CHAPTER 21: The Good Rev.

REV. JOE

"Hello Shana thank you for coming."
"No, Sir thank you Mr. Or father or Minister I'm sorry I'm nervous. Said Shana."
"Ok Shana would you like water or some coffee perhaps?" Asked Joe. "No Sir, like I said before I'm scared and concerned for my brother, she said sadly, He's in major trouble."
"Well Shana, I don't know if I can help him beyond setting up the initial conversation. I'm not the police."

"Do you mind if I pray?"asked Joe.
What right now, shh? Said Shana realizing she was about to curse in church she caught herself.
"Yes, right now smiled Joe."

"Ok, what do you need me to do? She asked"
"Well, just bow your head if you feel comfortable and relax. If you can he offered"
"OoooOk" she said.

Joe led Shana in prayer. He thanked God for Shana and her brother, for the many blessings of the day. He thanked God for answering prayers. He thanked God for guiding Shana to him and prayed for continued protection, knowing all things work together for the good of those who love him. He thanked God for being ever present. In Jesus name Amen.

"Shana said is that it?"
"Yes were you expecting something different? Asked Joe sincerely but slightly amused."

"Well you didn't ask for anything you just said a bunch of thank you's . I can do that too. She said it like what's the big deal."

"Shall we begin asked Joe? "

"Ok, so a long time ago I used to work with Goody Goody, Umm Mercedes Jones. We were kind of seeing the same person. Said Shana"
"Joe said what do you mean by seeing?"
"I mean like boyfriend girlfriend stuff, she rolled her eyes at his ignorance. So umm anyway she went on." "Mercedes broke up with him, I sort of told her a bunch of lies cuz I was protecting my own, you know?"
"Joe decided to just listen and not interrupt. He shook his head understanding"

"So fast forward and I'm having a couple people over you know, um we were partying."
"Do you mean drugs and alcohol?" Asked Joe.

"Shana's eyes stretched wide, then squinted, possibly. Lied Shana."

"Shana, I am not the police. What you tell me will be held in the strictest of confidence. He told her with a very soft comforting tone to his voice, very calming."

"So what like you can't tell?"
"Sort of, I draw the limit when death is involved." said joe."

Shana lost all the blood in her face. She thought about whether she should proceed.

"Shana? Are you ok? Asked Joe."

"What? Focusing again, Oh yeah, well. Sometimes I have these get togethers and invite friends you know Byob cuz them niggas is greedy she sounded amused. They'll be done used up all my ugh stuff, she rolled her eyes, so anyway my younger brother Shawn came to visit and he likes Kitty, an exotic dancer, or reformed whatever, I don't know. She's one of the dancers down K Street (that's how everybody knows where you work). Thinking she said, "She was there and April, but April came but left right quick, still trying to remember, Oh, Harmony came."

Joe noticed Shana perspiring a bit, he thought she looks like she's not well. Lord give her strength, he said under his breath" "My brother is playing spades and he partnered with Kitty."
"So he gets a call and goes to the bathroom to talk cuz he couldn't hear." Any way Kitty followed him, probably to get some, she stretched her eyes wide and bit her lip frowning, "Oh I'm sorry."
"Joe waved his hand for her to keep going. Obviously not a fan of this Kitty. Thought Joe."

"I get a feeling something is wrong. Like it's about to get real hot on the block." "Shawn I said what the hell?" he got Kitty nagging at him about standing up for himself for something and it just seems like something is off" so, I grab his arm and pull him out on the front."

"What are you in to?"

"Ain't Nuttin, Sis let go ah me. Demanded Shawn."
"Mmmhmm, I hope for your sake that means nothing." Said Shana.

"Look I say, if Anthony gave you a job to do you, you can't. Don't trust any of them, ok? I'm serious Shawn."
"Yeah I got it. He eased out from my hand" I'm looking at him and looking at how nervous Kitty is and come for him one more time.

"Dammit Shawn what did you agree to do?"

"Get off me. Shawn demanded."
"Ok" said Shana

"I think I forgot to tell you, something, ok, first of all, that Kitty is all of 9 years older than my little brother."

"Joe said, what is the problem there?" Shana looked shocked.

"I'm 9 years older than him that is disgusting". Ok, you ain't gettin it.

So, anyway He goes off with Kitty. The next time I hear from Shawn…

Flashback

"Hey Sis,"

"Ugh hey Shawn what's going on?"

"I just want you to know that I love you and appreciate everything you ever did for me. (He was speaking low) Shana could barely hear him, "What?"
"Look if I never get to say it I want you to take care of yourself. You don't belong around here." Now he was crying.
Shana started to panic "SHAWN, What the hell you talking about Shawn?" She could tell he hadn't gone through with whatever it was. "What are you gonna do Shawn? You don't have to do it, just, just walk away, hey… hey come to me and I can get you away Shawn, Shawn listen to me." He starts crying which makes me want to cry but I hold it in. "Then he says he loves me and well, see, it's just me and my brother. I practically raised him, you know like my own. Umm, Anthony took me in and I took care of Shawn too." "I came home from work one day and Anthony and his boys were trying to get him to follow behind them." I can't say what, I don't like talking about it. It's something no person should ever have to…she stopped suddenly wiping away a single tear, It was bad. I put my foot down.
One I'm a woman. Two, and that's my only family so that's two and 3.

Shana looked expressionless, "I never really saw him for the evil person people said until he looked right through me at that moment And I was his number #1 B, GIRL, girl. She was proud of that. She had power. Sorry, she said. She was anxious now her leg was shaking noticeably. "He didn't like being told no. Right then and there I felt a chill. Granny used to say someone just walked over my grave."

End flashback

Here is where Kitty came from, she is working with Anthony, or for him. He brought her that house by Sam Evans.
Joe's eyes stretched wide at the mention of Sam's name.
"How do you know?"
"Until I told him no about Shawn there wasn't anything he would not talk about in front of me. Kitty was used to seduce Shawn it's the oldest trick in the book; cept now I can't tell if she is real." I am scared, but more for Shawn. You look surprised that I am saying I'm scared. Look, I have seen and done a lot with that man.
"Joe said, I am not surprised I am wondering how awful your situation must be, you don't look like you scare easily."
Shana smirked (she thought it was a compliment) "Anyway I walk in on them discussing a "job" that was supposed to get done. So already I know that is conspiracy which where we come from that is 25 to life. Joe asked, "Where are you from?" Shana said, the south, not trusting Joe.
"Joe smiled and said fare enough, I'm sorry please go on"
Shana chuckled, "you are quick. So, I turn around. I don't want to know. But I hear the name Jones and I freeze, then I hear Puckerman and what I heard next confirmed my worst fears. I must have blacked out. I made everyone get out my house. I DEMANDED Kitty and Shawn tell me the truth. They wouldn't talk. The little cat was actually being loyal and keeping her mouth shut. I said, ok fine. I went to get Gloria Albright,
"I'm sorry who is Gloria Albright, asked Joe, confused."

"She's a what? My gun." Now Joe's eye's widened.

"Shawn knew I was bug out my mind. I told them nobody gonna be making decisions about my life no more. Now, I told them I want the truth or I start shooting. They STILL don't believe me so I shot at them. I wanted to miss. Shawn and Kitty know I'm Anthony's secret weapon, that's why I stayed #1, that and my skills," she bragged.
Then said, I know where a lot of bodies are buried.
"Shawn, I yell "SPILL GUYDAMMIT!"

And that's when he talked…"Ant man set up a job for me to put a homemade bomb in that Jones kid's car. My whole everything went numb." I just ask "Why Shawn? That's all I want to know."
Noooow Kitty spoke up. "He did it as a one time to get me out." She said. I don't know really what happen right after, the life went out of me like wind and I think I fell. I came to smacking him upside his head and Kitty's face had a hand print plus she was looking scared but I did ask him "And now what? Hungh? what you stupid stupid boy? He's crying by now and so is Kitty. Don't you cry now! Don't you dare cry right now!"

"So Sir, Shana said he's in the worst kind of trouble. Me too I guess, I'm looking over my shoulder."
Joe asked, "Where is your brother now?"
"I don't know. I don't want to know, it's safer for us that way. Last time he sounded like he was in a bad way, though, like it's just now eatin at him. My brother don't have that kind of heart. He ain't no gangsta". What? Shana defended, I didn't start this way. I was once just as good and sweet and Ms. Jones. But she shrugged, life."
"So your brother actually said he put the bomb in the car?" Asked Joe. Shana said, "yep" pulling her hair. And moving from sitting too long he thought.
"Why now Shana? Why now after all these years? Asked Joe."
"Well, see I been diagnosed with Cancer. The ovarian kind. It's my penance she chuckled. Joe frowned and looked sad. Shana thinking she didn't get it right asked "Was that the wrong word?"
"No no, Shana it was right. Shana, even with that, why now? Asked Joe."
Shana replied, "That Mercedes she didn't deserve to lose her family like that. If you ever met her you would know why. She's just goody goody. And well I always did have a soft spot for Sam Evans."
Joe's eyes stretched wide.
"Don't look so surprised sir the man is walking sex." Said Shana laughing.
Joe raised an eyebrow and scratched his chin.
"Anthony really hated Sam" said Shana. She shook her head but when I tell you that man must have Angel's all around him. I think he does she went on as if in awe, "Twice he tried to have Sam killed and couldn't," two times she held up two fingers.
"How? Asked Joe very concerned. Shana sing-songed "by putting a hit on him, one time the guy came back and said the gun wouldn't work, I had the shot, I tried to shoot, I did but the piece of shit wouldn't work. I'm sorry Ant man."
Anthony said "Oh it's the guns fault?" Shot the man with his own gun, then laughed." She shook her head. "The other time I don't know. I got bits and pieces just know he had a contract out on him. But now he has security everywhere wherever he goes. Shana sucked her teeth, he switched tactics anyway. He tried sending Kitty back to him but she was no match for how than man felt about Mercedes. If you ask me which you didn't, Mercedes didn't appreciate what she had with Sam.

"How do you mean asked Joe" or maybe she was one of those bad boy girls. She chose Anthony over Sam. Cuz they were both trying. Oh, Well, Some girls just like bad boys. That's when I tried to tell her to go but I said a bunch of lies and played my hand too close. When Anthony woke up to what was really happening, the competition, I mean, he started hating Sam Evans. See Anthony wanted Ms. Goody goody for what I don't know, he had me. She seemed hurt. Joe raised an eyebrow thinking interesting behavior.

"Heard she fought him back, she surprised me there, didn't seem the type" said Shana.

"Who told you that Joe said? "Anthony's bi… I mean he told me. He was surprised, He shouldn't underestimate women, her."

"He said she tried to take control Shana chuckled, bump that, she took control she told him he didn't have the authority to kill her. Man he was madder than I had ever seen him. Kinda like he actually loved her you know in a twisted way."
"So.. Oh, so he used Kitty to try and distract Sam from Mercedes, but I think they were together by then and when that didn't work, she said sadly he got Shawn to bomb the car?" Said Shana.

Joe asked confused, "But he was already in jail when that happened wasn't he?"

Shana was tired of explaining, she rolled her eyes because Joe just didn't understand the underworld or the world like she did, "Sir, yawl act like people can't reach out from jail, he still had people on the payroll. He still HAS people on the pay roll and if not him the I KNOW his daddy does." "Look, it's simple, he couldn't get Sam and he couldn't get her the way he wanted so, how does that saying go? If I can't have you no one can. He took something close to her heart." She yawned. "I'm getting tired" Sir,
Joe said, "Shana, you came all this way, are you sure you don't want to tell Mercedes and Sam yourself?"
"No Sir, for one, I wasn't really nice to her, I told you that and I kept making passes at Sam in her face. I was, I was a mess. They don't need to know, only thing they need to know is that… I… I just (she started coughing) Look, I want my brother to receive as much leniency as he can and I guess Kitty sense she hasn't given him up in all these years. Maybe she does love Shawn. Be nice if one of us had it."
Joe asked "Where will you be Shana?" "once I get the ball rolling will you be ok?"
Shana smiled "don't you dare try saving my soul sir. I will be around." Joe smiled. "Shana I know you are on the run right now. You can't be comfortable in your condition. It sounds like you are alone."
"Shana said Get to the point rev."

"Joe smirked, I like that name better than sir. Then he smiled almost a grin, the church has a room it's actually an efficiency." said Joe.

Shana replied "Sorry Rev, I don't deserve charity from the church. That I wont do."

"Ok said Joe not giving up Will you think about it?"

Shana said "I don't know are you gonna pray?" Shana looked scared.

Joe smirked, "There is a very strong possibility I will, Occupational hazard" he smiled faintly and went on, "I tell you what let me get you a warm meal and you can let me know, I need to make some calls. I may need to leave for a couple of days. Please consider my offer. It is not charity if we find something around here for you to do." Joe picked up his phone and called his assistant. "Lauren can you come to the office I want you to meet someone."

Shana looked at the door to see a woman as big and tall as Anthony Rashad. She looked at Joe. "Rev. I been around the block a couple of times. I see what you're doing."

"Oh" said Joe intrigued.

Shana said "yup. Lauren here is not gonna let me leave."

Joe raised an eyebrow in understanding. Then furrowed his brows. "You are free to go Shana at any time. You came by Gods grace and you can leave anytime of free will."
Shana squinted her eyes. "You know Rev. Something about you reminds me of him."
"Who asked Joe?"
Shana gave a half smile, and said Sam Evans."
Joe just smirked and looked down to hide his blush, having not forgotten she said he was sex on something, well maybe he did but he knew she was flirting. He wasn't dead. He looked then to Lauren who was laughing with her eyes knowingly and he said clearing his throat, Um, Lauren we have a new guest."

"Lauren said ok Joe sweetly, how long she staying?"

"Joe looked at Shana, Shana didn't speak. She was unsure of her original plan now."

"Joe said as long as she wants or needs." Shana looked at him confused and surprised but most of all grateful, she lowered her eyes then turned to Lauren.
"Ok. Said Lauren, Hi Shana you wanna come with me, hun?"

Shana started to go but paused and looked at Joe then said "I saw your name and Sam Evans and Mercedes Jones name on a piece of paper." She pulled out a sheet torn from a tablet. It was worn like it was old. "I already knew them. I know they are good people, so I looked you up and booked a flight. It was selfish but I figured if anybody can help Shawn surely a man of God can, if you're real."
"Ah, Joe said, Shana I know you don't think you are but you were sent here for a reason. I do hope you stay long enough to find out what that reason is. Thank you for trusting me and taking a chance like this. I promise to so my best for your brother. But Shana just like you trusted your truth with me, won't you please consider telling them."
Shana quietly said, no. I won't do it. But you can if you think it will help.

Joe smiled and gently touched Shana's hand, "thank you Shana, I will be in touch, you are safe Shana."

Shana looked "glossy eyed and said humph, I have never heard those words before Rev, even if they aren't true for me. I hope one day you can say them to Shawn."
Lauren and Shana left and Joe began to pray. He knew the road ahead was difficult and possibly dangerous and so many lives would be touched if not changed for good by his next actions. Joe didn't pretend to know the answers. He only knew who had the answers they all needed. When he finished praying he understood clearly Shana didn't think she would live to see her brother vindicated or all those that have suffered by this heinous crime and she was entrusting her brother to his care. He made his first call.

Mercy

Mercedes was in serious thought about what Tye told her in her dream. This time will be different. Shewon't want for nothing or was it need for nothing. Lord, Humph. She couldn't stop thinking about it. She walked to the sofa and sat on her leg. Saying out loud, "I just don't know. Sam came into the living room. "What you doing babe? Sam asked."

"Hmm Oh, I'm trying to figure out that dream. She said."

Sam pulled her into his lap so he could hold her. "Well, maybe don't think about it and the answer may come, said Sam."

Mercedes looked at Sam "you're right my smart, strong, good loving man" she gave him a quick kiss on his puckered lips and laughed at him.

"Well Mercedes said now what should I think about?"

"Sam said we could look in this catalog to get an idea of rings."

"Mercedes said Yeah, I guess you need a ring too. She chuckled."
Sam tickled her. "Funny he said." They got comfortable and started looking at the rings when Sam heard Joe's ringtone. The Wild Wild West by Will Smith. "That's Joe said Mercedes" amused at Sam making a man of God's ringtone that song. She chuckled to herself. "Well she said, he could be gone for at least an hour so let's see what's on TV shall we?"

Sam

"Joe man what's happening on your end anything good? How is Mom?"
"She's well, she misses you and the twins. Britney came to see us, um I think last month she introduced Santana finally."
"Wow, she didn't tell me that. That is major. I know you didn't care but with Santana's history with family and religion and the whole spiritual situation. How did things go?"
"Aww come now kid, this is Joe. Things were great Brit is my sister and who she loves will also be loved. It's like that Hamilton man said Love is, Love is, Love."
"Yeah," Sam sighed smiling, proud of his longtime friend and brother. "So man tell me, what's going on? We need to do a male bonding trip or the fabulous five unless you are calling to tell me you met someone. Said Sam."
Joe laughed out "HA! The only someone I have TIME to meet is the Lord in church. They shared a laugh, you know Sam I have some time coming why don't I come see you? It's been ages. What do you say?"
Excited! "Aw man that sounds great! Oh… said Sam disappointed. Um, well, Mercedes and I are back together, Said Sam."
"Wait, when did this happen? That's great Sam! Concerned now, how is Naomi? Did she take it well? How are you? asked Joe."

"Um yeah, bud she did take it well and I'm super. Thanks for asking man." Sam realized he had not thought about how he was doing with such a quick transition.

"Absolutely, man, well Joe said now I have confirmation that I must come see you."

"Sam said, well, ok, let me clear it with Mercedes and"… "Joe interrupted Sam and said "Sam there's some news that you need to be made aware of and a phone call won't do. I will tell you it is of grave importance and extremely urgent. We must be vigilant on every front. Said Joe.

Sam replied, "okaaaay, that was morbid and cryptic laughed Sam nervously, um OK bud, now you have my attention."
Joe said "good. Though this is a matter that affects not only you but also Mercedes Jones, and many others. Sam's eyebrows are furrowed he's thinking of only one thing I ask that you keep what I have said to yourself. I should arrive tomorrow. I will text you the time and where." "Ok Joe. Sam chuckled nervously "you've got my mind going Joe but I will he sighed heavy wait for you. Is there anything you will need or anyone?"

"Joe said, if ever there was a time and there is always a time but the hour is at hand, pray, I will see you soon my friend."
True to his word Sam whispered prayers for what was to come. He told Mercedes that Joe was coming on urgent business but he didn't know what was going on. He then offered to cook. Sam cooked to clear his mind. Mercedes cleaned to clear her mind. So while Sam took to the kitchen Mercedes started a load for wash and pulled out the vacuum. Sam made a pecan and cranberry salad with his own dressing and shrimp with vegetables over angel hair pasta. Over dinner they talked about how Sam thought Mercedes did as Vixen. Of course he had ideas which came in handy. "You know, you might be working your way on pay roll if they listen to your ideas, said Mercedes." Sam blushed, "oh, no I don't want money. It's not like that. I don't want them to feel I'm being overbearing, he chuckled I am a guest. How do I look coming in and taking over? Mercedes was undeterred. "Yes baby, I know and when they ask you to be a consultant for say… 50k per idea what then? Sam stopped talking and stared at her blankly, he had no words.

Mercedes smirked and said "mhhm" She chuckled getting up taking his plate to clean it.

"You know baby, I haven't talked to Mommy or daddy or Britana I'm being neglectful." She was talking and cleaning.

"Sam she called, I think we should either go see or call my parents and I think you and Britt and Joe should go out without me and Tana. What do you think?"

Sam said "what brought this on?"

Mercedes said, "I don't know balance maybe." Then Sam said, "Or, we could have a party and invite them all like maybe… I don't know, a wedding reception?"
"Yeah," Mercedes said but there was something missing like excitement, or joy.

Sam said "is everything ok? His eyes were filled with concern. Something's on your mind and it ain't me he tried joking."
She didn't laugh. Sam said "man tough crowd."

Mercy smiled softly, "I don't know babe I really don't. I'm happy we are getting married and back together, really I am. Maybe everything's going on fast speed and I need a shot of espresso, she joked half-heartedly. "Well come here so I can hold you, said Sam."
Mercedes laughed. See this is just a prime example of why I love you she kissed him, you are such a cuddle monster."

Sam smiled returning her kiss and said "That's because you are so cuddly." But he couldn't help beginning to worry about Mercedes mood on their relationship, though he believes she's happy.

A/N
Well how about that? Seems there may be justice after all for the Jones' and Puckerman's. Maybe Quinn will have peace too.
What is really going on with Kitty?
And why is Mercedes not jumping for joy?

I'm finally glad to bring Joe on board. I have always liked his character.

Your reviews are giving me life as they say so keep them coming, I don't mind. Thank you again for all the likes on Tumblr (cuddlezmunzter1 to see photos for Cuddle Monster) and thanks again for reading.

I don't want to own Glee or the characters. I only own that which is real all else is just Fanfiction.

Until next time my friends…