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

anonymous benefactor who offered a sizeable donation.”
    Keith perked up. “I like the sound of that!” A benefactor would solve their immediate problems. He would still have to find out if there was an Achan in the camp. He referenced the Bible history of Achan. Achan had stolen a vessel and hidden it causing God’s wrath on the people.
    â€œI did some serious digging. I think I might know who he is. The problem is he’s an alleged rape convict. He even had his attorney purchase two plates.”
    Michael. Irritation seeped through him. It seemed as if everywhere Keith turned, Michael was invading his life.
    â€œLet’s hold for now,” he told Natalie. “Let me pray, consult with God, and talk to Gina. In that order. I’ll have an answer for you in a couple days.”
    â€œWait. I almost forgot to mention, Bill Laurelton is on the list of attendees. Both he and Michael will be there. I’ve beefed up security and placed them at opposite ends of the room. I doubt they’ll run into each other.”
    Keith looked heavenward. “When it rains . . .”
    He said his good-byes and went through the door. As soon as he arrived home, he went into his office to pray. Then he sought the word on how to deal with Bishop Combs. Keith knew the appropriate scripture for this occasion.
    He read Galatians 6:1, which said:

    Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

    The Word was true. If he were in the bishop’s position, he would want to be treated with love. He would want some measure of mercy.
    Keith called his secretary, Dianne Hupert, at Zion’s Hill. “Can you set up a meeting with Bishop Combs and Deacon Broderson?”
    â€œThe bishop is out on a cruise. He and his wife left a couple days ago. I can set up your meeting when he returns.”
    Rocks lined his insides at that new information. Bits of conversations with Bishop Combs came back to him.
    â€œI’d like a raise.”
    â€œMy wife wants to shop at Neiman Marcus three times a week. She doesn’t understand why I can’t afford her lifestyle.”
    Bishop Combs owned Combs Consulting, which oversaw the foundation’s funds and allocations. He had shocked the congregation when he married a twenty-six-year-old waitress, Suzette Hodge. The younger woman had been nothing short of demanding.
    Keith rang the bishop’s cell phone, again. He left a voicemail message on the odd chance Bishop Combs checked his messages while he was on the cruise.
    He called the deacon next. However, Natalie had beaten him to it. Broderson was already meeting with her the next morning. Satisfied with that phone call, Keith then went to seek out his wife.
    Gina was in the computer room. Programs and other paraphernalia associated with the foundation were spread out around her.
    He dove right into the conversation. “Gina, there’s a problem with the Cancer Ball. Funds are missing.”
    â€œMissing? What do you mean funds are missing? I was just at the meeting. No one mentioned any money troubles.”
    â€œNatalie met with me.” He picked his way across the stuff lying across the floor and sat on the couch in the corner. “She and I are talking with Deacon Broderson tomorrow. We suspect it might be the bishop.”
    Gina’s mouth hung agape. Her eyes were the size of saucers. “The bishop? As in Bishop Combs?” Shaking her head, she said, “I don’t believe it.”
    â€œI’m having a hard time processing it myself. He and Suzette are off on an extended cruise.”
    She shook her head. “That doesn’t sound good.”
    â€œWe might have a benefactor.”
    She tilted her head. “Who?”
    â€œMichael.”
    Gina jumped to her feet. Papers flew this way and the other. She didn’t appear to care. “No way! The man is