My thanks to Bebop Writes for the event, Litereotica for just being there for us authors and to Randi for her editing skills.
Any errors are subsequent to Randi's editing, all mistakes are proudly claimed by me. All characters and organisations named within this story are fictional and any similarity in names, etc., to real people or organisations are purely coincidental.
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When Pastor Paul Reed finished his meeting with Brother David Douglas of the Gospel World Church at its headquarters, Paul felt good. After two weeks on the road visiting various churches that Paul Reed's church was associated with, he was almost physically done and would be able to fly home the next day, after one more task.
Going home next day would be wonderful as he had not seen his wife for a little over two weeks. Of course, they'd communicated by facetime, phone and text message, but that obviously wasn't the same as hugging and holding your own spouse and being physically with them and making love with them. He missed being able to physically connect with the love of his life. And he had faith that she felt the same way about him.
As he was taking his leave from Brother Douglas and his lovely wife, Dora, tall and craggy Brother Douglas had took his hand to shake it and stared into his eyes. "Paul, I want you to know that Dora and I really, really value you as a fellow follower of Christ. And furthermore, if you ever need any help or guidance, please know that we are here for you and the services of the Gospel World Church are always at your disposal."
Paul was taken aback at that remark, but he accepted what was said with warmth and humility.
"Thank you, Brother Douglas, I'll remember that."
As Paul stepped into his Uber to head to the airport, Dora Douglas turned to her husband, a questioning look in her eyes. "What's wrong? Why did you say that to Paul? Was it a prophetic thing that you did just now?"
He nodded and looked thoughtful. His face was craggy and worn by years of exposure to the sun and wind. "Yes, honey. A prophetic thing. I'm not sure why, or how, but I just know that boy will need our help. And real soon, too."
As Paul paid the driver of the Uber at the airport his cell phone chimed twice, telling him he had a call.
"Hi, Pastor Paul, here," he said. "How can I help you?"
"Hey, Paul! This is Brad Stoker here at the Central Church. I understand you are coming here today to meet with Pastor Whiteside?"
"Yeah, that's right. Is there something wrong?"
"Kind of. I'm glad I managed to catch you, Paul. Pastor Whiteside is not going to be available for your meeting, as our church leader over in London, England, has had a car crash. He's not seriously injured, but he's not going to be able to perform his duties for a week or so, so Pastor Whiteside has had to take an urgent flight over to the UK to look after things, there.
"He's asked me to pass on his apologies, but he feels sure you will understand. Of course, you're welcome to fly over to visit with us, but you might have something else you can do, instead?"
"Thanks, Brad. That's real good of you. Actually, I've been away from home for getting on for two weeks, visiting various churches we are affiliated with, and I'll take this opportunity to get back home to see my beautiful wife a day early."
They disconnected the call and Paul went to the desk of the airline on which he was flying. At first he was told there were no seats available on flights to his city, but when she saw the expression on his face (and noticed his lapel pin) the agent smiled at him and said to him, quietly, "Pastor, I have one Business Class seat available on a flight to your city, that leaves in two hours, so I'll transfer your ticket to that flight and give you a complimentary upgrade."
He thanked her, gave her a blessing (fairly low key, in case anyone might raise an objection, and get the agent in trouble) and two hours later after going through security he was on the flight home, luxuriating in the plush accommodation of Business Class travel. In fact, after catching up on some Bible reading on his somewhat elderly Kindle, he fell asleep. Not before leaving a voice mail message on his wife's phone that he was on his way home and would be arriving home at least a day early.
It was another Uber ride from the airport to their home. Their home was within a sort of compound which consisted of the home of Paul and his wife, Sally, the slightly larger adjacent house of his fellow Pastor, Bob Harris and his wife, Kathy.
The church that they both preached in was about half a mile away over lawns that were used for church picnics and big outdoor preaching sessions, though they hadn't had many of them of late. That was something more common in the era of their parents who had founded the church and built the houses and the church some fifty years previously. They had an excellent congregation and operated a variety of outreach projects within the small city where they were located.
He opened the door of the house, closed it quietly, left his luggage by the side of the door, stepped to the right and on opening the door to the living room, he found himself suddenly watching his best friend and fellow Pastor, Bob Harris, having carnal knowledge of his wife, Sally, over the back of their sofa.
He shouted: "What are you doing?" He rushed forward, he noticed that Sally gave a yelp of pain as Bob's member was suddenly removed from her anus.
He had no idea what he should do, remonstrate with his former friend or physically assault him?
He had, however, in his distress, forgotten about Bob's prowess as an exponent of the ancient Japanese martial art of judo. He'd been a member of the USA Olympic team when he had been a theology student.
Suddenly Paul found himself in a chokehold. He could not breathe and he sensed that his blood supply to his brain was also being cut off. He felt his consciousness fading away. There was a roaring noise in his ears, his vision became blurred and he stopped being. He simply stopped being.
When he regained awareness, he found himself lying on the sofa. Someone had removed his shoes. His jacket, he noticed, was hanging on the back of a chair and his tie and shirt collar had been loosened.
He felt dizzy, he had a headache and his throat felt sore.
"I am sorry you had to see that, Paul," his wife spoke. There was what sounded like genuine sympathy in her voice. But there was something else, too. Something patronising, perhaps? Whatever it was, it wasn't pleasant.
"Yes. We wouldn't have wanted to hurt you like that for the world" said his former friend, Pastor Bob, insincerely.
Sally added: "We wanted to tell you about what was happening tomorrow or the day after, but your early arrival has foreshortened our timetable."
"What timetable?" asked Paul, mystified.
He sat up, even though it made his head swim.
