“I don’t do God,” Suave snapped. “If it’s left to Him, I’ll rot in prison for the rest of my life.”
Dupree stepped back as if slapped. Her mouth opened, but no words came out.
Suave laughed at her expression. “God doesn’t help people like me. He’s more partial to those like you.”
“That’s not true at all,” she finally spoke. “God loves all of us the same. He loves you just as much as He loves me, Suave.”
“Listen, I don’t mean any disrespect, but I have to go.” Suave held out his right hand to Dupree. “Again, I’m sorry for the way I hurt you, and I’m glad you have forgiven me.”
Dupree left Suave’s hand hanging and said, “What if I talk to Uncle Alwayne for you?”
Now it was Suave’s mouth that popped open. “You would do that for me?”
She nodded her head. “On one condition, though. No—hear me out,” she said as Suave was about to speak. “Auntie Annette, Uncle Alwayne’s wife, is at my mom’s house. She was supposed to come and get Uncle Alwayne to take him to the party as she drove them into town today, but I volunteered.” Dupree grinned. “Now, I know this was all a part of God’s plan.”
Suave mumbled under his breath, “His plan to ruin my life more than He’s already done.”
“I didn’t hear that, and I’m going to ignore it. But here is what I propose—ready?” Dupree scrutinized him.
Suave shrugged his shoulders. “Let’s hear it.”
“I’ll ask Uncle Alwayne to reconsider representing you on this case, if you, in turn, will attend Men’s Fellowship and church with him for a few months.”
“Oh no!” Suave was outraged. “Church? Me? I’d rather go to prison.”
“Okay. At least I tried,” Dupree replied chirpily. “Well, it was good seeing you again, Suave.”
“‘Seeing you again’?” Alwayne said as he exited the office to stand beside Dupree. “You know him?” He turned to glare at Suave before he even got the confirmation from his niece. Suave was bad news, and if Dupree knew him, then he must have tried to be fresh with her.
“Hi, Uncle Alwayne.” Dupree reached out and hugged her adopted uncle. “Auntie Annette sent me to pick you up.” She grinned at him.
“Hi, baby girl. Yes, she just called and told me.” Alwayne returned the hug affectionately. “You know this man?” he repeated after he released her.
Suave felt the fear creep up on him. Not only because he feared any physical altercation with Alwayne, but he was still hoping Alwayne would change his mind and take his case. If Dupree told her uncle what he did, Suave could kiss that goodbye. In fact, Alwayne would probably make sure none of the reputable lawyers in Jamaica took his case.
“Yes, I do,” Dupree replied. “I met Suave a few years ago when I attended UTECH, but we never kept in touch.”
“Did he get fresh with you?” Alwayne observed Suave keenly.
Dupree laughed softly. “Suave will be Suave, but that’s all water under the bridge. Come on, let’s go.” Dupree grabbed onto Alwayne’s arm, tugging him a little. “Goodbye, Suave. I wish you all the best with everything.”
Alwayne gave Suave another sharp look before he allowed Dupree to pull him toward the car parked a few feet away.
“Wait!”
Dupree and Alwayne turned around to look at Suave as he walked up to them. “I... I should probably, you know, give it a try.”
“Suave, that’s wonderful!” Dupree exclaimed. “Trust me. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.”
Suave wasn’t too sure about that. But attending church for a few months versus going to prison for life? There wasn’t much of a choice, although he had said differently moments before.
“What’s going on?” Alwayne peered from Dupree to Suave.
Dupree took a deep breath and turned to face him. “Uncle Alwayne, you are going to represent Suave on his murder case, and, in return, Suave is going to be attending Men’s Fellowship and church with you for a few months.”
Alwayne looked at Dupree as if she were joking, but her face said otherwise. “I don’t think so, sweetheart. Sorry, but I can’t do that.”
“Yes, you can,” she persisted. “You are a child of God, and it’s your responsibility to bring sinners to Christ. I know in my heart that God brought Suave to you so you could help change his life around.”
“Oh, his life will change all right... when he goes to prison for life.”
“Uncle Alwayne!”
“Okay.” Alwayne held up his hands. “I guess I shouldn’t have said that.” He looked over at Suave. “Sorry, that was uncalled for.”
“That’s cool, man,” Suave replied, feeling hopeful as Dupree went to bat for him. After everything he had done to her, she was still trying to help him. Wow.
“But I still don’t think I’m the right person to take his case,” Alwayne informed Dupree. “I gave him the number for a colleague of mine. She’s a very good attorney.”
“God didn’t choose your colleague to bring Suave into His fold. He chose you, Uncle Alwayne.” Dupree took ahold of Alwayne’s hand. “Do you think it’s a coincidence that I’m here now? Why Suave is so persistent that you represent him? Everything adds up. Don’t you see?”
Alwayne took a deep breath, glancing back and forth between Dupree and Suave.
“Do you want me to run it by Aunt Madge and Mama Pearl for their opinion?” Dupree smiled too sweetly at Alwayne.
“What?” Alwayne gave Dupree a fake glare. “Little traitor,” he said, smiling at her. “This Sunday, your aunt and I are going to a church rally in Westmoreland. How about I meet with Mr. Brown on Monday, 9:00 a.m. sharp, and we can go from there?”
“Yeah!” Dupree hugged her uncle again. “Thank you, Uncle Alwayne.” She pulled back and looked him in the eyes. “If there is anyone who can introduce Suave to the true and living God, it’s you.”
“Ahem.” Suave
