Good Wickedness

Chapter One

Kiruka soothed like a cool drink of water in the oppressive heat wave of an August Monday afternoon climbing past 99 degrees in North Carolina. You could never get enough of it. Desmond lay in the bedroom watching her get ready to return to work. She was strong woman with a lithe curvaceous body whose parts moved in perfect synchronism.

Why are you staring at me, Desmond? She asked.

I’m thinking about your name. The best has yet to come. Desmond replied.

From where ’m standing it has come and died, she bantered back. Take a shower, Desmond and stop lying around without clothes on, in this air conditioning. don’t want to hear about your aches or stiff joints.

Kiruka smoothed her skirt at the hips and sauntered into the hallway on her way to work. Answer the phone! She called back. Desmond rolled over and retrieved what used to be an ivory phone now somewhat brown. Hello? He said.

Elder Desmond, a reedy voice spoke, glad caught you. Bishop Jackson wants you to use your rather dubious talent in Greensboro. What the Bishop sees in you; I don’t know.

That’s why he’s a Bishop calling me to work in the vineyards of the Lord. You, a mighty minister of the Lord, don’t labor in the same fields as me. often wonder what that’s like Dr. Phelp. Phelp and I were a running battle in progress. We grated on each other’s nerves. We kept our tone polite forsaking no opportunity to take a jab. Tell the Bishop I’ll be dealing with it tomorrow.

I’m not the messenger here Desmond, Phelps warned.

Bishop Jackson had alerted Desmond trouble might be brewing in Greensboro. Trouble was brewing between a minister and a female in his flock, not his wife. Desmond would get on it early in the morning; but, not making any additional problems he hoped.

Desmond stepped out of the house, slipped into his pride and joy Mustang, and headed North on –85. Kiruka would be at the freshman ladies’ basketball try outs after work. North Carolina Agricultural & Technical University was her Alma Mater. She was an AGGE bred and born. The Elder wanted to talk to her about what he would be doing for the next few days in Greensboro.

What does this hungry gal have to do to get dinner? Kiruka said leaning against Desmond’s Mustang in Corbett’s center parking lot.

Sit that pretty Aggie pride outfit in my car girl; I’ll take you to the grocery store even though you don’t cook. Desmond said. It is fun to watch her get in as he opened the door for her on the Mustang’s passenger side.

That’s cold, Kiruka said sliding her agile body and legs into the car. Desmond ran around and jumped into the driver’s seat. Temperatures were cooling down nicely from a hundred degree August day.

How about Lucky 32’s tonight? Desmond said. She nodded, so he started his car and drove out of the parking lot.

It’s no wonder when celebrities are in town; they make it into Lucky 32. The perks of the place are the volume level, layout, individual table privacy, service, and of course the food. It has great food, top shelf ingredients, and preparation practices. Desmond liked it because the menu kept changing with the seasons. We were soon at the white stucco building on Westover Terrace. The waitress knew to bring two dessert plates. Kiruka never ordered dessert but sampled three quarters of mine. Dinner goes better with a lovely lady close to you. He didn’t mind and enjoyed her quirks. There was inner warmth about Kiruka that intrigued his interest and attracted him.

The clerical collar goes on tomorrow. Bishop Jackson wants me to nip in the bud an unsubstantiated rumor at Mount Arat Church. Desmond shifted in his chair watching the bar patrons.

Pastor Neely has been playing around again? She replied lifting a napkin to her lips and returning it to her lap. Kiruka moved like a tigress, savoring a meal on the African plains while eying with an inner glow in her eyes the next prey.

All right, what do you know? The Elder asked her.

Aren’t you going to ply me with demon rum? Kiruka batted her eyes and slid a toe up Desmond’s calf.

You seldom drink rum! … I get it. Desmond caught the eye of the waitress and motioned her over to the table.

She moved to the table quickly. Sir.

A vodka and tonic with cranberry juice, please. Desmond ordered. She nodded and headed for the bar across the room.

I so love a controlling man. Kiruka purred.

Okay, let’s get back to Reverend Neely. Desmond asked, putting his hands on the table after pushing the dessert plate closer to her.

Do you think I’ve added a pound or two? Kiruka leaned forward dessert spoon in hand. Should I have some of your dessert?

Only Satan would suggest you have a spare pound on your body. Desmond shot back. Kiruka chuckled and spooned a bit of the chocolate tart and cream between her lips twirling her tongue around the spoon. The waitress chose now to return with Kiruka’s drink.

Oh, that’s so good, she sighed after the first sip.

suppose since you have wined and dined me; should loosen up and tell you the juicy kinky details of a certain minister.

If you aren’t forthcoming, you’ll anger a humble and simple man. Desmond growled impatiently.

Why don’t you subject me to your carnal urges, for medicinal purposes only, at your place? Kiruka asked.

God knows Desmond needed another dose of medicine. His home fires had definitely been lighted. Kiruka did not play around with men. She demanded more than sex and no monetary compensation. A relationship was the price we paid for sharing each other’s life. Needless to say, the Mustang made fantastic time home.

* * *

A somber Elder knocked on Reverend Neely’s parsonage door at ten am Tuesday morning. His slim wife, with large eyes, admitted me to his study asking if Desmond wanted any coffee. Desmond said, Please thank you, and she returned with his coffee and quietly left shutting the door.

Well Elder Lamont, how may help you, Pastor Neely asked? He sat in his executive chair across from me; his legs were directed away from me;

Elder Desmond plunged in. Bishop Jackson has been hearing some troubling rumors about you, a mother and daughter, regarding improper conduct in your congregation. The Bishop and seriously doubt these rumors. Have you ever heard about these rumors? Desmond queried. Neely’s eyes moved to the right and then straight ahead. He leaned forward placing his elbows on his thighs.

No, and think would have heard about these rumors from my congregation! Surely you’re not accusing me without evidence? He suggested turning his eyes and shoulder to the doorway on my left.

We believe that someone is seriously attempting to attack you. Will you help us determine the potential attacker or cause of these unfortunate rumors? Lies can run around the world while the truth is still getting its morning coffee. Desmond paused, shaking his head slightly.

I appreciate you and the Bishop’s position. One can’t go around accusing hap–haphazardly persons in authority without proof. Ted leaned back into his black chair and crossed his legs. His body was still slightly turned away from the elder.

L have seen and investigated more times than want to recall, the price that evasions, lies about ministers, cause our clergy. Unfortunately in rare occasions, the minister has been at fault for not repenting or seeking guidance from a senior clergyman. Though embarrassing, the Church can and will forgive in the spirit of Christ, a fallen brother. All of us sin and have fallen to temptations. We know about temptations, the pain, and fear. Let’s work together in truth to combat evil. Is there anything you wish to tell me or the Bishop in confidence? This was going to be my last attempt to get Pastor Neely to open up.

I don’t know what to tell you about these rumors. Pastor Neely said.

Pastor Neely, will let you know the conclusions from our discrete inquiries. The Bishop will speak to your accuser directly. Desmond stood and reached across the desk to shake Neely’s hand. His eyes evaded mine and then finally focused on my face. Here’s my card if you need to contact me about or offer the information you recall on this matter. Elder Lamont placed the white card on his desk. Lies and evasions are all you’ve shown me, Elder Lamont thought.

Thanks for coming to see me Elder Lamont. Ted said walking me to the door and watching me leave.

The shift from air conditioned air to the August temperatures prompted perspiration to begin forming on my face. Elder Lamont walked briskly to his car and cranked up the cool air control to maximum. He drove over to Lee Street and found a Bojangles and picked up a jumbo sweet iced tea from the take out window.

Here you go, reverend, the young girl at the takeout window said.

Thank you and have a good day. Desmond replied to her and drove off to his house. Lamont looked forward to getting the clerical collar off.

The message light on Desmond’s telephone was blinking as he walked into the house. Elder Lamont picked up the phone and heard three bad messages about Mount Arat Church. Someone murdered Pastor Neely’s Church treasurer last night. Bishop Jackson wanted Desmond to act as an investigator for the church. The third message was from Gladys Murphy. The wife of the deceased and current secretary of the church.

Kiruka called and asked, Are you going to do the murder case?

Are you going to help? Elder Lamont responded dejectedly. Everyone likes to play detective, put the puzzle pieces together. Yet no police department welcomes an outsider poking his nose into an ongoing homicide case.

See you tonight. Kiruka said and hung up.

It’s amazing how easy one can postpone working on an unpleasant task. Taking a nap was my excuse until Kiruka showed up. She looked at me from her five foot four inch vantage point at the bedroom door with a disapproving eye.

OK, Desmond said. Message received. Just let me put on a new shirt and wash my face. Lamont was toweling his face and looking at the premature gray hair. It used to be just the head now it’s in his mustache. Elder Lamont did not have a bald spot; and the paunch didn’t roll over his belt yet. Desmond would have to cut back when that happened. A five foot ten inch good looking sinner he thought. Desmond grabbed Kiruka by the bed room door kissing her lips and pulling her out the door to his waiting car in the sun.

It was about five thirty pm on a Tuesday as they left Florida Street turning left to get on West Friendly Avenue which would take them to Harpers at the Old Friendly Shopping Center. While Desmond ate his peach cobbler and ice cream treat, Kiruka filled him in on what she knew about the Murphy couple and Pastor Neely.

I don’t want to hear about me from anyone else but you. Desmond said in a stern voice, Only you and the Bishop get to know what ’m doing!

When have ever told anyone your business? She said with an arched eyebrow.

* * *

I’m just telling you not to change. Elder Lamont dropped Kiruka off by her car and went to Martin Luther King Drive to speak with JoJo.

JoJo was an ex–gang banger, a GED graduate, a stone hustler with a penchant for making a profit from OPM (other people’s money). As an ex–Army ranger, he had a little problem with resolving the issue of killing. Elder Lamont spent several months, with him, in a cabin outside of Pilot Mountain as we worked through JoJo issues. Killing was an unfortunate event forced upon him. He wanted to survive and not die. So JoJo settled on not being guilty about living and killing to live.

JoJo also thought Elder Lamont could walk on water. The friendship led to bonding and supporting one another on a few occasions. This made him a unique friend of the Elder. The Elder was also a friend of JoJo. Friendship as in willing to die for one another! Our inner demons lost teeth and had stopped gnawing on us. JoJo had an office in each of his enterprises. Elder Lamont would try the Perfect Cut barbershop first.

Desmond breezed right by the six barber chairs heading for the back office. He also nodded his head and waved his hand at all who greeted him. JoJo was in the small office with a young thang. Elder Lamont moved away from the open door. The customers and barbers gossiped and made cracks about one another. Minutes later the young thang did a booty glide out the front door. It was getting harder for Desmond to distinguish between teenagers and co–eds since he entered his 40’s compared to his 20’s.

Desmond strolled into JoJo’s office, taking a seat on the Naugahyde couch placed in front of JoJo’s desk.

Are you here to abuse me or give me money? JoJo said leaning back in his chair. JoJo skin color was ebony, not blue–black, or cordovan. He was a welcome sight to the co–eds when he jogged outside around Bennett College campus. It was his fun mission to advertise the benefits of an African–American male. JoJo’s ego was boundless but not foolish. He lived in the real world, not a dreamland.

How can you stand yourself? You’re leading various and sundry ladies through seduction to damnation and ruin brother. Elder Lamont said.

I ain’t your brother. I’m like catnip, the dark kind, to the ladies, forging erotic dreams beyond the ordinary for the appreciative discerning female admirer.

JoJo, what have told you about blaspheming? Elder Lamont responded.

You said keep the claims truthful! I’m just saying what the ladies say. It’s hard to be coherent when the big O strikes. I’m not trying to do everyone, just a select few. JoJo smiled as a one carat diamond winked from his earlobe. I guess you’re more concerned with Pastor Neely’s delicate situation or the Murphy murder, JoJo said swiveling in his chair. Things haven’t been alright at home with Neely and the old lady. They’ve been trying for a baby especially since her miscarriage. It has been hard on her self–image; while Neely has been vacillating between grabbing her or giving her more time. He has been wondering what’s wrong with himself.

How do you know all this? Desmond asked from the couch.

Females gossip and money buys. The mother wants the Pastor. Her daughter wants to play with an older man, maybe just to spite her mom. Perhaps crying rape will be the daughter’s way of getting attention. Bad enough with one scorned woman but a mother and daughter means a real hassle. JoJo sweeps papers off his desk into an opened drawer.

What about David Murphy, any word on the street yet? Desmond queried.

David had a gambling problem. Not with the ponies or cards but sweepstake lotto tickets. He went all over the county buying lotto tickets. He never seemed worried about how much he spends for them.

Do you think David’s embezzling from the Church? Elder Lamont suggested.

Policeman Wallace’s questions hint at that, but who knows. There didn’t appear to be any trouble between David and Gladys either. JoJo stood up You want me to keep listening? JoJo asked.

Yeah, Desmond said, pushing up from the couch. Let’s get some lunch at Stephanie’s. Desmond rode with JoJo in his Lincoln over to Randleman Road. Their ribs suited the Elder while the meatloaf platter did it for JoJo. The lemon iced tea wasn’t bad either.

Are you about to stick your nose in this mess? JoJo queried.

The Lord will stick my proboscis where needed. HE will place my feet on the straight and narrow road to salvation brother. Desmond decided to stress his baritone voice.

Is that the same as a broken nose and foot stomping? Unless you bring a pistol with that clerical collar, things will get rough. JoJo quipped.

You doubt me and the Lord JoJo? Elder Lamont asked.

I think you misunderstand what the Lord said. Don’t bring a flowery mouth to a stomping party. You expect me to leave a tip after all the info provided you? Help me cover my overhead. JoJo ended shaking his head.

Desmond said after leaving a tip on the table. JoJo, the Lord gives to each what is needed or better yet, what is owed. Desmond gave him the eye as he paid the cashier. Here’s some manna. Spread it on the waters and see what returns.

JoJo drops Desmond off at the barbershop. He says with a wave of his hand, The Lord work mysteriously. Don’t expect receipts!

* * *

Desmond turns and unlocks the Mustang. Reverend Lamont, do you have time to speak with me for a minute? The spitting image of Danny DeVito came to a stop in front of me.

Elder Lamont doubted that DeVito left Hollywood to visit him. Lamont asked. Who are you?

His left hand comes up with a credential case containing a badge and id.

I’m Detective Tom Wallace. Somehow Desmond didn’t think the detective would like his impressions of Ricardo Montalban from the TV show Fantasy Island.

Would you care to get out of the sun? Desmond asks.

Sure, Wallace said plodding to barbershop’s door. Elder Lamont followed him. Inside we went directly to JoJo’s office and sat.

The Pastor and Mrs. Murphy said to see you about getting the Mount Arat’s financial records. He looked up trying to judge my response.

Only if you plan to take them from the Church, I can call the Bishop to see if he objects to you examining and making copies of what you need in the church. Desmond could see the wheels turning in Wallace’s head as his eyes moved to the left and down.

I can work with that, or I can get a search warrant. Wallace spoke softly jiggling his foot aimlessly. What do you do at the church? The detective asked me and withdrew a small note pad.

As little as one can get away with, Desmond smiled. "The Pastor