Murder on the Down Low Read Online Free PDF

from his eyes. After more applause and amens, an usher showed Eugene and two other new members into a small room to the right of the pulpit.
    A woman stood waiting for them. “I’m Belynda Davis, head of the New Members Ministry. I love this church and you will, too.”
    Belynda went on to tell them about the classes they would be required to attend before their membership became official. Eugene didn’t hear a word she was saying. The woman wasn’t just beautiful, she had a radiance about her. The same glow that had attracted him to Maya. She even had Maya’s smile.
    Eugene took a long, deep breath. Not only had God given him the strength to resist Derek, He put another beautiful woman in his life to help him stay focused. When Belynda concluded her presentation, Eugene walked up to her.
    “If you don’t mind, I’d like to hear a little more about those church groups you were telling us about.” Eugene treated her to a smile that had wooed almost as many men as women. “If you don’t have plans after church, I was wondering if you might be willing to join me for brunch.”

Chapter 8
     
    V ernetta, Nichelle, and Special, gathered around Maya’s small kitchen table as Maya’s mother busied herself at the stove, preparing her famous Kitchen Sink Omelet.
    Nichelle had come up with the name because Maya’s mother used anything she could find to toss into it. The omelet’s real kick was the combination of jack, mozzarella, and cheddar cheeses. Whenever Pearl Washington came to town, they looked forward to breakfast more than any other meal she prepared for them.
    Mrs. Washington dished omelets onto three plates, then leaned back against the kitchen counter watching them devour her cooking. There was an awkward silence in the room as everyone tried to pretend not to notice Maya’s absence.
    “You’re not eating?” Nichelle asked.
    “I haven’t had much of an appetite lately,” Mrs. Washington said. “I’ll have something later.”
    Vernetta pulled out a chair for her. “Why don’t you join us at the table?”
    As Mrs. Washington took a seat, Nichelle swallowed a big forkful of her omelet, then cleared her throat. Even though they had rehearsed what she was about to say, Vernetta could tell she was on edge. “Mrs. Washington, there’s something important we’d like to talk to you about.”
    Mrs. Washington raised her right hand. “Girls, I don’t think I’m up to talking about Maya’s personal affairs just yet. She already told me that she named you as her trustee, Nichelle. I’m fine with that.”
    Nichelle tried to smile. “No, it’s not about Maya’s affairs,” she said gently. “But it’s important that we discuss this before you head back to Detroit.”
    Mrs. Washington wrung her hands. “Okay.”
    Nichelle reached for her orange juice and took a sip. “I know Maya told you she had no idea Eugene was sleeping with men,” she began. “And while he didn’t know that he was HIV positive, he—”
    “We don’t know that for sure,” Special interrupted. “He lied about being gay. He probably lied about that, too.”
    Vernetta placed a hand on Special’s arm and gave her a look that told her to cool it.
    Nichelle took another sip of orange juice. “As I was saying, even if he didn’t know he was HIV positive as he claims, he still put Maya’s life at risk by sleeping with men and not telling her that he was bisexual.”
    Special cut in again. “There’s no such thing as bisexual. You’re either straight or you’re gay, and we know what Eugene is.”
    “May I please finish without you interrupting me? This is hard enough as it is.” Nichelle didn’t get upset often. But when she did, people usually backed off. Even Special.
    Nichelle turned back to Mrs. Washington. “What I’m trying to say is, we don’t think Eugene should be allowed to get away with this.”
    Mrs. Washington frowned. “He already did. My baby’s dead.”
    Nichelle stabbed at her omelet with her fork.