Free The Devil Made Me Do It by Colette R. Harrell Page A

shoulder. She shivered because she had started out dreaming about her past with Roger, but somehow she had ended up dreaming about snakes, and snakes gave her the creeps.

Chapter Seven
    The alarm shrilled Esther awake. Last night had started out early to bed, and now she was facing the early-to-rise part.
    After her shower and dressing in a comfortable sweat suit, Esther had her morning tea. She fingered her unruly hair in the mirror and decided against taking the time to curl it; instead, she stuffed it under a fedora. Her time was limited, and she had a lot to do. When she drove off and came to a complete stop at the stop sign, she grinned, remembering Detroit’s finest.
    She was still smiling when she pulled into the parking lot of Love Zion.
    â€œHey, Naomi,” Esther addressed the church secretary who sat sentry before Reverend Gregory’s office. “Is the reverend in?”
    Naomi scrutinized Esther over glasses that slipped down her pinched nose. In a dry monotone, she delivered her canned message, “Reverend is busy. If it’s not an emergency, you need to make an appointment.”
    â€œNaomi!” Reverend Gregory stood in his doorway, “That’s not what I instructed you to say. I simply asked you to relay the sentiment that my time is short today.”
    Naomi smacked her lips and yanked up knee-high stockings that rolled down her chocolate reed-thin legs. “Well, honestly, how do you expect to get anything done with all of these interruptions?”
    â€œNever mind all that, Sister Naomi,” Reverend said kindly. “Come on in, Esther. It’s good to see you, daughter; I take it you heard the news?” He ushered her into his office and shut the door.
    Esther sat across from him at his desk. “Yes, I did. Love Zion will miss you. I’m keeping your family in my prayers.”
    â€œWell, now, I appreciate that. My little girl needs me. Listen, I’m glad you came by. I wanted to talk to you about helping the interim pastor get acclimated.”
    â€œSure, what do you need me to do?”
    â€œWell, the deacons will help him with his church duties, but as head of many of our committees and our administrator, I’ll need you to help him with church business.”
    She nodded her agreement. “Who is the interim pastor?”
    â€œOh, a good friend’s son. I wanted my friend, but he was unable to get away. I’ve heard his son preach, and he’s a good, God-fearing young man. He’ll do this church fine.”
    â€œWell, just let me know, and I’ll be glad to help. In the meantime, I’ll get all the paperwork together for him.” Esther pulled out her tablet and made some notes.
    â€œGood, good, let’s make it quick because he’s coming in later today.” He stood to escort Esther to the door.
    â€œBut, Reverend, I thought you’d be here for the rest of the month.” Esther was on the verge of whining.
    Reverend Gregory patted her hand to calm her. “I will, Sister. I want to have a smooth transition, and with that in mind, I requested that the interim pastor come immediately. To meet this deadline, he’s coming right away, and he’ll send for all the comforts of home later. He’ll stay with Mrs. Gregory and I. Tomorrow morning, we meet the deacons, and I’m hoping you’re available around noon for a working lunch.”
    â€œSure, I’ll check with—” Esther spun around when the door flew open. Startled, she knocked a folder off the desk at Naomi’s loud interruption into the room. “Goodness, Naomi!”
    Naomi’s glasses danced at the tip of her nose. “Reverend, he’s here. Your replacement just came in,” she theatrically fanned herself with her hands.
    Esther stooped to gather each scattered page from the fallen folder. Large polished wing-tipped shoes strode into her line of vision. Her eyes drifted up, programming long legs