When Sunday Comes Again by Terry E. Hill Read Free Book Online Page A

haven’t. I wanted to speak with you first.”
    â€œWhy me?”
    â€œBecause I believe you will handle the story in a way that will do the least amount of harm to New Testament Cathedral. You strike me as ethical, sophisticated, and talented enough to make the story about the man and not the ministry. Good people sometimes do stupid things. Hezekiah’s behavior was certainly stupid, but the ministry he built is not. Millions of people around the world rely on New Testament Cathedral for hope, direction, and comfort. I think you can understand how important that is and will report the story in a way that will allow those of us who remain to continue to share the love of God throughout the world.”
    â€œThat’s a nice speech, Cynthia, but isn’t your husband the next in line to become pastor if Samantha doesn’t work out?”
    Cynthia pulled her most offended expression from the depths of her gut and responded, “Yes, but that has nothing to do with this. I only want what’s right for New Testament.”
    â€œSave the pious bullshit for your television audience. You seem to forget I’m a reporter. I knew everything about you and your husband ten minutes after you called me. I’m assuming your husband, Percy, isn’t quite as ambitious as you are. What really happened, Cynthia? He didn’t have the balls to throw Samantha under the bus and take over New Testament Cathedral after Hezekiah died? You had done all the dirty work by leaking the story.” Then, to test her sensibilities even further, he added, “I wouldn’t be surprised if you also had to fuck a few guys, or even girls, at the Chronicle to keep this story on track.”
    Cynthia leaned back in her chair unfazed as Gideon continued. “You would be the first lady of New Testament Cathedral today if Hezekiah hadn’t gotten himself shot in the head the day before the story was scheduled to run. But you don’t give up easily, because here you are, trying your damnedest to convince me to pin Hezekiah’s death on his widow or his lover.”
    Cynthia looked him directly in the eyes as she reached for the folder between them. “I’ll take those if you’re not interested,” she said with a wicked smile. “I’m sure I won’t have a problem finding someone who is. Maybe Anderson Cooper, “she said wryly.
    Gideon quickly placed his hand firmly on the folder. “Hold on. I didn’t say I wasn’t interested. I’m going to investigate the story, but on my terms. No one, including you and your husband, are off-limits. If I find out that your role in this was anything other than what you’ve said, it will be my decision whether or not to include it in my story.”
    Cynthia smiled slightly. “You don’t frighten me, Gideon Truman,” she said mockingly. “The role I played is exactly as I’ve described it. Just remember, if you call on me to corroborate any of this, you’re out of luck. Based on your obviously brilliant skills of deduction, it shouldn’t be too difficult for you to figure out why. I’ll deny we ever met and sue you personally for libel if you ever try to drag me into this.”
    â€œIt seems to me you’ve already dragged yourself into it, Cynthia. Can you get me an interview with Samantha? She won’t take my calls.”
    â€œDon’t worry about that. She knows you want to interview her, and she’ll contact you when she feels the time is perfect for her to milk Hezekiah’s death for her own benefit. By the way, when you do meet with her, don’t forget to ask about his other extramarital affairs.”
    â€œWhat do you mean, other? Have there been more?”
    â€œOf course there have been others, but none like this one. Who cares how many choir girls he’s fucked over the years? That will all be eclipsed by the lovely Danny St. John.”

Chapter 4
    Reverend