Behind Closed Doors

Chapter 22

Mark carefully closed his book and set it aside, glancing at his watch. He realized Davis hadn't arrived yet. Despite his efforts to avoid the church office amidst the rumors and suspicions surrounding Emily's disappearance, a distress call had compelled him to come today. A knock on the door followed by its opening signaled Davis's arrival. Upon seeing him, Mark cleared his throat and gestured for him to take a seat.

"Please be seated," he said politely.

"Thank you, Pastor Smith," Davis replied as he settled into the chair. Silence lingered between them, with Davis appearing uneasy, as if something weighed heavily on his mind.

"You asked to see me," Mark prompted.

"Yes, Pastor Smith," Davis responded hurriedly, visibly tense.

"So, Mr. Davis, what's on your mind?" Mark inquired.

Davis seemed hesitant to speak, struggling to find the right words.

"Hmm?" Mark encouraged.

"Pastor Smith, it's...it's about my wife," Davis finally admitted, his embarrassment evident.
Mark's heart skipped a beat. His wife? Had Davis discovered something? Amanda couldn't have been so careless. If Davis had found out, Mark was prepared to silence him with money or any other means necessary.

"So, what about your wife?" Mark prodded propelling his body forward to lean on the desk.

"She's... She's changed," Davis confessed staring at Mark in frustration.

"Changed?" Mark raised an eyebrow. "In what way?"

"Pastor Smith, I know you're not a relationship therapist, but you're a respected pastor in the church, and you're a young man like me... I look up to you," Davis explained.

"Go on," Mark encouraged.

"Amanda, lately..." Davis trailed off as he struggled to articulate his concerns. "She doesn't seem to have time for me anymore."

"Neglecting you?" Mark sought clarification.

"Yes," Davis affirmed, looking up at the ceiling with a heavy sigh before meeting Mark's gaze again. "We're both men, you understand what I mean..."

Mark remained silent, allowing Davis to express himself fully.

"She's joined some fellowship that demands her time, and she's neglected me," Davis continued. "When she does come home, she's always tired, and I can't satisfy my needs anymore. It's frustrating."

"I understand," Mark acknowledged sympathetically.

"And when we do get intimate, she's distant and ...and...unenthusiastic. It's like she's not there. Now we only make love to each other once a week"

"As opposed to?"

"Three to four times... sometimes more," Davis answered looking away from Mark in embarrassment.

"That's a drastic change" Mark commented.

"Yes, it hurts me emotionally and physically, I do not want to cheat on my wife, my marriage is too beautiful to let go...I don't know...I'm going crazy.."

"I see," Mark said. "So...you said you do not want to cheat on your wife... has the thought ever crossed your mind?"

"My frustration is building up, Pastor Smith, I don't know how to answer your question..."

"And have you discussed this with her?"

Davis nodded. "Yes, Pastor Smith."

"And how did she respond?" Mark inquired.