’d do anything for you, kiddo.”
She smiled as Natalie lifted Nate onto the bed. “Why you not come to my birday party?”
Troy was not sure how Corrine responded. Surprised to see Natalie there alone, he’d asked where Toni and Kenny had gone.
“To the cafeteria. I’m sure they won’t be gone long. Kenny had to practically pry her away. I think he was trying to give me time alone with Corrine.”
“I’ll be right back, okay?”
The girls understood. Both giving him a message to carry.
Troy found his buddy’s room in no time. He wasn’t prepared for the many tubes and monitors sprouting from his body. Jon was staring out the window. “What’s on your mind, man?”
“Hey, brotha! I heard about you on the news. How’s Corrine?”
“She’s okay. She thanks you for everything and Natalie sends her love.”
“Ain’t no thing. I’m glad you found her.”
“I wouldn’t have been able to do it without you. Why didn’t you tell me you’d suspected Paula? As elusive as you were being, I almost thought it was you.”
“Why is it always the white man?”
Troy laughed. “Hey, man, I was going by the profile. Paula was a complete surprise.”
“Yeah. I didn’t really put two and two together until I saw her watching you at Freeman’s. Then I knew something was up. It was stupid for me go in without notifying anyone. That’s why I’m in this condition. They say I may never walk again.”
“I’m sorry. I don’t know what to say.” How could one guy’s life be filled with so many unfortunate circumstances?
“Sometimes words aren’t necessary. People need you to listen. Don’t go getting all anti-Christ because of what’s going on with me. I’ll be all right either way it goes. You make sure you take care of your family.”
“Deal. You need me to check on your mom while you’re in here?”
“I appreciate the offer, but my sister is on her way up from Florida. She should be here any time.”
Troy’s phone buzzed violently. “I better take this.”
“No problem. Thanks for coming by. I love you, man.”
Troy smiled. “Yeah, yeah, you’re all right, too. I’ll be back a little later…hello?”
“Why haven’t y’all had Nate call me? I’m sick of chasing after y’all black a—”
“Sorry, Mama, we ran into a bit of drama.”
“It’s gon’ be some drama all right if I don’t get to talk to my grandson.” She cursed Troy out all the way from Jon’s room back to Corrine’s.
EPILOGUE
Three Months Later…
Troy was thankful that the remainder of the summer was uneventful. In July, he and Natalie celebrated their fourth wedding anniversary in the comfort of their home playing games and eating pizza with Nate. Corrine was in Jackson at the time. She’d gone there shortly after her hospital release and stayed for well over a month where she’d celebrated her twenty-fourth birthday. When she returned to work, she learned that Brent had been placed on administrative leave, pending a sexual harassment allegation by one of the office assistants.
Aneetra’s girls spent the rest of their summer with her sister in Louisiana. She and Marcus were still separated and Troy hadn’t yet heard whether they were planning to divorce or reconcile. Natalie and Aneetra continued to attend the Wise Wives meetings each month. He desperately tried to be available so that he could watch Nate. Sometimes the two of them would tag along so they could hang out with Robert and Chandler.
The more time passed, the more everyone seemed to put Paula’s madness behind them. However, Eric Freeman was in denial. Though he had confirmed that Paula looked very much like his prayer partner, Esther Roman, who had sent him a letter saying she was leaving the country on a missionary trip, he’d refused to believe that they were one in the same or that the messages on his wall came from anyone other than the hand of God.
Unfortunately, Jon had not yet regained his ability to walk. Doctors were hopeful that continued hard work and aggressive therapy may yield minor results, but they didn’t think he would ever make a full recovery. In the meantime, his sister was still in town, looking after him and their mom. Sadly, his ex-wife hadn’t even cared enough to send a “get well” card. No matter what, Jon never stopped smiling, praising God, or singing love songs to pretty women.
As fall began, Natalie was nearing the end of her first trimester. She’d apparently missed a few pills during the ordeal with Corrine. Troy was elated and tried to remain sensitive to the fact that she had mixed feelings. They still hadn’t come to an agreement about her working, but he would make an extra effort to be more available without her having to ask. He was even planning to take time off after she gave birth—something he hadn’t done with Nate.
In the meantime, Troy tried to make the most of every moment with his family. While Natalie, Corrine, and Aneetra had orchestrated some girl weekend getaway, it would be him and li’l man for the next several days. They’d spent nearly the whole afternoon at Magic Mountain. Exhausted, Troy had finally been able to lure him away with the promise of a new Spider-Man movie. They’d seen the new one over the summer, but it had not yet been released on DVD. Troy usually didn’t resort to bribery, but his parenting style was a little less stringent when Natalie wasn’t around.
“Can I have bofe movies, Daddy?”
“No, pick one.”
“Well, if it isn’t the two handsome Evans boys.” Troy’s entire body tensed at the sound of Cheryl’s voice. “Hey, little fellah, you must be Nate.” She bent down to make eye contact with him.
“How you know my name?”
“Your daddy told me.”
“C’mon, Nate, pick the movie and let’s go.”
“How’s your wife and stepdaughter?”
“Fine. Forget it. I changed my mind. You can have them both.”
As he hurried away, Cheryl yelled out, “Good to see you, Troy! I miss talking with you.”
It hadn’t dawned on him until they were in the parking lot that Toys R Us was an odd place to run into her. “You know better than to talk to strangers, don’t you? Even if someone knows your name, but you don’t know them, you are not allowed to speak to them if your mom or I aren’t around, okay?”
Nate wasn’t paying attention. He was too busy making up a song about his two movies. Later that night, Troy repeated himself.
“Yes, sir.”
“Okay, bud, let’s say prayers.”
“God, I thank You for my Spider-Man movies. Please bless my mommy, my sissy, my aunt Nee Nee, and my baby brudders.” Troy chuckled. Natalie was expecting twins, but they did not know the sex of either baby. However, Nate was determined that they would be boys. “Your turn, Daddy.”
Troy smiled. Nightly prayers were no longer a rudimentary routine he participated in to appease Natalie. He took joy in both individual and group prayer time and his faith was continuously growing stronger. He had so much to thank God for. Tonight, as his custom many nights, he started with his family.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Eric is insistent that he is addressed by his title. Why do you think so many church people with titles find them so important? What are the advantages/disadvantages of titles in the church?
2. What are your first thoughts regarding how Eric came across the information about Lolita Gordon?
3. Eric adamantly insists that he is not a psychic. How can a person discern the difference between a psychic and a prophet? What does the Bible say? Do prophets still exist?
4. Do you or your spouse have a demanding job? What are some of the effects on your marriage? How can one balance the demands of work and family?
5. Has there ever been a time when your faith was shaken? Please explain.
6. Natalie is keeping a very big secret from Troy. Obviously, this is something he should know, but are spo
uses ever to keep secrets from one another or should they tell each other everything?
7. Natalie’s feelings toward Lynn aren’t unique when it comes to female relationships. Do you think men have these thoughts/feelings too, or do women read too much into things?
8. Based on the FBI profile in chapter 7, do you have any idea of who the killer may be?
9. Troy doesn’t seem to mind Jon’s behavior toward Natalie, but what do you think? Is it harmless or disrespectful? If it is okay, under what circumstances would it not be?
10. What would you say, if anything, to a loved one who is involved in an adulterous relationship?
11. Robert mentions doing something that he’d never imagined he would do and contributes his actions to his strained relationship with God. Have you ever found yourself in a situation that caused you to stray far from your true beliefs?
12. Robert says that ministry isn’t only in the pulpit. Why do you think so many people aim for that type of ministry, believing that it’s the most important?
13. Natalie mentions her past in Chapter 14, fearing that she may eventually reap what she has sown. Are her concerns valid or was Troy’s response correct?
14. Natalie mentions having been candid with Corrine about her past. How much should we tell our children? Can we ever share too much?
15. How would you handle things if you were Aneetra? If you wanted to mend your marriage, what are the first three things you would do?
16. In Chapter 16, Natalie says, “the more you know, the more you have to forgive.” Do you agree with her advice?
17. What were you initial thoughts about how Marcus was involved in Troy’s case?
18. What did you think of Jon’s explanation of his injuries in Chapter 20?
19. What’s your opinion of Karen in Chapter 22? Was Natalie being paranoid?
20. Some people believe that marriage is forever, no matter what, while others say there’s a limit to what a spouse should take and it’s okay to get out when things get to that point. What are your thoughts?
21. Natalie and Troy have an argument in Chapter 26 when he discovers her secret. Who do you tend to side with?
22. What do you think about Troy’s phone call getting so personal in Chapter 27?
23. Should Troy have gone to Starbucks?
24. Why do you think the word “submission” is a tough one for many modern-day women to follow?
25. What kinds of activities do you engage in to take your mind off worries?
26. Do you have a favorite book of the Bible? If so, what is it and why?
27. Do you sympathize with Cheryl at all in Chapter 42?
28. Should Troy have told Natalie about Cheryl, despite it not being an opportune time?
29. Troy pieces clues together in Chapter 43? Do you know who the killer is now as well? Did you know before him? If so, what tipped you off?
30. How do you think the killer began to embrace the misunderstanding of the Word regarding the mission?
31. Read 1 Samuel 15. How would you explain God’s instructions to Saul to a non-believer?
32. Not taking into account the murders, do you sympathize with the killer’s story at all?
33. What, if anything, can be learned from this killer’s supposed mission?
34. Do you have any predictions about what will happen with Cheryl?
IF YOU ENJOYED “WAGES OF SIN,” PLEASE BE SURE TO CHECK OUT
BY YOLONDA TONETTE SANDERS
AVAILABLE FROM STREBOR BOOKS
CHAPTER 1
A Minor Issue
It took Lisa a few minutes to fully regain consciousness when she woke up and found herself in the living room. She hadn’t meant to fall asleep. Tucked away in an eastern suburb of Columbus, the Hampton household had been relatively quiet last night. With her mother and daughter out, Lisa took advantage of the solitary Saturday evening and just relaxed. Considering the many late nights she’d worked the previous week, she needed the break. Lisa spent the evening in her blue satin pajamas curled up on her cream plush sofa where she had apparently fallen asleep.
The sound of snow humming on her flat television screen was irritating and she quickly used the remote to turn it off. Noticing the time was 12:49 a.m., Lisa leapt up and ran through the kitchen to see if her car was in the garage. Nope, just her mother’s car, which meant that Chanelle, her seventeen-year-old daughter, had missed her midnight curfew!
“Don’t jump to conclusions,” Lisa said to herself as she reached for the phone, flipping through the caller ID. She hoped Chanelle had tried to call when she was asleep, but was disheartened to find no evidence supporting her theory. She quickly dialed Chanelle’s cell phone, hearing the hip-hop music selection that preceded her daughter’s voice mail. She didn’t bother leaving a message.
Dashing up the stairs, Lisa knocked on her mother’s bedroom door as a courtesy, but didn’t wait for a response. “Mama?” She peeked inside.
Hattie lay like Sleeping Beauty underneath a tan comforter that blended in perfectly with her light skin tone. She looked so peaceful that Lisa really didn’t want to disturb her. She stood for a split second, admiring her mother’s beauty. Though she was in her mid-sixties, Lisa’s mother looked great—still-mostly-black hair, a shapely size ten figure and no wrinkles. Lisa hoped she’d inherited her mother’s genes and would also age gracefully. So far so good, but if Chanelle kept working her nerves, she’d surely look old and gray within a few years.
“Mama!” Lisa spoke with more force.
“Huh?”
“Sorry to wake you…I want to know if you’ve heard from Chanelle.”
“No, why? She’s not home yet?”
“No, but don’t worry. I’ll find her.”
Her mother quickly sat up. “Did you call Jareeka? Maybe Chanelle accidentally dozed off over there.”
The girl’s name was actually Gericka, like Erika, but Lisa didn’t bother correcting her mother, who was notorious for renaming people. “Calling there is my next step. I wanted to check with you first.”
Lisa ran back down to the kitchen where Chanelle’s best friend’s telephone number was posted on the small magnetic bulletin board attached to the refrigerator. By now it was a few minutes shy of one.
The phone rang several times before Marlon Young, Gericka’s father, answered.
“Hi! I’m sorry to call your house so late. This is Lisa.”
“Yes, what can I do for you?”
“Is Chanelle there?”
“No, why do you ask?”
Lisa’s throat tightened. “She’s not here yet. Do you know what time she brought Gericka home from the movies?”
“I don’t know what Chanelle told you, but she didn’t go to the movies with Gericka,” Marlon firmly stated. “Gericka and Karen went to Louisville on Friday to spend the weekend with my mother-in-law.”
“I’m sorry…I thought. Never mind. I’m sorry I woke you.”
“It’s okay. I’m sure you’re concerned about your daughter. I pray she gets home safely,” he said, before hanging up.
With no other options, Lisa reluctantly dialed RJ’s number, which she had unfortunately memorized by now. She hated calling her ex-husband, but figured the situation warranted such an action. It was a waste of time because he hadn’t seen or heard from Chanelle either. As if his presence would calm Lisa’s nerves, RJ had offered to come over and wait with her until Chanelle arrived.
“No, thanks!” Lisa quickly declined. He always seemed to be looking for an excuse to be near her, but the only man occupying her time was Minister Freeman, whom she had been out to dinner with on several occasions.
“Please let me know the minute you hear from her,” RJ requested.
“I will,” she assured.
He had some nerve, acting like a concerned father when he was the reason why she and Chanelle had left Baltimore and come to Ohio in the first place. Had she known several summers ago when she moved here that he would follow, she would have accepted ano
ther job elsewhere.
Feeling her blood pressure rise with each passing second, she went back into the living room and sat on the couch. She began fiddling with the charm on the necklace she never took off, which had become a habit whenever she became nervous or angry. The time was exactly 1:07 a.m. and that meant her daughter was now sixty-seven minutes past curfew. Lisa was fuming!
Though the “God, please don’t let anything bad happen to her” prayer cycled through Lisa’s head a few times, she honestly didn’t feel a need to panic. For some reason, Lisa knew Chanelle was okay—wherever she was. Chanelle was okay now, but Lisa couldn’t promise that she’d be later when she finally brought her behind home and parental justice kicked in.
She did not understand why Chanelle would intentionally lie and violate her curfew. She was fresh off of punishment for talking back earlier that week. Lisa had asked Chanelle to get off the computer so she could type some information for work, but Chanelle had defiantly replied, “No!”—as if Lisa had really given her an option. Already stressed because of her work challenges, Lisa controlled the urge to snatch Chanelle out of the chair by her ponytail and threatened that if she didn’t move of her own accord, she would be moved. Chanelle got up without further objection but her attitude had struck Lisa’s nerve, so Chanelle had been placed on punishment.
Hearing the sound of her mother’s footsteps descending the hardwood stairs, Lisa leaned back on the sofa so as not to appear overly anxious.
“Chanelle still hasn’t made it home?” Her mother’s wire-framed glasses rested at the tip of her nose while a large green robe concealed her body.
“Nope…”
“Did you call Jareeka’s?”
“Yes, her father said that she and her mother are away for the weekend.” She felt herself tensing with every word.
“What about RJ? Have you called him?”
“He hasn’t seen her either.”
“Well, don’t come down too hard on her. Maybe she didn’t know Jareeka was out of town and when she found out, she decided to hang with one of her other friends instead. Now she should’ve at least called and told you, but she was probably so happy to get out the house that she forgot. Poor thing; it seems like she’s always on punishment. Sometimes I think you’re too hard on that girl. I don’t want to meddle—”
Wages of Sin Page 23
