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

called your secretary and she told me you’d be here. After the day I had, I decided to swing by. I hope you don’t mind, brother? ” Michael’s weary eyes held a challenge. Michael knew Keith would not be pleased to see him here, but he had come. Without an invite. With company.
    Was Michael trying to stir up trouble?
    â€œThe game’s about to start,” Keith said, choosing a seat where he could watch the game and keep an eye on his brother.
    Michael squinted his eyes and pointed to a tall, lanky boy. “Is that Trey?”
    Despite his slight uneasiness, Keith could not hold his proud grin. “Yes, that’s him. He’s the best on the team.” Like him and Michael, Trey was a natural-born athlete.
    Michael lowered his cap farther on his head. Maybe he doesn’t want Trey recognizing him.
    Keith saw Trey scan the crowd. When Trey spotted him, he lifted his hand in a slight wave and shouted, “Dad!”
    Keith knew the exact moment Trey recognized Michael. Almost in slow motion, Trey’s eyes widened. With eyes glued to Michael, Trey stood frozen until the coach called out to him. He turned and ran to join his teammates as the gaem was beginning.
    Keith glanced Michael’s way to gage his reaction. Michael’s eyes were pinned on Trey. Gina’s warnings echoed.
    â€œMichael?” he queried.
    Keith did not think Michael heard him until he turned. Michael had tears in his eyes.
    â€œHe’s grown so much. I didn’t know how much I missed him and loved him until this moment.”
    Uh - oh. What did that mean?
    Twenty minutes into the game, Michael patted Keith’s arm. “You’re doing an amazing job with my nephew. He looks great.”
    Keith heaved an invisible sigh of relief. “Thanks, Gina and I are impressed with him. He’s so put together. We are blessed.”
    Verona looked around the men to address Keith. “Trey’s also very good. He just hit a homerun.”
    Keith smiled. He noted Verona’s hand was on Michael’s arm. He saw his brother shift to break contact. Troubled, Keith wondered, would Michael let anyone close to him ever again? He was wrapped tight with anger, envy, and malice. All the hurt and pain made Michael’s heart like granite.
    Keith whispered a quiet prayer to God. “Loose him, Lord. Loose my brother from the agony binding him. Loose him and set him free.”

Chapter Nine
    â€œThe numbers aren’t adding up.” Sitting across from Keith in the conference room, Natalie gave him a worried glance.
    â€œI see that,” he said.
    He bit into his turkey sandwich and studied the spreadsheets. As soon as the game ended, he had dropped Trey off at home and driven into Manhattan. At first glance, it appeared everything was in order. On closer inspection, Keith could see there had been a subtle shifting of funds. His event was sold out and funds collected. Yet, by the look of things, they would not be able to pay the caterers or pay for the venue.
    â€œBesides myself, the only people who have access to the account are you, Gina, and the two trustees.”
    Keith pictured Bishop Combs and Deacon Broderson. “No way!” he said, with a wide sweep of his hands. “I refuse to believe that of either of them.”
    â€œWell something’s amiss,” Natalie said. “Funds have been misappropriated and if this gets out . . .”
    â€œWe’re ruined,” Keith finished for her.
    â€œYou need to tell Gina,” Natalie said.
    â€œShe’s going to be heartbroken. I’ll tell her tonight. Or,” he massaged his temples, “I could use my personal funds to cover the missing amount.”
    â€œNo.” Natalie shook her head. “I wouldn’t advise you to do that. That’s tantamount to admission of guilt—embezzlement. It could mark the end of your career.”
    Lord, what do I do?
    â€œAs luck would have it, we do have an