Something Old, Something New by Beverly Jenkins Read Free Book Online Page A

given a fair price for the land, and that they looked forward to doing good things with the payment.”
    â€œSounds reasonable, but I understand what you’re feeling. I’m willing to let you make the call on this. If you want to take our money elsewhere, that’s fine with me.”
    â€œThat’s what the other members said, too.”
    â€œThen take some time and think it over. All this peace here—you’ll make the right choice.”
    â€œThanks, Bernadine.”
    â€œNo problem. Maybe I’ll have our driver take us by the church so I can get a look at it, too.”
    â€œIt was probably gorgeous in its prime, but time hasn’t been kind. You’ll see why the bishop was so willing to sell.”
    They spent a few more minutes talking about the model’s potential and catching each other up on some of the organization’s doings and gossip, and then it was time for Lily and Bernadine to leave.
    Tina shared a long tight hug with Bernadine and gave Lily a hug as well.
    â€œI hear you’re getting married, Lily.”
    Lily shot Bernadine a questioning look.
    â€œGuilty as charged.”
    Tina said, “Congratulations.”
    â€œThank you. He’s a very special man.”
    â€œYou’ve been a godsend to Bernadine, so if there is anything I can do to help make your wedding-day dreams come true, just let me know.”
    All Lily could think was now she had two got-rocks women wanting to help, but aloud, she said genuinely, “I will, Tina. Thank you.”
    Tina walked them to the car and waved until they were out of sight.
    Bernadine gave the driver the church’s address and said to Lily, “Let’s do that first, and we’ll tackle Mission Zoey next.”
    Lily agreed, but she didn’t hold out much hope for getting answers on Zoey. On the flight down, they’d talked to Roni in New York, and she was sending them lots of luck and love. Lily promised her she’d call right away if anything turned up.
    They settled in for the ride, and Bernadine glanced her way. “Tina meant what she said about the wedding.”
    â€œI know, and I’m not sure who scares me most, her or you.”
    When the driver pulled up in front of the church, Lily looked out at the crumbling old building and the desolate neighborhood its weathered spires rose above. She agreed with Tina that it probably had been grand in its heyday, but now the Gothic carved doors looked to welcome only the tired and poor.
    â€œIt is in pretty bad shape,” Bernadine remarked solemnly.
    â€œYes, it is. What do you want to do?”
    â€œNot sure, but let’s go in and see if we can find somebody to talk to about the sale.” She asked the driver, “Is there a parking lot?”
    â€œYep.”
    â€œPull in, then. We’re going to run in.”
    â€œNot the best neighborhood.”
    â€œNo, it isn’t,” Bernadine agreed.
    They could see young men lounging in doorways. They and everyone else moving along the trash-cluttered street were eyeing the big fine car.
    Lily asked the driver. “Will you be okay?”
    â€œLadies, I am armed and dangerous. You two go on in. I’ll be fine here until you get back.”
    With those words of assurance, Lily and Bernadine left the car and walked across the lot to the nearest door. Due to the questionable neighborhood, Lily expected to find the steel door locked, but it opened easily.
    Inside they were met by an echoing silence that seemed to resonate to the soul. To their left lay the sanctuary with its dark wood pews, but instead of rows of pews leading to the altar and the pulpit, there were only five pews, and none were near any of the others.
    â€œLook at the cross, Lily.”
    Bernadine’s soft voice drew her eyes up to the large cross hanging on the wall high above the simple altar. It appeared to be made from two old pieces of wood that might have come from an alley or