Free Sintown Chronicles II: Through Bedroom Windows by Sr. David O. Dyer Page B

business?"
    He nodded.
    “That doesn't sound like you."
    “I tried to do the right thing. When her business is on the ropes, I'll make the offer again. She'll come around."
    “Something in the sound of your voice makes me think this Dottie woman is more to you than just a competitor."
    “Maybe she is. I'm old, but I'm not dead yet.” He grinned. “Dottie's about my age, a widow, and a very handsome woman."
    “Oh,” Maggie said as she removed her hand from his thigh.
    George pulled into the parking lot and sighed. “There's nothing to do but park under the basketball goal,” he said.
    “I hardly think anyone will be playing basketball this morning,” she replied frostily as she released her shoulder strap.
    “Wait a minute, Maggie,” he said as he put the lever in park. “I ... I want to ask you something. You don't have to answer right now, but I want you to be thinking about it—praying about it maybe."
    She turned to him. “What is it?"
    “I don't want you working the graveyard shift. You're so damned attractive, even when you are wearing brogans and sloppy clothes. Who knows what kind of people roam through Dot at three in the morning?"
    “I can handle myself, George. We've already been over this bridge."
    “Maybe you can and maybe you can't. I don't want you hurt, Maggie. I don't want you raped."
    “Are you firing me?"
    “Oh, mercy no,” he said. “I ... I really like you, Maggie, and during these past few days I've come to highly respect you for the many talents you have. You're a beautiful lady, both inside and out. I want you to manage the place with me."
    “You want me to be a manager?"
    He nodded as he smiled.
    “You want me to work closely with you like you and your wife used to do?"
    He nodded vigorously.
    “Sounds to me like a position you should offer Dottie Frank,” she said and she made a hasty exit from the car.
    He caught up with her on the front steps of the church. “What kind of answer was that?"
    “If you want someone to play the role of your wife it should be someone you love."
    “I don't love Dottie Frank."
    “Oh?” She pretended to pull away from him, but allowed him to restrain her. “Then what are your feelings for her?"
    “Don't make me do this,” he said.
    She just looked at him.
    He glanced from side to side to make sure no one could hear. Softly he said, “A man has needs. I would like to have sex with her. I know I shouldn't say things like that but damn it, you asked."
    “Do you love me, George? Is that why you want me to play the role of your wife?"
    “I ... I..."
    “Do you want to screw me, George? Is that why you're being so nice to me?” This time she pulled her arm from his grip and mounted the granite stairs.
* * * *
    Mary Lou McGee slipped through her husband's study door. She admired the dark haired man as he sat at his desk, poring over his sermon notes. When he looked up she said, “The sanctuary is packed.” She crossed the room to his side and kissed him on the cheek. “They're bringing in chairs from the Sunday School rooms. I just wanted to wish you good luck.” She kissed him again and turned to leave.
    “Mary Lou,” he said as he stood up.
    She stopped and turned. He folded her in his arms so tightly she found it difficult to breathe.
    “This is Easter Sunday—the high point of the Christian year. A time to celebrate and rejoice in Christ's victory over death and our hope for eternal life."
    “Yes,” she wheezed while wedging her hands against his chest.
    “The graves in the cemetery are covered with beautiful flowers. Roses adorn the altar. Every person here today is wearing his very best clothing. Many of the ladies will be wearing new hats, purchased just for this occasion. Dogwoods have opened their empty-cross blossoms. All are expressions of joy and hope."
    “What's wrong, Mack?” she asked as she pushed him away and stared into his tear-filled eyes.
    “I just received a call from Charlotte Memorial. They were trying to