Strength and Mercy

Revelations and Desecrations

Ava and Kaden barely had contact since that night in the club. When the liaison team finally got a chance to meet with Kross Construction again she expected Kaden to be there and her heart sank when she was told he wasn't. In spite of that, she shrugged it off and focused on getting the company to back off the shelter but the company seemed like it was stalling the process so nothing came of it. The team went back to Saving Grace to plot their next move. In the meantime, Ava went back to her duties and made her rounds with some of the clients. She'd grown attached to one family and often made time to come see but the couple months had been busy. She walked down the RA's room to see if the family was in and when it was confirmed she all but sprinted.

The family consisted of a single mother, Donna, and the twins Shea and Akua. Donna's husband was imprisoned for guilt by association with a robbery. Because he was the sole breadwinner his family suffered with his incarceration and they ended up in Saving Grace. When Ava received the case she went above and beyond trying to help this family but could only achieve so much. Donna was a proud woman and had a hard time trusting others but with Ava's optimism and persistence she let her guard down.

Ava knocked softly on the wooden door, "Hey there, anybody home?"

When she heard the scramble of little steps on the floor she giggled and braced herself for impact. The twins were small for their age but lively nonetheless. The both of them had a deep brown complexion, cute, broad noses, brown eyes filled with curiosity, and small mouths that always seemed to hold a smile. They loved Ava like family and showed it every chance they had. When the twins opened the door they pelted her which knocked the wind out of her. It was then Ava was grateful that she decided to wear comfortable, casual clothes that day. Donna fussed at the children to get off of Ava but it was futile. The bombarded her with questions about where she'd been and why she hadn't come to see them.

"I had to work," she said, laughing.

"That didn't stop you before!" Shea retorted, her big brown eyes filled with accusation.

"Well, I kind have a new job here at the shelter and it kept me busy." Ava explained.

"I don't like it if it means we can't see you," Akua said crossing his arms.

Ava brushed the thick dreadlocks out of his eyes, "If I don't do this we're all in trouble."

Donna gave Ava a quizzical look but didn't press the issue. The visit was more light-hearted with the twins talking about their sixth birthday and plans to see their father. Donna shared with Ava how her job as a custodian was going and how she felt about seeing her husband. When it was time for the twins to go to the shelter's youth program Donna and Ava had time to speak alone.

"What did you mean when you said we'd all be in trouble if you didn't do your job?" Donna asked.

Ava sighed, "There's a company trying to take over this building but we're not sure what they're planning for the building. If the team and I don't stop them then we're all going to be a ship without a sail."

Donna's face became unreadable and it was disturbing to Ava.

"Donna, what's wrong?"

"I don't believe that damned man is at it again!"

Ava stared at the woman, "What are you talking about?"

"It's Kross Construction, isn't it?"

Ava stood in silence and shock. Donna shook her head and cursed under breath before she continued, "My old church crossed paths with that company before my husband went to jail. We were members there and for some reason the church fell on hard times. This young white guy shows up to the church meeting saying he wanted to buy the mortgage to help us out. Most of us refused but the church board trusted him. The members were so divided about the situation that many of them left. About eight months later, he forced the Pastor and the rest of the congregation out of the building. The church never recovered..."