Page 4 of Death in the New Year

He hung his robes on the hook at the back door and changed his shoes. If he moved quickly, he could go for his run and get back without anyone knowing he’d left. He needed to get his sanity back, and this was the only way to do it.

By the time he’d returned, it was nearly time for his first service. Splashing cold water on his face, he washed his hands and changed his clothes. Throwing his dirty, sweaty clothes in the wash, he started the machine and walked back into his small bed chamber. Looking in the mirror, he combed his still-thick head of hair and buttoned his collar.

“Reverend?” called someone on the other side of the door.

“Yes, I’m coming.”

“We’re ready, sir. It’s a full house,” smiled the usher. He was a nice young man. Once an addict, he was now clean, sober, and working full-time for the city.

“Then we’d better give them a great show, right, Barry?”

“Yes, Reverend. But then again, you always give a great show.” The two men laughed, walking out to the pulpit together. He was feeling lighter, happier. His run always did that for him, but Barry’s words helped as well.

Shirley and the choir were in perfect pitch together, singing all his favorites and Christmas classics. When the sermon was done, he smiled at the one hundred or so people standing in front of him.

“I hope that you all have a blessed day and enjoy your time with family and friends. I’ll see you Sunday,” he smiled.

He walked toward the doors, waiting to shake hands and say goodbye to those who had come out for today’s service. Just as the last person left, two men in uniform walked up the steps.

“Gentlemen, the next service isn’t for another two hours,” he smiled.

“I’m sorry, Reverend. We’re not here for the service.”

CHAPTER THREE

“I thought we were taking it easy through the holidays,” frowned Gabe, tossing a rubber ball against the wall of the conference room. Every time it bounced back, Miller tried to grab it.

“Would you put that damn thing away! It’s annoying as fuck,” he growled.

“Too much merry-making yesterday,” smirked his little brother, poking the bear as he tossed the ball against the wall once again.

“Don’t test me, Gabriel. I’m feeling like shit today, and I will beat the hell out of you,” growled the older brother.

“Could you two stop it,” said Gaspar. “I know we said we wouldn’t take any cases, but this one is actually a favor for Miss Ruby’s grandson, Barry.”

“Barry? What’s wrong? What happened?” asked Antoine, filled with concern for the young man. “He really turned his life around. Did he go back to drugs and alcohol? Please tell me he didn’t fall off the wagon.”

“No,” said Ian. “Not at all. He’s doing great. Working full-time for the city in the public works division. He’s clean, he’s sober, and he finished his college degree. He’s a great young man. He volunteers at a local church in his neighborhood and is an usher for them.”

“Then what’s going on?” asked Gabe.

“As we said, he works as an usher and does odd jobs for the Second Street Non-Denominational Church. The Reverend there helped to get Barry into rehab and find his new path. After services yesterday, two police officers showed up to let them know that the church secretary, Imelda Coliya, was found murdered in her home. Her husband and daughter had gone out for a walk before Christmas service. When they returned, Imelda was in the foyer of their home, dead from several knife wounds.”

“Damn,” muttered Nine. “Not the way anyone should start their Christmas Day. Any cameras on the house? Doorbell cameras?”

“That would be far too easy. The other thing is that the dad and daughter were only gone for about forty minutes. She didn’t appear to put up a struggle with anyone, so the assumption is she knew the person at the front door. Cops said the husband and daughter reported that she’d gone to the church earlier to get it ready for services. They suspect someone followed her home.”

“Who are we speaking to?” asked Ghost.

“Barry and Reverend Sizemore,” said Gaspar, giving a nod to Code. A few minutes later, the two men were shown into the room.

“Barry, you look great, man,” smiled Gabe, giving the younger man a hug. He didn’t look anything like Ruby. Tall and slender, he had lean muscles and an angular face that he’d inherited from his father.

“Y’all sure don’t age,” he smiled. “Grandma said you all looked the same and darned if you don’t.”

“How are you, Barry?” asked Gaspar.

“I’m well, Mr. Gaspar. Thanks to the Reverend, Grandma, and, of course, Mama Irene, I’m doing great.”

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