Chapter Forty
It was Friday afternoon, and Serena had scoured over the Hudson Housing Development committee files until she was cross-eyed. She’d spent the last three days trying to cold-call committee members. It was like this project had the plague attached to it because no one wanted to cooperate and answer her questions. At least, it seemed that way to her.
The main players of the committee, Bishop Hudson and Charmayne Hudson, were obviously out of reach. That pained Serena because the two people who might have given her what she wanted were no longer here. Reverend Wright and Linda were the other members from Greater Heights. Linda, the secretary, had been kind and very helpful. Serena had come to the conclusion that either Reverend Wright’s schedule was already filled or he was trying to avoid her.
Alex Carrington was appointed to the committee long before he was elected mayor of Charlotte. Other members were Reverend Donald Lawson of Springhill Baptist and Martha German, a longtime civil rights activist who had worked alongside Bishop Hudson in the 1960s. Over the past seven years, these seven people worked together on the proposal and the fund-raising circuit.
In a way there was no one to blame but herself if the mayor didn’t want to speak to her. She had been a bit impulsive when she questioned Mayor Carrington on camera last Wednesday after Charmayne’s funeral. Alan had sternly warned that her actions could backfire. She didn’t really care. If anything, the shroud of secrecy around the once-popular project had convinced Serena something wasn’t right.
She was going to find out. The money wasn’t adding up, which meant they either had a bad financial secretary or someone had scooped some funds for themselves. Now the question was, did someone take the entire $350,000 or were there several individuals involved. From past stories of corruption, Serena knew there had to be several people involved, probably in areas she hadn’t found yet.
The mayor seemed to be more of a guilty party based on his reactions to Serena’s questions. Also, Mayor Carrington was the one who gave Charmayne the most grief about digging her heels in and fighting for the project. Serena moved the papers to the side and flipped open a folder she had personally assembled during election season. She had focused on Mayor Carrington, the womanizer, when he ran for mayor, but she had gathered quite a bit of information about the man’s background.
Mayor Carrington was a self-made millionaire before he decided to run for office. The man owned one of the most reputable real estate firms in Charlotte. He was involved in the construction of several business developments over the past fifteen years. Alex was a shoo-in to have on the committee due to his keen business and real estate conquests.
Tapping the pen in her hand on the desk, Serena wondered out loud, “Exactly how did you make all of your money, Mr. Carrington?”
“Talking to yourself now, Serena? We don’t want to have to commit you.”
Serena lifted her eyes and grinned at Wes. “You got jokes, young man.”
Wes shook his head. “Just concerned. You’ve been glued to this desk for a few days. That’s not like you.”
She leaned back in her seat. “Well, I’ve been forced to do my research on this one.” Serena narrowed her eyes. “Is it me or are you looking exceptionally handsome tonight, kiddo?”
Wes was wearing dark slacks and a bright white Polo shirt. Serena blinked. She didn’t know if it was Wes’s smile or his shirt that was blinding her.
“I guess that’s a compliment from you, Serena. I’m actually heading to Darnell and Candace’s rehearsal dinner after I pick up Angel.”
“Oh.” Serena found herself speechless for a moment. She’d forgotten Darnell would officially get hitched this weekend. She realized Wes was watching her. Serena looked away and rubbed her eyes. “So, have you and Angel set a date yet?”
Wes turned up the power on his megawatt smile. “We are planning to announce to friends tonight since we know we’ll be asked. New Year’s Eve is the date.”
“Wow! Biggest party day of the year. I like!”
Wes laughed out loud. “Yeah, I’m looking forward to it. We have a lot to do before then. We’re hoping Lenora is cool with knowing she has about nine months of planning for us.”
“I’m sure Lenora is a pro at wedding planning and will make your day superspecial. I’m really happy for you, Wes.” Serena was surprised at her own sincerity. It was hopeful to see people could fall in love and still get married; something she’d pretty much thought was one of those fairy tales people got sucked into. Just because it wasn’t in her cards didn’t mean others couldn’t keep the traditions going.
“Take care of yourself, Serena. It’s Friday. You should be heading home.”
“Ha-ha. Yeah, you’re right.” She watched as her young colleague strutted out of the newsroom. He was really happy.
Serena turned her attention back to the papers. He was right. It was Friday, and she was tired. She decided to check her e-mail, pack up some of the files, and head home. Maybe she would even soak in the tub. She was known to hit the club when she was younger, but lately, she was just another single woman enjoying the sanctity of her home.
There were tons of unread e-mail in her inbox due to the fact she hadn’t checked since lunchtime. She did her usual quick scan. Only one e-mail stood out to her. The e-mail was from Linda. The Greater Heights secretary didn’t strike her as the computer type, but in this age of smartphones, tablets, and social media, most folks of any age were glued to an electronic device. Serena clicked the e-mail.
She could tell Linda wasn’t used to sending e-mails. In fact, the woman typed her message in the subject line instead of the body of the e-mail. Serena scrolled and read.
Ms. Manchester, I know you were looking for some photos or video from the meetings. I hope this helps.
Serena scrolled down to the message and saw the e-mail was a forward from Charmayne. The e-mail was dated April 4, 2008. The message was sent almost five years to the day.
There was a link to an online photo album. Serena clicked the link, not sure if it still worked or not. To her surprise the link opened to a group of albums. She peered closer and recognized some of the committee members like the bishop, Charmayne, and the not-yet-elected-at-the-time Mayor Carrington. Most of the photos were fund-raising events where the attendees dressed in black tie.
Forgetting that she was supposed to pack up and head home, Serena spent the next fifteen minutes scrolling through photos. She liked observing people. A photo, especially taken when a person wasn’t aware, told a lot about that person’s demeanor during that time.
Serena recognized Martha German, one of the committee members, who was dodging her calls. Martha was exactly as she pictured her: silver haired and stern looking. The woman reminded Serena of a former schoolteacher who had also worn her hair in a simple bun.
From her appearance, Serena couldn’t imagine the woman doing anything wrong. Usually, the person you least suspected could be involved in the worst of crimes. Martha served as the main fund-raiser organizer/financial secretary for the committee. If anyone knew the real donation totals, Martha should know.
Serena glanced at the time in the lower right-hand corner of her computer. It was almost five o’clock. She wondered if anything was going on at Greater Heights. She had to chuckle at her own curiosity about church activities on a Friday night. Reverend Wright’s secretary had been the most accessible person thus far. So, Serena called the church office.
She scrolled through her cell phone and dialed the Greater Heights phone number. The phone rang twice.
“Hello, Greater Heights Church. This is Linda, how may I help you?”
Serena smiled at her luck. Or maybe God was really looking after her. She tucked that thought away as she responded. “Linda, hello, it’s Serena Manchester. I was hoping I could catch you.”
The woman was silent on the other end.
“Do you remember me?”
Linda cleared her throat and spoke softly, as if she didn’t want anyone to hear her. “Yes, I remember you. I was getting ready to head home. I had to finish the programs for Sunday. Was there something else you needed? Did you get my e-mail?”
“Yes, I did. Thank you for the photos. I needed to see some more records. I was wondering if I could come by the church.”
“Well, Reverend Wright did say to help you. I guess that’s all right. When can you come?”
“I can be there in about thirty minutes.”
Despite the five o’clock traffic on I-77, Serena arrived at Greater Heights in the time she’d estimated. There were certainly some activities going on at Greater Heights. She parked her car in the parking lot, clicked her alarm, and headed up the church steps. Once inside, instead of going straight to Linda’s office, Serena made it to the office that held the records. Down the hall, she could hear what sounded like the choir rehearsing. She looked behind her and slowly turned the knob. Dang! It was locked. She would have to do this differently.
Serena rounded the corner and popped her head into Linda’s office. The woman had her eyes closed, with headphones on her head. She wasn’t sure what the woman was listening to, but she walked in and watched as Linda raised her arms to the sky and sang, “No weapon formed against me shall prosper, it won’t work.”
Then Linda shouted, “Thank you, Jesus.”
Serena rapped her knuckles on the wood desk. “That must be a really good song.”
Linda’s eyes popped open in surprise. Then her face curved into a smile. “Ms. Manchester. Girl, I love this song and Fred Hammond. That man knows how to make a sister throw up her hands and praise the Lord for all that He has done. Even after a bad day.”
For a brief second, Serena felt a slight hint of guilt. She hated to come by and disturb Linda after a bad day. Before she lost her nerve, Serena reached for the folder in her purse. “I acquired these records and was wondering if there is some mistake.” She laid the financial spreadsheets in front of Linda.
Linda looked at the spreadsheets and frowned. “Did I give these to you on Monday?”
Serena lied. “They were mixed up with the minutes. The minutes were very helpful, but I found these to be a bit confusing.”
Linda lifted her eyes and cocked her head like a puppy waiting to see if his master would play. “How so?” she asked.
Serena pointed to the documents Lance had given her. “The numbers are just very different from what Charmayne’s office sent me. I’m not sure which one is correct. Can you help?”
Linda sputtered. “I’m not sure why you have two different copies. And I don’t know if I can help. I was mainly at the meetings to record minutes.” She chuckled. “I’ve never been good at math, and I doubt anyone wanted to trust me with the finances.”
“So who took care of documenting the finances?”
“In the beginning it was Charmayne.”
Serena raised her eyebrows. “Charmayne was the financial secretary?”
“Yes, that’s how it started. Of course, she eventually let it go, and Martha took over taking care of the finances. She still does. She’s very smart and meticulous despite her age. Plus, the bishop trusted her.”
“You know, I’ve been trying to get in touch with Martha. Do you have any idea when is the best time to contact her?”
“No, I’m afraid I don’t know. I lost touch with most of the committee members after I stopped being the secretary. The bishop wanted to get representation from each of the major churches here in the district. Martha is the representative from Victory Gospel. So, she will probably be at the wedding tomorrow.”
Serena cocked her head to the side. “Are you talking about Darnell and Candace?”
“Yes, have you been invited?” Linda asked.
Serena shook her head, though she was still looking for a way to crash the wedding.
“That’s a shame. I’m looking forward to attending. Dorothy has been telling me how excited she was about the wedding. I get to come as her guest.”
“Oh, lucky you.” They didn’t have to leave me off the guest list. Serena was sure a lot of guests were not connected to either the bride or groom.
Serena closed the folder and decided she would find a way to catch up with Martha German soon. “Thanks for your help, Linda. I know you want to get home.”
Serena was about to leave, but Linda called out. “Oh wait, I wanted to show you a photo since you seemed interested in him.”
Serena turned back around. “Photo?”
Linda shuffled back behind her desk. “Remember you said you wanted to know about the consultant. I just happened to find this photo when I was searching for the albums. I think I know why Bishop Hudson wanted to get rid of him.”
Serena walked over to Linda’s desk.
Linda was grinning as she turned the monitor around for Serena to view.
It took Serena a moment to comprehend, but when she did, her bottom lip could’ve hit the desk. If she hadn’t seen the man’s, face up close she wouldn’t have recognized him. He looked like a totally different person.
The man she knew as Lance Ryan was standing next to Charmayne with a big grin on his face. Lance was tanned as usual, and his hair was a lot longer. He also wore thick glasses and had to be at least one hundred pounds heavier than he was currently. No wonder the bishop got rid of him. Lance was an intimidating man now. What kind of demeanor did he have as this heavyset guy? Since this photo was taken, the man had obviously taken great pains to transform his body. Why?
Serena leaned in closer. “Is it me or is his arm slung around Charmayne’s waist?”
Linda raised her eyebrows. “Yes, ma’am. It appears that way. That’s surprising.”
Serena stood back. “It is surprising that Charmayne would be attracted to him.” Of course, the Lance Ryan of today wasn’t a bad-looking man at all. She recalled her initial impression of him. Some of the unease she sensed from Lance might have had something to do with the new body he was sporting.
Linda’s voice drew Serena out of her thoughts. She tuned in.
“That girl could never keep a man around. The bishop didn’t like anyone for his daughter. I don’t care how old she was, he’d managed to butt into her love life. Anyway, despite all that, I agree with you, this guy can’t be her type. Look at him. I wouldn’t date him myself.”
Linda’s laugh came deep from her belly.
Serena couldn’t help but chuckle too as thoughts raced through her mind faster than she could process. Was Charmayne really involved with this man? How was all of this related to right now? Serena was confident that she needed to find a way to contact Lenora Freeman.
Looks like I’m going to have to crash a wedding tomorrow.