Free Relentless by Patricia Haley and Gracie Hill Page B

He pressed a button and warm sunlight invaded the car along with the cool wind that whisked inside. He went over his lines again, regulating the infliction in his voice. As he neared the church, he sealed the resolve in his heart as the plan of attack was etched in his mind.
    The engine of Maxwell’s car simmered down to a taunting purr when it rolled into the parking lot. He couldn’t resist parking next to the space labeled B ISHOP E LLIS J ONES . The letters on the sign were big and bold, proclaiming the presiding bishop’s reign. Maxwell gripped the steering wheel hard enough to feel his pulse throbbing in his fingertips. Releasing his clutch, he leaned back on the seat while his gaze scaled the massive edifice in front of him. Stained glass windows showcased the etched imagery of angels, the Virgin Mary, and Christ being crucified on the cross. The steeple on top of the church housed a bell tower that sounded off. Maxwell counted the last three explosive bongs: ten, eleven, twelve . He could feel the impact of each striking blow that dispersed sound waves rippling through him and draining his enthusiasm.
    He remembered going to Sunday school all those years ago. His mother would pick up the pace as they approached the former church building determined not to be late. Deacon Montgomery always left home early to get the church opened up for those who were sure to pour in and fill the pews. Maxwell shook his head tossing out the shadows of more woes that tied him and his family to Jones.
    The church’s parking lot didn’t provide an automatic comfort zone. Climbing the steps, Maxwell turned and pointed his keys at his car to engage the alarm. At the top of the steps, he pulled at one of the double doors and went inside. Once through the foyer, the church secretary greeted him warmly as he approached the office door.
    â€œPraise God, how can I help you?”
    â€œMaxwell Montgomery to see Bishop Jones.” His pulse wanted to surge. Instead, he gave the secretary a weak simper and drew on his ability to conceal true emotion.
    â€œHave a seat, Mr. Montgomery. He’s in a meeting, but I’ll let him know you’re here,” she said picking up the phone.
    Maxwell took a seat and set his attention on the closed door leading into Jones’s office. Though he had dropped by without an appointment, waiting for this man to grant him any kind of permission annoyed Maxwell. The secretary’s ringing phone drew Maxwell’s burning gaze from the door that kept Jones’s meeting private.
    Abruptly a gentleman emerged from the office seeming to avoid eye contact. Maxwell recognized Councilman Chambers, a local politician who stayed in the headlines. His presence had Maxwell intrigued. What business did the councilman have with the church?
    â€œI’ll talk to you later, Bishop,” the councilman said and fled. Maxwell turned and got a glimpse of him scuttling away.
    â€œYou can go in now, Mr. Montgomery.” The secretary walked ahead of Maxwell, allowing him entrance.
    Maxwell went inside the office and his interest in Chambers immediately dissipated. Jones stepped from behind his desk just as Maxwell extended his hand. He was hesitant feeling like the seventeen-year-old he once was when he’d last stood this close to the bishop.
    â€œI apologize for interrupting your meeting,” he told the bishop standing face-to-face with him, still apprehensive.
    â€œI’ve been expecting you for some time now, ever since I saw you at the mayor’s meeting.”
    â€œReally?”
    Jones cleared his throat. “Excuse my voice. I’ve had several speaking engagements this week, not to mention my sermons.” The bishop approached Maxwell with a glare and generic grin, crowding him, forcing Maxwell to take a step backward. Jones said, “What took you so long to get here?”
    Geez, Maxwell thought. He was hoping to avoid this moment when the bishop recognized