Mammoth Secrets by Ashley Elizabeth Ludwig Read Free Book Online Page B

no one else seemed to take note. He was quite sure no one noticed Scott at all, aside from a back slap and a ribbing on yet another Emerson family impending arrival.
    The rest of the men arrived. More chairs were hauled in from the storage shed. It seemed every deacon, elder, and male parishioner had come to the weekly meeting to check out the new pastor.
    Jake’s hand repeatedly pumped in greeting. He memorized names, faces, and listened to veiled concerns.
    The men cycled around one subject. The carnival. Each had their own thoughts of how to stop, confront, or tell folks to avoid it.
    Jake did his best to listen, but he couldn’t stop thinking about the previous exchange at Scott’s expense, that still haunted the man’s eyes. Regret, maybe? Not for his wife, or his children; his love for them shone. Something else, buried deeper and laying heavy. He’d catch up with him later and get him to talk when they didn’t have an audience.
    Jake went to the podium. He led them in a quick but powerful prayer, and then gazed around the room after the “Amen!”
    He gave a silent plea for strength to get through what was sure to be a difficult meeting. “Thanks, everyone, for turning out tonight and for the warm welcome.”
    They applauded and settled into a respectful silence as he explained the announcement from Tom about the new roof and the budgetary concerns for the renovations.
    Mumbling went through the crowd, and Tom stood to explain the costs and materials, but no one seemed focused on his report. There were nervous stares and the folding and unfolding of the meeting’s agenda pamphlets. Everyone, it seemed, was concentrating on the next discussion point.
    “Thanks, Tom.” Jake resumed his place. “I guess you know we’re here to talk about plans for the month. The Revival—”
    The doors opened with a flourish and all heads turned. Naomi led Earl Dale into the room with shuffling steps. “Forgive me, everyone. Earl here’s having a good night. I thought maybe he’d enjoy listening to your meeting. If you don’t mind, Pastor Gibb.” Her gaze was a cold stare daring him to say no.
    “Earl’s always welcome, Mrs. Dale.” Jake strode across and took him by the elbow. Someone vacated chair, and Jake directed him to sit. “I’ll get him home after, unless of course, you’d rather stay?”
    Naomi’s brows shot up.
    A slight gasp went through at what was obviously an unwritten rule: Men Only.
    “We’ll help him get back over,” Tom spoke up. “Never you mind yourself, ma’am.”
    Naomi departed.
    Earl settled. “Thanks, boys. That woman hovers about me like a mother hummingbird.”
    “Always has, Earl.” A portly man in a red checked shirt clapped his shoulder.
    “Always will, I reckon.” Earl chuckled. He sipped coffee that someone brought. “Mmm. That’s a good cup o’ joe. What’re we talkin’ bout tonight?”
    “Revival Meeting,” they answered in a chorus.
    Jake exhaled, shuffled papers. “I was about to discuss plans for location.”
    “We can get two hundred souls in tents in the back,” the owl-eyed fellow offered. “If we go with that rental company from Thayer again.”
    Mumbles of approval rattled through, along with budget and traffic concerns.
    Jake drummed his thumbs on the table. He didn’t hear one question that stemmed from the real purpose for having a revival. He held up a hand, but no one seemed to notice.
    “Knock off the racket!” Earl spoke up and the room fell silent. “Our pastor’s got something to say.” He frowned then turned to Jake. “Go ahead, son.”
    “Thanks, Mr. Dale.” Jake held his hands out. “Now, it’s all well and good to talk rental companies, tents, and traffic control. But I’ve got an idea that you should take under consideration.”
    They sat in rapt attention.
    “The Reunion Carnival’s scheduled for the same weekend as the Revival. I’m sure that’s not a coincidence.”
    “Been that way long as I can remember,” Scott