Private Sins (Three Rivers Series: Book 1) Read Online Free PDF

a corner looking sullen. He was aware that the meeting was about him and he was obviously feeling apprehensive about the whole thing. Since he was voted first elder several years ago he had never had any complaint about his leadership.
    Every year they elected him to be the head of the group of elders without fail, even the older elders were content to have him serve. They were all confused about what they thought was his defection and lack of communication with them over the past year and a half.
    Theo was also confused about Chris' behavior. They were not particularly close, but Chris was usually on top of things and very spiritual. For the last few months he detected a detachment in Chris that he was very concerned about.
    “Okay, gentlemen and ladies,” Theo began, “as usual let us begin this meeting with prayer. Elder Gregory, can you pray to start?”
    Elder Gregory nodded, his white moustache twitching. He then prayed a long-winded prayer and they all gratefully said Amen when he finished.
    The room was silent. Everyone stared at Theo, waiting eagerly for him to start. They were all trying not to look at Chris, who had his arm folded at the very end of the table, a small smile on his face.
    “Ladies and gentlemen, this is unprecedented. In all my years of experience I've never been called to mediate in a matter concerning the eldership of the church. Usually this would be your job, Chris. If this wasn’t about you that is.”
    Polite laughter followed that statement, and when the last snicker died down silence reigned again.
    “So what is really the issue here,” Theo asked, looking from one elder to the other.
    “Well, let me begin,” Elder Lucilda said, clearing her throat. “Elder Chris is tardy in assigning church tasks. The church leaders used to meet to pray on Sundays, now that is a thing of the past.”
    Theo nodded, looking briefly at Chris, who was staring fixatedly at the table.
    “I think the problem here is that Elder Chris is in need of a woman,” Elder Gregory said in his blustery voice. “I recommend Sister Phoebe as a prospective mate.”
    Chris looked up with an expression of pain on his face. He had not said a word since he entered the room. Guilt—his constant companion—had effectively made him quiet.
    “There is someone,” his voice petered off, ten pairs of eyes looked at him with avid interest. His eyes skittered away at the joy he saw in Theo's. “I think I should give up the eldership for the rest of year. Maybe for a long time.”
    “So who is it?” Sister Sheila asked, looking at him over her glasses. “Is it Sister Phoebe?”
    Chris cleared his throat. “It is complicated.” He sat up straighter, looked at Theo and then looked away. “Extremely complicated.”
    Elder Gregory frowned. “Giving up the eldership should not be that simple. Have you been engaging in sexual immortality? Is that why?”
    The silence in the room was deafening.
    “Sorry to interrupt, Pastor,” Vinney said, poking her head through the door, “but Sister Erica just called.”
    Theo swung around. “What is it?”
    “Apparently you are a proud papa again. Sister Kelly is in the hospital.”
    Theo got up excitedly. “But that’s early,” he said, his smile disappearing as soon as it came. “She’s just seven months along. Is something wrong?”
    “No, sir.” Vinney smiled even wider. “Sometimes babies can't wait to enter the world.”
    “Sorry, elders.” Theo grabbed up his jacket. “I have to go.”
    “I'll take you,” Chris piped up quickly, standing as swiftly as Theo, “since you don't have a car.”
    “Oh, right,” Theo said. “I had forgotten about that. Thank you, Chris. This meeting is adjourned till next week. We'll consider Chris' recommendation to step down more closely at that time.”
    Everyone nodded, slapping Theo on the back as he headed to Chris' car.

CHAPTER FIVE
     
    Chris looked grim and not in the mood for conversation. Theo was silently wondering what