No Sin in Paradise by Dijorn Moss Read Free Book Online

accomplish? You expose your father and maybe write a tell-all book, but that’s it. Your fifteen minutes are up.” I point to the check. “That story is certainly not worth two million. You may be able to get a half of million. but that’s it. That’s enough money for a clean slate. Take it.”
    I don’t know why I am going to bat for Pastor Bryant, seeing that he is trying to rip off a young girl. At this point, I want to put my hands around his throat for playing me.
    â€œObviously, you don’t know what’s going on, so why don’t you go back to Reverend Slick Daddy and tell him either he pays me what I’m owed or I’ll talk.”
    What could Elisha have that is more incriminating than the fact that Pastor Cole had a child out of wedlock? My guess, Elisha has something on Pastor Bryant. Why else would Bryant pay so much money to cover up another man’s secret?
    â€œYour father was murdered. Aren’t you scared for your own safety?”
    Elisha just gives me a smirk. “No, not at all. People know not to try anything on me.”
    â€œAnd why not?” I ask.
    â€œDon’t worry about all that. I’m not worried; I can take care of myself.”
    A quick chill shoots through my body. Elisha delivers that line with the upmost confidence. She has someone protecting her, but that someone was not protecting her father. Why is a common question that keeps coming up for me, and I don’t have any answers.
    â€œWhat about your mother?” I ask.
    The mention of Elisha’s mother causes her to pause and reflect. It’s clear that she doesn’t share the same sentiment toward her mother as she does for her father.
    â€œThis isn’t about my mother.”
    â€œIf your mother is around, I’m sure she would advise that this money is more than enough.”
    â€œMy mother died six years ago, so at this moment, I no longer have a parent to advise me on anything. So from this moment forth, I choose what’s enough and this . . .” Elisha holds up the check, “ this is not enough.”
    For years, Elisha has had to have her wants and desires put on the back burner; not any more. Her father got what he wanted; a hidden secret that remained hidden, but what Elisha wants is to live comfortably.
    â€œNow, you have your orders. Be a good boy and go back to Reverend Slick and tell him he better double the amount or else I talk.”
    I didn’t have a smart retort. I head toward the door with my hat in hand. I just got schooled by a girl who is in her midtwenties at best. I decide to take what’s left of my pride and go. A burning question is still on my mind. “You said his money and his time. How often did he ever visit you?”
    â€œHe would only visit once a year. He could only stay for an hour, but for that one hour, I didn’t feel like a messed-up kid.”
    I know exactly what she means as I walk out of the door. If it weren’t for my messed-up father, I wouldn’t have been a messed-up kid who becomes a confused adult that thinks he can save someone other than himself.
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    Later on that night I went to dinner with Sammy, Adele, and Victory at my favorite restaurant on the island. Auroras is a restaurant by the beach. Most of the tables are outside so the patrons can enjoy their meals under the stars. I wouldn’t want to be here during hurricane season, but tonight is a perfect night. There is a gentle breeze, and the night sky is full of stars.
    I keep replaying my visit with Elisha in my head. There is something off about the situation. Even though her relationship to her father was estranged, Pastor Cole was still Elisha’s father. For her not to be concerned over his apparent murder is unsettling, to say the least. Furthermore, she seems unmoved or unconcerned over her own safety.
    â€œEarth to Minister Dungy.” Victory’s words snapped me out of my trance and back to