Some people were now standing on their feet, clapping, some praying, and others speaking in tongues.
“Deliver him, Lord,” an elderly man shouted.
“Set your son free, Father Jesus,” screamed another member.
“God is going to right the wrong that was done to you, so you can be free to serve Him and His people.” Tears filled Bishop Hudson’s eyes as he leaned over to Suave, his face only inches away from Suave’s.
On a will of its own, Suave’s neck turned, and he locked eyes with the bishop. Suave’s tears betrayed him and seeped down his face.
“Like He did for the Egyptians, God is going to deliver you from your enemies. In return, you must give Him thanks by giving Him your life,” Bishop Hudson said, then whispered for Suave’s ear only. “I know you don’t trust pastors, but not all of us are the same. There is no sin too hard for God to forgive, you hear me?” He moved his head back to look in Suave’s eyes. “Accept God’s forgiveness now and be free. I’m here if you ever need to talk to someone.”
Bishop Hudson straightened himself up, patted Suave on the back, and walked back toward the front of the church. “Would you be free from the burden of sin? There’s power in the blood,” he began to sing. The musicians playing the guitars, drums, and organ picked it up, and soon, everyone was one their feet, singing and dancing.
Suave wiped his face with his handkerchief. It took him a moment to compose himself and stand to his feet. Remarkably, he didn’t feel upset at all that the bishop had called him out. He was more intrigued that the man didn’t know him personally, but yet, knew so much. First, it was Annette, now the bishop. Let me find out these church people are up in here working obeah... Soon, Suave was bobbing his head a little to the music. No, it wasn’t a Bounty Killa reggae hit, but it didn’t sound too bad at all for a church song.
Chapter Forty-six
Pacing the hotel room, Suave glanced down at his watch one more time. His face was etched with concern. “Come on, come on,” he muttered, looking at the door for the umpteenth time. “Where are you?”
It was 3:45 p.m., and Suave had an appointment with Annette Clark at 4:00 p.m. This would be their fourth meeting in less than two weeks, and Suave was looking forward to it. But first, he had to take care of this other important meeting, and he had been waiting for thirty minutes.
“He has to come,” Suave said aloud. “Nothing can go wrong now.” Then the knock came at the door. “Finally.”
Suave hurried over to the door and looked through the peephole before unlocking it. “Boy, I was getting a little nervous that you weren’t coming.”
“It’s been a crazy day today,” Detective Stone replied, stepping into the room. “I have been to four murder scenes so far,” he shook his head, “and I have to run to another right now. People feel like they have to kill each other to make a point these days. It’s just ridiculous.”
“Still, I’m glad you found the time to come,” Suave replied quickly. Detective Stone’s words had struck a chord in him. He had killed in self-defense, and his actions had resulted in someone getting killed as well. A few weeks ago, this wouldn’t have affected Suave so much. However, since his counseling sessions with Annette and attending church with Alwayne, he was beginning to look at his life in a whole new light. “I just want to give you an update on everything.” Suave still had business to take care of.
“Yes. Let’s go over this in detail. I don’t want there to be any mistakes.”
Detective Stone and Suave didn’t bother to sit as they both had places to be. They talked in hushed tones for a few minutes.
“All right. I’ll be meeting with my team tomorrow, and we’ll be going over everything,” Detective Stone said to Suave.
“No one should know I’m involved in this.” Suave stared pointedly at the detective. “That was our agreement.”
“Relax, man. I refer to you as my confidential informant,” the lawman assured him. “I hope when all this is over, you’ll get on the straight and narrow. As we agreed, you will get no pass from me if you continue to break the law.”
Suave grinned and winked at Detective Stone. “So, we’re still in agreement.” He looked at his watch and saw that he was already five minutes late to meet Annette Clark. “I have to run, but we’ll link again next Wednesday.” He walked to the door and unlocked it for the detective to exit.
Suave waited another ten minutes before he left the room, exiting the hotel through a side entrance. He sped out of the hotel’s parking lot in his truck, maneuvering around the thick traffic in New Kingston as he fought his way to Cross Roads.
Ten minutes later, Suave screeched into an available parking spot in front of Annette’s office.
“I see you made it,” Annette said when she opened the door. She wasn’t smiling as usual.
Suave felt like an eel. “I’m sorry. I had an important meeting that took more time than I thought.”
Annette stepped aside so he could enter the office. “That’s why we have telephones, Suave.” She closed the door and walked over to her chair.
Suave sat on the couch. It never occurred to him to call Annette and let her know he was running late. Annette was helping him get his life in order, and he didn’t want her to think he wasn’t grateful. Even though they were close in age, Annette reminded him so much of his mother. Suave absolutely respected her. “Sorry, it won’t happen again. I also appreciate all the help you
