The Grove Chronicles

Chapter 57

On this day, was Sister Jean Lafayette 's funeral. Zechiriah church filled to the capacity, as the sanctuary filled with weeping souls.  Josephine and Wandie sat next to each other, consoling one another. " This don't make sense girl, all this stuff over nothin!" Josephine barked. " It's okay baby, God will put it all together." Wandie replied. 

Later during the service, Pastor Lafayette's brother did the eulogy, given he was too upset to give it himself.  The congregation seemed to be moved by the soothing words, nodding and exclaiming in agreement. 

After during the repass, Pastor Lafayette approached Wandie. " Hey baby, you enjoying the food?" " Oh yes sir, it's quite good." He sat next to her sighing holding his head down. " I know it's hard Pastor..." " It's tough losing someone." Wandie remarked. 

" I appreciate it sister Harris, but somethin else is on my mind." " What's goin on?"  " I want you on board with me, to start this anti violence program here at the church. " " I mean, I had this mind even before my Jean was killed." 

Wandie chewed her food slowly thinking it over. " I can definitely help ya Pastor." " I think enough is enough out here."  " I just dont want to be a target, by these maniacs.." " I read in the paper, that some parents out in Chicago were shot by some thugs, to end their movement." 

Pastor grunted nodding his head. " I understand honey, but God's shield will protect us." " Think about it, and get back to me asap."  Pastor replied. " Ok..." " Stay strong Pastor.....much love." 

Later, Ezail walked down Burnside Ave, towards the hangout.  While arriving, he saw Snuff on his cell phone speaking angrily. " Aight just be cool muthafucka, damn!"  he said closing his cell phone cover shut. 

" Yo nigga this shit, is outta hand yo!" Snuff bellowed. "Word,  I can't believe a innocent person, especially a elderly person got caught up in the mix.  Ezail said shaking his head. " A fuckin Pastor's wife, how stupid is this nigga!?" " If there's a woman involve, back off!"  " Do the job and bounce!"  Snuff hollered. 

"  I just came from Mrs. Layfayette funeral and overheard Pastor and my aunt starting some anti violence program....." " Now we really fucked." 

" Oh yeah, I forgot yo aunt close to the church...." " Well now we double fucked..." " I just got off the phone with Gato and now he thinkin bout cuttin our supply, cause of the heat now." " Who brought that nigga Bobby in anyway?" 

"  Man, Grimm found Bobby on the street and brought him in as sympathy I guess." " I mean Grimm my nigga and all but he gotta be able to size people up." Ezail stated. 

" Yeah well, we need to find Bobby bitch ass." Snuff said rubbing his head together. " Put the muthafuckin word out yo, I'm offering 10 g's for that punk."  "I'm on it big bro."   

" Also a major change need to happen... no more cell phones." Ezail ordered. Snuff then frowned. " Oh so you think the jakes tappin phones now?" " I'm not 100% sure....." " Wanna risk it though?" 

" So how we gonna speak now?" Ezail then scratched his chin. " Old man Benny's bar is near the vacants right?" " If we need to get a hold of each other, we use his phone, to hit each other on our beepers, then meet in the back.' " The key thing is, we have to act like employees there, and use code." " The Feds will never catch wind." 

" Why not use my uncles garage?" " Naw, that's near our territory, and the jakes patrol that area heavy ." " Benny's bar is perfect." 

" Alright good plan." Snuff nodded. " Ima keep on tryin to convince Gato, cuz we cant loose this plug.' 

" Cant wait till all this shit over yo." Ezail sighed. " Can't keep bein in this mess, especially with a child.