Chapter Eight
Jonathan shook the hands of each of the passing members. Most Sundays, Lenora would be by his side at the end of the service.
An older woman who stood almost as tall as he, with the exception of the slight bow in her back, gripped his hand. “Pastor, we are praying for you.”
“Thank you, Mrs. German. My family appreciates all of the kindness from the Pastor’s Aid Club. We especially appreciate you.” Martha German was a legend here in Charlotte. The former teacher marched and had participated in the civil rights movement.
Jonathan noticed the silver-haired woman continued to hold his hand despite the long line behind her. “Pastor, that’s why we are here. I’m just so glad to hear the boy is doing better. Life is not promised to any of us.”
Jonathan agreed. “Yes, ma’am. We’re grateful.” He gently pulled his hand from the older woman’s grip.
Still not ready to move on, Mrs. German proceeded to ask, “How’s Mrs. Freeman? I noticed she wasn’t in church this morning.”
“She’s fine and by our son’s side.” Jonathan looked at his watch, and then smiled at Mrs. German. “Keith is resting from his injuries at home today.”
After Mrs. German moved along, Jonathan greeted as many members as he could before heading to his office. As he pushed the door open, he started to unzip the robe with his other hand. He stopped halfway in the office when he realized there were people in his office. He looked back and forth. “Mother, what’s going on?”
Eliza was sitting behind the desk. She pointed to the man sitting in the chair across from the desk. “Honey, Mayor Carrington came to visit us. He just snuck in Victory Gospel Church today.”
“Alex, nice of you to visit Victory Gospel this morning.” Jonathan completed unzipping his robe, and then reached for the hanger on his closet door. He’d known Alex since their days as Alpha Phi Alpha line brothers. While both men were the same age, Alex seemed to be fitter in his forties compared to Jonathan, who had gained a bit of extra weight around the middle.
Alex stood. “I’m so sorry to make a surprise visit, but after hearing about Keith’s accident, I just felt like I should attend Victory Gospel Church this morning.”
Jonathan wrapped the robe around the hanger and zipped it up. “I saw you were here for Dad’s funeral too. We appreciate your support.”
Eliza interjected. “My son’s sermon was brilliant, wasn’t it?”
Alex grinned. “Which one? Today or the eulogy? Mrs. Freeman, you have an amazing son.”
Jonathan glanced at the clock on the wall. “Mother, why don’t you let me talk to Alex? I’ll be ready to head to home in a few minutes.”
“But, son—”
“Mother, this won’t be long.”
Eliza narrowed her eyes. “Okay.” She stood and grabbed her cane from behind the desk. “Mayor Carrington, it was nice to talk to you.”
Alex stood and reached for Eliza’s hand. “You too, Lady Freeman. I enjoyed our talk too.”
What exactly did they talk about? Jonathan was not too happy about his mother going behind his back. With the level of upheaval in his life, this conversation with Alex could have waited until another time.
When the door closed behind his mother’s slow exit, Jonathan sat down behind the desk and eyed his longtime friend. “You know this isn’t a good time to come by to check on my answer.”
“Oh, Jonathan, of course, I wouldn’t try to force you into some decision right now.” Alex sat up in his seat. “I’m your friend, and I want to encourage you. Man, I don’t think you realize how well-admired you are in this community, even more so than Pastor Jeremiah, and the people loved your father. I just want you to really consider the opportunity that awaits you.”
Jonathan looked down at his watch and clasped his hands together. “As I told you a few weeks ago, I will definitely consider running for the district seat, but I haven’t even run this opportunity by my wife yet. Time and circumstances have not allowed the opportunity yet.”
“Surely Lenora would support you. People look up to her as well, ever since she had the feature article in Charlotte Weddings. Her business must be booming with wedding season approaching.”
Jonathan nodded. “Yes, the article drew a lot of attention for Lenora. I do want you to not forget . . .” Jonathan spread his arm out, “this massive church is my legacy and responsibility.”
“I know, I know, but that’s even more reason to consider this role. You will be an advocate for many of the very members that attend Victory Gospel Church. That’s a win-win.”
“What’s in it for you?”
Alex held out his hands. “Why are you questioning my intentions, brother?”
“Come on, Alex. It’s well-known you have some city council members that haven’t been willing to play nice. Why are you approaching me?”
Alex stood and buttoned his suit jacket. “You’re right. I need some people who are true leaders and willing to do what it takes to make the city of Charlotte a phenomenal place to live for its residents.” Alex pointed to him. “You are the man I need on my team and what Charlotte needs.”
Spoken like a true politician. Alex’s pitch did sound appealing, but something about the timing nagged Jonathan’s mind. He stood and held out his hand toward Alex. “I need to pray more. This may not be the right time.”
“I respect a praying man, and especially an honorable man of the God.” Alex shook Jonathan’s hand. “Give my love to Lenora and a speedy recovery to Keith and his girlfriend.”
He turned toward the door, and then stopped. “By the way, I put in a word with the police chief to make sure they do everything they can to look for this person. How dare someone leave the scene of an accident like that!”
“Thank you, Alex. I appreciate you putting in a word with the police. Lenora and I will sleep much better once we know the person has been caught and brought to justice.”
After Alex left, Jonathan looked over at the 8 x 10 framed portrait of his family on the corner of his desk. He didn’t want to display how upset he was over the accident in front of Lenora and Keith, but it truly angered him that someone almost caused the death of his child. They’d just buried his father.
Jonathan knew bad things happened, and God was ever faithful and to be trusted. It was just too bad he was a pastor, Jonathan thought, because his inner man really wanted to hurt the person who caused harm to his oldest son.