King Kong cut a deal with the district attorney and received ten years for the possession and distribution of cocaine. This was in exchange for his testimony against Detective Bird, who was stripped of his badge and sentenced to ten years in prison.
As reported in the Jamaica Gleaner, a warrant was issued for Patrick Walters, the brother of the notorious drug dealer, Queen Bee, who had jumped bail, and was feared to have left the country.
“It’s over,” Suave had said aloud, and sixteen months after almost losing his life, he was ready to give his life to God.
So here Suave was today in the baptism pool, about to take that next phase in his walk with the Lord.
“I now baptize you in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” Reverend Harper, assisted by a church brother, pushed Suave back and under the water.
Suave came back up soaking wet, his dimples flashing like shooting stars, and shouted, “Lord, I accept your final deal!”
The church erupted in praise. While in heaven, the angels rejoiced. Smooth Suave had finally come home to where he belonged—a part of the family of God. It was a done deal.
Discussion Questions
1. What are your feelings about what happened to Suave’s parents? Have you or any child you know gone through a similar experience as Suave? How did it change people’s lives?
2. Pastor Ralph was someone you could probably refer to as a “wolf in sheep’s clothing.” Was Suave justified for the way he “handled” the situation? Were you appalled? Would you have done the same if it were you?
3. Mason Dyke Sr. became Suave’s savior and role model. Was this a good thing for Suave? Why? Why not? Do you think Mason was responsible for Suave’s career choice? How?
4. King Kong made an enemy of Suave since childhood, and this was carried over into adulthood. Was this pure jealousy? If so, what was King Kong jealous of? Were his feelings justified?
5. Daddy Lizard seemed to be a fierce and loyal friend to Suave and Cobra. Would you agree? Were you satisfied with the decision he made in the end? What predictions do you have for Daddy Lizard’s future?
6. Did you support Nadine’s decision concerning Joel’s birth? Was it right to keep Joel from his father? What would you have done if you were Nadine?
7. What do you think about Pat? Were you surprised about the “special” relationship between Pat and Suave? Was this unnatural? How? Did it help or make things worse for Suave? State specific reasons for your answer.
8. Monica was Suave’s “wifey” who stayed with him even after he had many children with different women throughout their relationship. Was this love? Did it pay off for Monica in the end? How? What would you have done if you were in a similar situation?
9. What was your impression of Prophet? Do you believe in witchcraft/obeah? State the reason for your answer.
10. Suave struggled with his own demons from his past. Were you sympathetic toward him? Did this explain some of his bizarre behavior? Why? Why not?
11. What are your thoughts about Saddam? Did he deserve what happened to him in the end? How do you feel about Phil? Were you shocked by what he did for Suave?
12. Was Danny’s kidnapping and what had been done to him validated? What about what Danny did to Cobra? Who do you think is responsible for Danny’s demise?
13. Suave’s motto was, “I don’t do God.” Could you understand his reason for this? Have you ever felt like God had forsaken you? How did this affect your relationship with Him? What advice would you give to someone who has the same motto now?
14. Dupree from Are You There, God? and God Has Spoken made a brief appearance in this story. Did you see the relevance? If so, what was it?
15. Were you astonished at Dupree’s reaction to Suave, and what she did for him? Would you have done the same? Did this give you an update on Dupree’s life? If so, were you happy about it?
16. Alwayne Clark played an integral role in Suave’s personal and spiritual life. Did you think God orchestrated this? If so, please explain.
17. King Kong would have done anything to get rid of Suave and to become the biggest drug lord in Jamaica. Did he go too far? Did you agree with Suave’s deal pertaining to King Kong? Was it a wise decision? What are your feelings about the way things worked out for King Kong?
18. Even though Suave cursed at Him and wanted nothing to do with Him, God still showed up in Suave’s situations again and again. Why was this? Do you believe God will do what’s necessary to get your attention? Was that what He had done to Suave?
19. Suave came face-to-face with his dark past that fateful night in the church parking lot. Were you horrified by what was done to him? Did Suave deserve this? Why? Why not? Were you surprised by who did it?
20. Do you agree with Suave’s “final deal”? Are you happy with the way the story ended? Why? Why not?
About the Author
Theresa A. Campbell is the author of the soul-fulfilling, entertaining novels Are You There, God? and its sequel, God Has Spoken. Her first novel, Are You There God? was selected as a Must-Read HEA romance in 2015 by USA Today. She hails from Jamaica, West Indies.
Growing up in rural Jamaica without electricity until she was about eleven years old made Theresa read a lot. The lack of modern amenities did not detract from her creativity. In a sense, it improved her ability to see the ending of a story from a different perspective.
Theresa’s sense of purpose is entrenched in the belief that God is always there
