His First Lady (36 page)

Leon didn’t reply to the governor; he only stared at the story trying to fathom if what he was seeing was reality.

“Leon,” the mayor said. “Do you know this woman?” Mayor Wilson had watched Leon closely.

Leon nodded. “She...she was a friend,” he stuttered. His head was cloudy but clear enough to realize that he had to clear that statement up. “She’s the wife of one of my deacons.”

Paul walked back into the library and handed Leon a glass of water. Leon recalled that his hands shook uncontrollably and he was unable to hold the glass steady. Some of the water spilled on the table but Paul took the glass from Leon’s hands, wiped the table and sat the glass down. Governor Shipley looked quite uncomfortable. Leon didn’t know how to recover from this embarrassment. He wanted to shake it off, walk back into the dining area and resume their talks. He wouldn’t be able to do that.

“I think we should reschedule this luncheon until a more appropriate time,” Governor Shipley said before instructing Paul to call for the driver to take Leon back to the church. “I do hope that they are able to catch whoever did this. Crime must also be one of your talking points, Pastor.”

Mayor Wilson shook his head and folded his arms as he looked at the newscast of a body draped with a white sheet roll past the news camera. “This is an awful tragedy. We must do something about crime in this city,” Mayor Wilson said. “My condolences to you and your church family.”

Leon remembered looking back at the men wishing that they’d both go to hell.

Now Leon sat in Rick’s house, bemused and somewhat dazed. He could still see Ariel’s face from the last time that he had seen her and he smelled her everywhere in the house. There was talking all around him but they were drowned out as he stared at her pictures throughout the house. He wanted answers. Whoever did this took so much from him. This woman was baring his child; helping him usher in his future and his legacy and now she was snatched away from him.

Leon looked like he was praying at first glance and it was the look he was going for. In reality, he was trying to escape. The house had been filled with either deathly silence or an outburst of cries and sniffles. It was hard just being in Ariel’s home, even harder to be supportive of Rick who sat on the chair with his head between his legs like a sick puppy crying out every few minutes. This man had opposed all of Leon’s plans and was married to a woman he didn’t deserve.

“I just really want a cigarette so bad right now,” Rick said standing up with a wet face and red exhausted eyes.

“No, don’t go back there,” Mother Lyles said. “Let me go fix you something hot baby.” The old gray haired woman wearing a huge floor length skirt leaned on her cane and slowly got up from the chair she was seated in. One step at a time, she began walking to the kitchen.

“I don’t know what to do without her,” Rick cried. “What am I going to tell my kids?”

Leon watched as one of the older deaconesses walked up to Rick and placed her flabby arm around his shoulder. “The Lord will get you through this, Deacon,” She said. “You’re surrounded by people who love you.”

“Why did God do this to me?” Rick asked holding his handkerchief up to his eyes.

“God didn’t do this Rick. The devil did this,” Deacon Harris said.

Leon sat and watched the entire spectacle having no impulse to intervene with the good Lord’s word. “Rick, what’s the latest?”

Rick cleared his throat and wiped his face. “Um, they’ve been back and forth to the scene. They keep asking me questions like I did it. I feel like I’m going to lose my mind.”

“They’re only doing they job, baby,” Mother Lyles said in her old southern twang walking back into the room slowly with a cup of coffee.

“Are they going to do an autopsy?” Leon asked Rick.

Rick sighed and rubbed his head. “They’re doing it today.”

“Can you refuse that?” Leon asked looking over at him.

Everyone’s eyes diverted to Leon inquisitively including Ricks.

“It’s a homicide case and he has no say so in that,” Greg said walking in seemingly out of nowhere looking directly at Leon.

“I want an autopsy,” Rick said. “I need to know what happened to my wife.”

“How soon can they tell him something, Pastor Greg?” Deacon Tripp turned toward Greg.

“They’re going to be very protective of any information right now since it’s a homicide case. They’ll rule him out as a suspect before they provide details,” Greg said standing near the corner of the room.

“Everybody know he didn’t do it,” Rick’s father spoke up from leaning back on the sofa. “My son ain’t no killa,” The old man with a head full of coarse gray hair and one long front tooth said. “Do he need to get him one of dem’ lawyers?”

“Calm down daddy,” Rick said put his hand up. “I didn’t do anything so I’m not getting an attorney.”

“You gots to be smart son,” the old man said adamantly.

“I’ll be alright daddy. “Rick sighed. “I don’t know what to do. I need her here just to plan her funeral.” Rick’s words forced a smile on his sad face.

“Have you contacted a funeral home?” Deacon Harris asked.

“Yeah, I’m going today to finalize everything. They’ll pick up the body from the coroners when it’s released.”

“We’ll go with you brother,” Deacon Harris said who was sitting across from Rick.

Rick dropped his head as tears flowed from his eyes again. Deaconess Harris rushed from her husband’s side and placed her arm around Rick. “Cry as much as you want to.”

Leon stared at the entire fiasco and didn’t know how much longer he could sit amongst them. He was hurting but he also had loose ends to tie up. Ariel’s belongings were still in the apartment and he needed to make certain to cancel her credit cards.

“Can I pray with you right now brother?” Leon asked.

Rick nodded and affirmative muttering came from around the room. Rick walked back over to the chair and sat down. Leon looked at Rick and wondered if he had to grab his hand for this prayer; he thought appropriately that he should. Everyone bowed their heads as Leon led them in prayer. When the prayer was over, Leon stood and threw his arms around Rick. “God is still good, brother.”

“I know he is,” Rick replied in a low voice.

“I know that this is a devastating loss and we’re all here for you. If you need anything I’m only a phone call away. I’ll go with you to settle any business issues or if you just need someone to talk to. Give me a call day or night,” Leon said hearing some utterings of “Amen” in the crowd.

“You’re a good man, Pastor Leon,” One of Rick’s cousins that sat in the back corner said. Leon put his hand up acknowledging the man.

“Let me know of anything special that you’d like to have at the home going service. We want to make it just like she’d like it,” Leon said solemnly.

Rick wiped his eyes and nodded. “Thank you.”

“I’m here for you brother.” Leon picked up his bible and threw his hand up to wave. “I’ll see everyone later. God bless you.”

It was all Leon could do to escape the house. Leon made his way down the long foyer of Ariel and Rick’s lavish home. It was exactly what he expected from Ariel. He just didn’t know how Rick afforded it. He stepped out into the sunshine and fresh air. He took a deep breath hurrying down the porch steps.

“Leaving so soon, pastor?”

The voice startled Leon. He quickly turned around to find Greg standing on the top porch step.

Leon looked around to see if they were alone. They were. “I’m headed back to the church.” Leon hated small talk and he hated Greg and was in the mood for neither. “Thanks for being here,” Leon said.

Greg slipped his hands in his pockets. “I wouldn’t be anywhere else. I’ve lost my wife so I know the pain of losing the most beloved person in your life.”

Leon nodded. “I hope they find out who did this,” Leon said as he prepared to keep walking to his car to get as far away from all of this as quickly as he could.

“It’s a tragic case,” Greg said. “Rick lost his wife and his baby. She was about twenty- one weeks pregnant.”

Leon froze as the blood seemed to drain from Leon’s face. His heart pounded in his chest. He turned and looked at Greg but was speechless.

“I don’t know if Rick even knew,” Greg said.

“How do you know that? They haven’t done the autopsy yet,” Leon stammered.

“I’ve still got some contacts, Pastor,” Greg said taking a deep breath. “I remember that Rick said that they had taken permanent measures not to have any more children.” Greg shook his head. “I don’t know, maybe I’m mistaken though.”

Leon stood for a moment unsure of what Greg knew.

“Well you better get going, Pastor. We’ll see you later,” Greg said walking back into Rick’s home.

Leon’s mouth hung open as he watched Greg walk back inside knowing that Greg must been feeling a sense of satisfaction as he left Leon wondering how much he knew and how he knew it.

Daniela sat quietly the entire 35 minute ride to Candy’s house. Now that they had arrived, nervous fluttering filled the pit of her stomach to the point that she thought she was going to vomit. Rob walked around and opened her car door. She sat in the car staring straight ahead when he reached in, took her hand and helped her out. The feelings of terror and dread flooded through her as she forced herself past the location where Ariel’s body had lain and up the steps to Candy’s front door.

Rob gripped her hand firmly as he rang the doorbell. Rob had been her rock ever since he’d found out. But she could tell from the look on his face that this had taken a toll on him as it did her; but she had no strength to give to him. It took several times of ringing the doorbell before the door opened. But the Candy that she anticipated seeing and the Candy that appeared were nothing alike. Candy wore a gigantic smile on her face and gave a huge hello before throwing her arms around Daniela. The hug though, was strange almost cold and unfamiliar.

“Hi honey, why didn’t you call? I could have had food prepared,” A flashy and beautifully adorned Candy said.

Daniela and Rob looked at each other stunned after only deciding to come to the house after calling Candy’s cell and home phones for so long without an answer. Daniela thought that surely Rob must have thought that she was making this entire incident up after seeing Candy. Candy didn’t appear to have suffered like Daniela had. She seemed jubilant even restful appearing in a causal cream jumpsuit, perfect make-up, and a slick ponytail.

“I have been Candy,” Daniela replied locking eyes with Candy. Candy looked away quickly.

“Well,” Candy shrugged. “I don’t know what happened but please come in God’s beautiful people,” Candy said.

Daniela felt the strangeness that Candy was giving off but decided that the doorway of Candy’s home was not the place to start their conversation.

“Mrs. Rivers, is the Bishop home?” Rob asked Candy while she shut the front door. “We’d like to speak to the two of you.”

Candy looked taken off guard then looked over at Daniela as if for answers. “He is but he’s tired. Is there anything I can help you with?”

“It’s important. We need to speak to the two of you together,” Rob said.

“I’d rather not disturb him,” Candy said.

Rob cleared his throat and looked Candy in the eye. “It’s very very important.”

“Oh okay.” Candy looked over at Daniela again. “Let me go tell him that you’re here. Please have a seat.”

Watching Candy walk off made Daniela nervous. This whole scene was bizarre; the perfectly manicured driveway and yard with no sign of blood or evidence that a body had lain there lifeless not long ago. There was a murder and it was as if she was the only one that knew it. Rob seemed to take notice and gripped her hand a little tighter in support. She looked over at him and wondered why this man was supporting her when she had jeopardized their family and ministry.

Rob sat close to Daniela and maintained his grip. She didn’t know what they were about to face. Candy and her husband walked down the stairs. Bishop Will and Candy were a lot alike; attractive and just a tad arrogant. Will walked down his staircase impeccably dressed and not at all appearing as if he had been resting. He hurried toward Rob who stood to greet him.

“Pastor Rob,” Will said with a large smile before giving Rob a big brotherly hug. “How are you my brother?”

“Bishop Willie, I’m fine,” Rob said without returning the bishop’s smile. “I’m sorry to have to come here under these circumstances.”

Will raised an eyebrow as if unsure of what Rob was talking about. “Oh? What circumstances would that be?” Will asked as he sat down.

Rob sat on the edge of the sofa resting his elbows on his thighs looking taken off guard by Will’s question. “We want to know what happened after my wife left last Friday night. She told me the story and as difficult as it is to believe, we are ready to go to the police and she’s ready to take responsibility for her actions in it,” He said looking over at Daniela.

The words caused the Bishop to sit forward. “I apologize but I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Rob looked over at Daniela who began looking nervously desperate.

“Candy, did you tell him about Friday night?” Daniela asked.

Candy appeared surprised. “I don’t know what you’re talking about either.”

Candy’s words shook Daniela. She looked at Candy a second then shifted in her seat. “You know exactly what I’m talking about,” Daniela said.

Rob placed his hand on Daniela’s arm in an effort to calm her. She took a deep breath.

“Bishop, were you here Friday night?” Rob asked.

Will’s affect gave off the impression that he didn’t appreciate Rob’s question. “I came back in town this morning.”

“Baby, this is crazy,” Candy said.

Daniela became angry. She sat up. “Candy, don’t sit there like you don’t know what I’m talking about! You know I’m talking about you hitting Ariel with your Range Rover!” Daniela yelled.

Will held his hand up quickly to Daniela. “Whoa! Lower your voice please,” Bishop Will interrupted sternly.

“Wait a minute Bishop. Talk to me not my wife!” Rob demanded.