“I’ve been changed, and I can’t thank you enough,” Suave replied. “No, I have no intention to stop coming to church. I think I’m beginning to understand a few things.” Suave almost seemed embarrassed to admit that. He still had some issues to work out with God, but He didn’t seem as bad as Suave had thought. “I’ll also be continuing my sessions with Annette. She is really a lifesaver. Both of you are.”
The men exchanged a man hug. “Come on, let’s go inside before Bishop Hudson comes out to find us,” Suave remarked.
“Let’s give God the praise that’s due unto Him,” Bishop Hudson said into the microphone as the two made their way to the front of the church. “Praise the Lord with all your heart! Praise Him because He’s worthy!”
Suave sat with his head bowed, a river flowing down his face. “It looks like it’s over,” Suave mumbled. To him, he was just talking aloud, but he knew in his heart he was talking to God. “I’m getting out of the game, and it’s not in a body bag or locked away in prison.”
As the men continued to worship, the Holy Ghost took over the service, and a revival broke out. Praises echoed off the walls. Wailing, clapping, and stomping of feet created a soulful harmony. Unknown tongues permeated the air. Tears freely flowed, broken hearts were mending, and lost souls were regenerating.
“I think I’m going to call it a night,” Suave whispered moments later. The men were still getting on their praise and singing.
“Okay, “Alwayne responded. “Stop by the office tomorrow, and we’ll finalize everything.”
Suave quietly exited the church.
“Listen, I’m not sure what’s going on here, but I’m sort of changing my mind about you,” Suave spoke to the Lord as he walked to his car in the parking lot. “I’m still working through some stuff. Know what I mean?” Taking his car keys out of his pocket, Suave pressed the button unlocking his Benz. “I’m trying to do better. I’m—”
“Speaking to yourself, Smooth Suave?”
Suave’s head jerked up, and his eyes opened wide as a lone figure came from behind his car to stand in front of him.
“No, no, don’t do it,” the person warned, pointing a gun at Suave, who had his finger on the panic button on his key chain. “Do it and you won’t live long enough for them to get out here.”
The harmonizing of male voices in the church singing “Jesus Dropped the Charges” by Grace Thrillers filtered into the parking lot. “I was guilty of all the charges, doomed and disgraced, but Jesus with His special love. . .”
Suave stood paralyzed, caught between a rock and a hard place. “What do you want?” he asked, glancing at his car where his gun was hidden under his car seat.
“Where’s your piece, man?” Daddy Lizard had asked Suave two days ago as they left Suave’s house.
“Oh, it’s in the car,” Suave had responded. “With those fools in jail, it’s all good.”
“Is that the only reason?” Daddy Lizard gave Suave a knowing look.
Suave had waved off Daddy Lizard’s comment, but they both knew it was that subtle change that was taking root in Suave. He was becoming less dependent on his gun.
Until now... when Suave was caught slipping. Who was going to help him now?
“Now that’s a good question.” The person stepped closer, the gun still pointed at Suave’s chest. “I want you to die.” The evil grin was spread from ear to ear, but the eyes remained cold. “How does it feel knowing that you are seconds away from death, Suave? I hope you repented in there,” the person said, nodding toward the church. “Because—”
“Noooo!” Suave screamed, throwing himself at his attacker. His fist landed on the jaw but seemed to have little or no impact. As if in slow motion, Suave watched as the gun was raised and fired. Seconds later, it felt like burning hot metal was running through his body. Suave was knocked back, his body crumbling to the ground.
As the blood seeped from his body, Suave’s eyes stared up into the heavens. Grasping for breath, he muttered, “Lo... Lord,” blood poured from his mouth, “for... for... forgive... me,” inhaling deeply, “and... have... have... mercy.” His chest fell as he exhaled, welcoming the black blanket that came down over him, taking the excruciating pain away.
Inside the church, the men were still singing, “Jesus dropped the charges, Jesus dropped the charges. . .”
Epilogue
Tears filled Monica’s eyes as she stood in front of the dresser mirror, gazing at her reflection. She adjusted the black-and-white wraparound dress that was draped seductively around her body, then dabbed her wet eyes with a tissue. “Lord, please help me to get through this day,” she prayed.
A knock came at the door. “Come in,” Monica said softly. She turned around to face her mother as she entered the bedroom with the baby, who was kicking and screaming.
“I don’t know what’s wrong with him.” Mother Lambert’s face was filled with concern. “I fed him, changed his diaper, and I don’t think he wants to sleep.”
Monica reached for her son. “What’s wrong, baby?” She kissed his chubby cheek. “You miss Daddy, huh?” She rocked the baby back and forth in her arms. “It’s okay, Rayan,” Monica said soothingly, pacing the bedroom floor as she gently swayed him. Soon Rayan’s crying tapered off, and he closed his eyes.
“Is he sleeping?” Mother Lambert whispered from where she sat on the edge of the bed.
Monica nodded. “He’s fussy with everything that’s happening today.”
“Today is going to change your lives.” Mother Lambert peered at her daughter affectionately. “Remember, my daughter, this is the day that the Lord has made. No matter what, we’re still going to rejoice
