Sunday morning, at 09:00 a.m, we were in the church hall.
I stood on the podium, facing the congregation. Joshua and Tasha sat in front row, dressed in their Sunday best.
Joshua was still enraged, sending a couple of glares my way every once in a while. Tasha sat still, wanting to be obedient.
Now was the best time to address the congregation about Diane and my problem.
"My fellow brothers and sisters," I said over the microphone. "I come forth with a problem."
All ears in the room turned to me.
"I'm sure most of you have heard. Two weeks ago one of our sons, Frederick Presley disappeared. This week, our brother Elroy Kincaid was falsely accused of Frederick's death."
I heard a few gasps afterwards and saw a man from the back about to stand, possibly to argue. Before he did, I said, "Sit down Brother Gabriel. Let me continue."
"Fine, if you know what I want to say. Then tell me. What's your excuse you Reverend?" he said.
"I'm getting to that."
"How can we trust you or call Elroy Kincaid one of us after committing this atrocity?"
Diane wiped the tears she'd been shedding and turned to face Gabriel. "Sit down fool, and let Pastor Kincaid speak."
After hearing the victim's mother silence him, Gabriel went back to his seat. And so, I continued, "When I went to confirm this accusation and Frederick's passing, I found out it was ploy orchestrated by Elroy's kidnappers, who impersonated the police. After some thinking, Sister Diane and I determined that these events were linked. We also found it best to seek your help. So I ask for—"
"You don't have to ask Reverend," One of the representatives said. "We'll be glad to help."
"Thank you, on Sister Diane's behalf too," I said.
"No need to thank us either. We are all children of God, helping each other. Not out of obligation, but because it's the right thing to do. Plus, working together might have a significant impact on our city's crime rate."
I nodded.
By the time I began the service, several people had gathered beside Diane, offering moral support. Some glanced at me, wanting to talk later. And Joshua couldn't stop glaring.
Despite all these eyes on me, one stood out. It was fixed on me with resentment and blood lust.
It made me uneasy. I scanned the crowd, frantic but careful. I didn't want anyone to catch me looking suspicious.
As I preached, I couldn't stop wondering who was making me feel this way.