A Sin and a Shame by Victoria Christopher Murray Read Free Book Online Page B

up, child.”
    If she wasn’t so much older, Jasmine would have had some choice words for the woman. But she only said, “Okay.”
    Mae Frances nodded. “Have a good night, Jasmine Larson.”
    Jasmine sighed with relief when the woman opened the door. She couldn’t wait to dump whatever was in that basket into the trash. There was no way she was about to eat food from someone she didn’t know.
    But before she stepped into the hallway, Mae Frances turned back. “And don’t worry about eating my food. I may be a stranger to you today, but you can trust me.”
    Jasmine tried not to show her surprise. Had she spoken her thoughts aloud?
    Mae Frances continued, “I’m just being neighborly. We haven’t had many people in this building who look like us. So, I’m just being what my mother raised me to be.” She lifted her chin an inch higher. “I may live in New York, but I still have the good graces of my Southern roots. Enjoy your dinner.”
    For the second time that day, Mae Frances Van Dorn left Jasmine standing with her mouth open. But only for a moment. Jasmine rushed to the dining room table and pulled away the cloth covering the basket. She eyed the chicken in the plastic container, the bundle of grapes, and the small box of crackers. It was a strange combination.
    She peeled off the cover of the container and the aroma of the fried chicken knocked away her concerns. She tore a wing apart, took a bite, and moaned with delight. It had been a long time since she’d tasted chicken like this—seasoned, fried, crisp, and tender.
    Who are you, Mae Frances Van Dorn? The question played in her mind as she carried the basket to the sofa and feasted on the three pieces of chicken. With each swallow, her trepidation about eating food from a stranger disappeared. It didn’t take long for the basket to empty, and Jasmine lay back, satisfied, still wondering about her new neighbor. But she didn’t linger with those thoughts for long.
    She had work to do. First, she’d focus on Rio. And then, she’d turn all of her attention to Reverend Bush.

Chapter 5
    J asmine, this looks great.”
    Startled, Jasmine dropped the telephone back onto her desk. What was she thinking? She should’ve closed her door.
    Malik entered with a hesitant grin. These were the first words he’d spoken to her since they were at church last night.
    He dropped a binder onto her desk. “I can’t believe I never thought of it and J.T. never mentioned it; that’s what happens when you’re computer free. But, you’re right; we need a website.”
    “I’ll get working on it.” When he stayed in place, she said, “Is there anything else?”
    “I know it’s only been a couple of weeks, but you’re doing a great job.”
    She waited for an apology to accompany his compliment, but when he said nothing more, she asked again, “Is there anything else?”
    His eyes stayed trained on her before he shook his head and walked out of the office. She followed him, and closed her door.
    She hated this tension, but if Malik couldn’t accept her and Reverend Bush, that was his problem. She knew what she wanted and no one had ever stopped her from getting—or doing—what she wanted.
    She thought about the plan that had come to her during the early morning hours, and then dialed the numbers to City of Lights.
    When Mrs. Whittingham answered, Jasmine turned into Scarlett O’Hara.
    “Hello,” she drawled. “My name is…Kyla Blake.” She paused to stop herself from laughing as she gave her used-to-be best friend’s name. “I’m calling from Christian Today magazine.”
    “Oh, yes, how are you?”
    Jasmine hesitated at Mrs. Whittingham’s greeting. “I’m just fine this wonderful morning, and how are you?”
    “Blessed and highly favored.”
    Jasmine wanted to gag, but kept the smile in her voice. “I’m calling because we want to do a feature on Reverend Bush—about the new community center.”
    “Is this a follow-up to the interview you did