Page 22 of Death in the New Year

“Barry? Barry, are you here, baby?” called Ruby, coming into the church.

“Here, Grandma,” he called back. He was on his knees, picking up some trash that a young member had shoved under the pew.

“Oh, there you are,” she smiled. “I was just in town buyin’ some things for the New Year’s dinner and thought I’d stop and say hello.”

“I’m glad you did,” he said, kissing her cheek. “I miss seeing you, and we need to have lunch or something more often.”

“I couldn’t agree more,” she laughed, taking a seat on the pew. “How are things around here? Are folks keepin’ their spirits up? The reverend okay?”

“I think most people are doing alright. A little nervous, a little jumpy, but they’re doing alright. The reverend seems sad to me. I think it eats at him that this is happening to his church or in his church. He’s been here a long time and thinks of everyone as his family.” Ruby nodded.

“I know that feelin’,” she said, smiling at her handsome grandson. “Where did he get his training? I mean, where did he attend divinity or seminary college?”

“You know, I never asked him that,” said Barry. “I know he’s not from New Orleans, but I never asked where he was from.”

“Well, he’s a good man, and I’m proud of you for helping him. I gotta git,” said Ruby. “Sven is waitin’ for me back home.”

“How did you get here?” asked Barry.

“I drove. How do you think I got here, magic carpet?” she scoffed.

“No,” he laughed, “I just wonder if you’re getting a bit too old to be driving alone, Grandma.”

“Too old! Boy, I ain’t too old to be tannin’ your behind,” she laughed, walking back down the aisle with a wave. “You be good and come see me soon.”

The door of the church opened, and the reverend walked in with his sweatpants and sweatshirt, wearing a warm beanie.

“Oh, sorry, reverend. How are you today?” asked Ruby with a big, wide smile.

“I’m well, Miss Ruby. How are you?”

“Doin’ fine, doin’ fine,” she nodded. “Settin’ my grandson straight.”

“He’s a good young man,” said the reverend. “Have a great day!”

She waved at them, turning to give a final wink to Barry as he laughed at her.

“Your grandmother is a wonderful woman, Barry. She loves you and never left your side during all your trials,” said the reverend.

“No, sir, she definitely did not. I think her own background made her realize everyone deserved a second chance.”

“Her background?” he questioned.

“Yes. You didn’t know about her?” asked Barry.

“No. I just thought she lived out at Belle Fleur with Miss Irene.”

“No, sir. I mean, she does now. She and Mama Irene have been friends for decades now. Grandma was left by her husband when she had six little ones at home. She was all by herself, no help with the kids, and no skills at all.”

“That’s horrible,” grimaced the reverend. “What did she do?”

“Well, sir,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck, “she did the only thing she knew how to do. She became a prostitute.”

“A prostitute,” he whispered. The darkness on his face almost made Barry take a step back. “With six children?”

“She found someone to help with the kids, and she’d go out at night to get money to feed her children. Pretty soon, she had a solid book of repeat clients, and she was able to afford a better place for her kids. Then, it was enough money for private Catholic schools, money saved for college, and a beautiful home in the Garden District. A few years later, she bought a strip club in the Quarter, then another, and then a sex toy shop.”

“Oh. My.”

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