The Reverend's Wife

Chapter One

Without opening my eyes, I knew two things:

Chicago was covered in snow, and it was windy as heaven.

As heaven.

As motherloving heaven.

Godblessed, what the heaven?

I groaned, wondering what was happening to me as I tried – and failed- to cuss like a sailor.

Godbless it.

My eyes, open or shut, widened when I heard the angel from before, her light blinding and then absent in a second.

How the love did that happen?

"Heavenly beings cannot curse, Huey." The angel admonished me, her voice loud and clear in my head. "Besides, it is time to wake up, dearest angel. You have much work to do."

I groaned, slowly lifting as I took in my surroundings, listening to the sounds, the people walking past, the Christmas music in the air.

So many people out, humming and cheerful, going on with their lives like there was nothing wrong at all.

It was a messed up awakening.

I'd died in vain.

I was lying near a large brownstone, resting on the steps, when I noticed a familiar face looking down at me.

"You fell pretty hard there, sir." They said, staring down at me. "Let me take you to the hospital. Make sure you don't have a concussion."

"Huh?" I managed, looking around at my surroundings.

It was unintelligible, even I had to snort, but honestly, I was still shocked.

One minute I'd been dead, the next I'd been in heaven, and now I was staring up at Cairo Jackson, one of my least favorite people when I'd been alive.

I burst out laughing, amused that he of all people would suggest such a thing.

Especially since he'd been the one to give me a concussion in the first godblessed place.

"Uh...." He backed up, a bit nervous despite eyeing me like a moth to a flame.

I wondered why that was.

"It's divine intervention." The angel informed me, her presence a bit aggravating but helpful nonetheless. "It makes people receptive to things they wouldn't be otherwise. Makes them more willing to cooperate with us."

I nearly nodded, and then, realizing that it would look crazy, took a minute to process what was happening to me, feel the concrete under my fingertips, the pain in my back....

And finally, I relished in the pain of sweet, sweet agony, almost relieved that it felt like I'd been hit by a truck.

It was good to be back.

Sort of.

Dusting myself off, I sat up slowly, both relieved and surprised to feel the residual effects of pain in my new body.

"I'm good man, thanks." I stood to my feet, shaking his hand. "I'm Huey. Huey Jenkins."

Ping.

I wrinkled my nose, frowning at the loud sound in my ear.

I waited for the angel to explain what it meant, but of course, she conveniently had nothing to say.

Angels.

What a pain in the godblessed behind.

I turned my attention back to Cairo, remembering that if he was talking I was supposed to be listening to him.

"Any chance you're related to Duey Jenkins?" Cairo asked me. "Me and him go way back."

"I doubt it." I shook my head. "I've never met him to know for sure."

"I see." He nodded, slowly inspecting me to make sure I wouldn't pass out. "Well then." Cairo smiled, waving politely. "It was nice meeting you, Mr. Jenkins. Merry Christmas."

Ping!

"Actually." I interjected, somehow knowing the pings meant I was not on track. "The hotels here are all out of rooms."

I tried to look innocent, wondering if I looked just as blankfaced as before.

"I was wondering if I could stay here for the holidays." I said, adding a little twang to my voice. "I heard you're the reverend at Gaines Baptist, that you could help me out with a room for the holidays."

Cairo paused for a moment, eyeing me like he knew this was a crazy rear idea , but he quickly hid his suspicion with a tight smile, ushering me inside. "Well, just say that next time, brotha! Come right on in!"

His voice shifted instantly, taking on the voice of the good reverend delivering a sermon.

Disgusting.

"You sure are something, son. Out here living on the literal ledge." He chuckled. "But I'm here to help. I'm always happy to assist a member in need."

There was shuffling from upstairs, and then....

"Baby, who are you talking to?" Jazmine called from whatever room she was in. "Who's that?"