The Fall of the Prodigal by Michelle Lindo-Rice Read Free Book Online

best decision I’ve ever made. I don’t regret it one bit.”
    â€œNo one who is saved and changed by God regrets it. I wish the same for my brother. Honey, Michael needs Jesus and he’s entitled to salvation like everyone else.”
    He had said those words at least a hundred times. However, for the first time, Gina softened. Pointing to her head, she whispered, “Up here, I know it and I agree.” Next, she touched her heart. “But here, I’m not ready to welcome Michael home like he’s the prodigal son. I’m not about to throw a feast or party like there’s no tomorrow.”
    Keith nodded. “I get it. My advice is to pray on those feelings. We’ll take baby steps. I won’t push, but Michael needs family. He needs our support.” Then he said, “Michael needs you, too.”
    Gina broke eye contact and glanced at her watch. “I’ll drive you to your car. Make sure you videotape Trey’s game for me.”
    â€œI will,” he promised.
    She strode out of the room to grab her coat and wallet.
    Keith’s cell phone rang. He swiped to answer once he saw Natalie Henderson’s face. Dubbed “The Hawk,” Keith had hired Natalie as his assistant years ago when he was an evangelist with Zion’s Hill television ministry.
    Natalie supported him through the fateful interview where Michael revealed Keith as Trey and Epiphany’s biological father. The interview became an instant You-Tube hit and ended Keith’s days as a televangelist. But after an outpouring of letters from the viewing audience, the network had offered Keith the show Second Chances. Second Chances featured people who needed a second chance, just as he had been given. It aired on BET every Thursday night.
    Keith promoted Natalie to operations manager. She spearheaded the TK Foundation and its Cancer Ball. Natalie was a beauty with sharp green eyes and an even sharper tongue.
    â€œWhat’s wrong?” Keith asked.
    â€œHello to you too, boss,” she said. “Everything’s fine with Second Chances. It’s the foundation’s Cancer Ball. We have a situation with funds appropriation. I need to meet with you ASAP. Big trouble.”
    From Natalie’s dire tone, he knew he was not going to like it. “How about I meet you after Trey’s game?” Efficient, Natalie would have already checked his schedule and known his whereabouts.
    â€œThat sounds great. Your wife is on her way here. Should I discuss this with her?”
    â€œNo, don’t say anything to Gina yet. I’d rather you speak with me first. I’ll text you later.”
    Keith was about to end the call when Natalie said something of interest. “By the way, your brother’s been calling some committee members inquiring about the foundation.”
    Why was his brother sniffing around? Keith whispered a prayer for guidance. “I’ll ask him about that. Is there anything else?” He gathered his papers and his camera, listening with half an ear.
    â€œI know you won’t want to hear this, but I think representing your brother might hurt the foundation. Commitments have been somewhat lackluster this year. I’ll know if we have sold all our seats in a few hours.”
    Keith dismissed Natalie’s concerns. “I don’t think one thing has to do with the other. I anticipate another sold-out event.” He heard her cluck in his ear. “We’ll talk.”
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    Forty minutes later, Keith strolled by the field toward the bleachers. He saw Michael sitting there. With Verona.
    What was his brother doing here? How did he know about Trey’s game?
    Thank God Gina was not with him. There would have been a major showdown. Keith walked to where Michael was sitting. Don’t make a big deal of it.
    Nevertheless Keith’s parent radar had been activated. He zoned in on Trey to assure himself his son was all right.
    â€œHi. I