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

from someone’s garage. “Found wood” is what Trent would have probably called it. The sight of it was both moving and heartbreaking.
    â€œWhoever is in charge here has been making a way out of no way, Bernadine.”
    â€œAmen.”
    From somewhere within the building came the sound of a woman’s voice singing Yolanda Adams’s “I’m Gonna Be Ready.”
    â€œNice voice. Alto.”
    Bernadine nodded with agreement before calling out, “Hello!”
    The singing stopped, followed by, “Hold on. I’ll be right there.”
    While they waited, Lily looked around the sanctuary again and took in the peeling plaster, the three boarded-up windows, and the two intact ones guarded by security bars. Tina said there was a service held every Sunday, but Lily couldn’t help but wonder how many people attended.
    Around the corner came a fast-walking, short, thin, brown-skinned woman. She was wearing a ball cap, a black short-sleeved shirt topped by a white clerical collar, dust-covered jeans, and red cowboy boots. She appeared to be in her forties, but women of color aged so gracefully that it was hard to determine if the estimate was true or not.
    The woman glanced curiously between Lily and Bernadine. “Good afternoon. Can I help you?”
    â€œAre you the pastor?” Bernadine asked.
    â€œYes. I’m Reverend Paula Grant.”
    Bernadine introduced herself and then Lily. “Would it be okay if Lily and I talked to you about the sale of the church?”
    The women studied Bernadine for a long moment. “May I ask why?”
    â€œI’m one of the potential investors in the development going up, and I want to make sure my friends and I are doing the right thing.”
    The priest seemed to evaluate them and the request. She finally gestured. “This way. We’ll talk in my office.”
    It was a tiny, cramped space filled with old furniture and a large number of open, half-packed boxes. Dark wood that matched the wood of the pews in the sanctuary made up the office’s built-in bookcases. From the open spaces on the shelves and what Lily could see of the contents in the boxes, the books were being packed away.
    The reverend moved some of the boxes to reveal the chairs hidden beneath. Bernadine and Lily took seats, and she went behind her desk to an old leather recliner. “So what would you like to know?”
    â€œAre you okay with the sale?”
    â€œNo, but my bishop made a strong case for why he wouldn’t be opposing it, so I’m packing up. Not much else I can do.”
    â€œHow long before you have to leave?”
    â€œOfficially, the church will be padlocked in less than thirty days.”
    Lily could tell that she was deeply saddened by the news. “Where do you go from here?”
    She shrugged. “Honestly, I don’t know. The bishop has no other church for me, so I’ll have to wait and see where the Spirit leads me next.” She studied Bernadine for a moment before adding, “I don’t think I’ve ever heard of a Black woman having the cash to invest at the level the city is asking from the developers.”
    â€œThere are a few of us out here. I’m with a group of female investors made up of women of all races and creeds.”
    â€œThe fact that you stopped by says a lot to me about your group’s moral values.”
    â€œWe try to do no harm.”
    The reverend nodded understandingly.
    â€œI have one more request,” Bernadine said to her. “And then we’ll leave you in peace.”
    â€œSure. What is it?”
    Bernadine fished around in her tote for the picture of Zoey and handed it to the priest.
    The reverend’s eyes widened. “Where’d you get this?”
    Lily and Bernadine sat straight up, and Bernadine said warily, “Please, tell us that you know her.”
    â€œI do,” she responded softly. “Is she alive?”
    â€œAlive and