*ENEMIES OF THE CHURCH:*

EPISODE 13

Grace had not slept ever since she left Chief Ike's office. She remembered all he did and everything he said to her and she regretted ever going to him. But she had to go because the money he gave her was finished and she needed to talk to him to employ her as a cleaner in one of his companies. At least that way she won't have to rely on anyone or beg anyone for money again. No matter how small her salary might be.

Chief Ike welcomed her into his office and offered her tea which she refused. She then told him of her reason for coming. Chief Ike told her it was a brilliant idea and promised to help her and give her a better job than a cleaning. 

Then he stood up from his seat and went over to her and place his hands around her neck and starts fondling her ears and her hair.

Grace was not comfortable with this but she kept calm so as not to blow her little opportunity of getting a job. She needed this job for herself and her little boy. But then Chief went far by putting his hands through the neck of her slacked Polo shirt down to her breast. He squeezed her breast gently and she jumped up from the seat.

"Sorry sir, what are you doing? Why did you that?" She asked. 

"Relax Grace, I am only playing with you, see eh, the whole of this company is mine and I can give you any position you want. I can even go as far as making you the manager of this company, so long you are very hardworking and you make me very happy. Chief Ike said while smiling foolishly and walking towards Grace again.

A shocked and scared Grace moved backward as the Chief moves towards her. 

"Please Chief, as you know I am already a single mother, I have nobody in this whole world. It's just me and my little boy. I need this job mainly because of him, so that I can at least provide his little needs. Please Chief I cant do this, I can't afford to get pregnant again when I have not got over the first. I really need this job sir. Please daddy!

A smiling Chief Ike looked at her again before he spoke. "The more you speak, the more I want you for myself. See how calculated your words are, and this is the reason I am now in love with you. See eh, you will not get pregnant okay? I will make sure of that, and stop saying you don't have anybody in the whole world. You now have me all to yourself and I will take very good care of you. You can confirm from any of my wives, nons of them is regretting why they married me, I will send you and your son to any country of your choice, you will drive the best cars around, you will sleep and wake up in money. Just come to me dear. And even if you get pregnant, I will marry you and you will be my number seven hehehehehe" he laughed foolishly at himself. 

Grace was irritated by his laugh but did not show it. "Chief number seven?" No ooooo, I don't want to be number seven wife o, God said one man one wife. How can I marry you and be number seven? What will Reverend Leo and the church say to me? What will God think of me?

Which Reverend? Which church? I am the church and the church is me, without me that church will cease to exist don't you know that? I am the pillar of that church and nobody can challenge me there, not even your Reverend. My money is what was used in building that church, I can wake up and decide that they all should get out of my property one day because I built it with my money and no one will be able to challenge me. Do you know how much tithe and offerings I give in that church? That is why they respect me and can't cough when I talk. If I want to be the Pastor of that church today I can be the Pastor all I need to do is voice it out. But I don't want that for now. 

Do you know that when I don't go to church they will all troop to my house and start asking me why? Then they will start kneeling and begging me to come back and using sweet words on me. Do you think they do that because of love? It's not because they love me, but because they love my money, the money I give to the church. I am the sustainer of that church you see today. The Pastor and almost all the members they don't know God, they are all pretenders. In fact all the churches you see today they don't know God, they don't go to church to worship God, they go to church to worship man and money. So my dear, forget the church. I rule the church, my money rules the church. 

Chief Ike walks towards her and she tries to open the door and run away but the door was locked. The Chief smiled as he caught up with her at the door. He held her face and kissed her pressing the whole of his big body over her. Grace could not breathe or fight him off because he was far bigger than her. She struggles to get herself free from him but she couldn't. The Chief went further and starts pressing her breasts tearing her bra from her chest and then sucking on her breast. 

Grace screamed so loud that it got him terrified.

"What is it? Why are you shouting like that?" The Chief asked. 

"I'm sorry sir, but I can't so this. I really can't. Please don't help me anymore. Open the door for me let me go. Please sir. Grace pleaded with hot tears gushing from her eyes. 

"You are very stupid. A very stupid girl. Do you know how many girls are begging me to marry them? Even in the church there, do you know how many twist and bend their waist at me just so I will notice them? And here you are getting a free chance from me and you are turning it down. You are really stupid.

He took out his brief case brought out fifty thousand naira in bundle and threw it at Grace.

"Take this fifty thousand naira and get out of my office and don't you ever come here anymore. Stupid girl! The money is for your smelling bra that I tore. Now get out!

Grace took the money and ran out of the office. It was when she was outside she realized her cloth was torn badly and she can't really go home like that with exposed breasts, and so she hid behind the big beautiful building to wait a little till the day was dark before going home. 

Thank God she left her boy with Nkechi her friend, so she knew the boy was safe. 

She sat behind the building crying and thinking of all that life had thrown at her and before she knew it she had slept off.

_______________________

It's been two months since the death of Reverend Leo and the church has taken up the responsibility of the burial. Pastor Jim who has automatically become the Pastor and General Overseer of the church has made himself the coordinator and the one in charge of the burial arrangements.

"Pastor Jim, don't you think the budget for this burial is too high? How can we buy coffin ordinary coffin for 750k, it's too much na. And you also budgeted 3million naira for just food and drinks. Don't you think it's too much? It's a burial not a feast. And if we are not careful people might just start thinking we are celebrating and not mourning." It was the Treasurer talking. 

"But of course, it's a celebration of life. Our Reverend has gone to be with the Lord and so we have every course to celebrate despite the circumstances surrounding his leaving. What is most important is that he is with our Father in heaven." Replied Pastor Jim.

"I know this Pastor, but the budget is still too high. You've drawn a budget of almost 10million naira. Is it not too much?" The Treasurer asked again.

"Why are you sounding like this? Reverend Leo was a highly respected man in this society. He was a king and should be buried like a king. That 10million naira is just management compared to what I have planned for him. My very Reverend? God forbid that we bury our Reverend in a small way. God forbid it. Listen my dear, the money is there, our Reverend worked so hard to raise this money. It's so unfortunate he was not wise enough to spend it when he was alive. At least now that he is dead, let's give him a befitting burial. After all he won't enjoy from the money anymore will he?"

"No, he won't!"

"Ehn! So let's bury him well and stop complaining about money.  Jim concluded.

"Ah, but Pastor, it's so surprising that Reverend Leo is actually gone. Just like that. His killers will never go unpunished in Jesus name.

*Jim:* Amen and amen. I feel so bad for him o, they didn't even wait for him to carry his unborn child. It's so pathetic.

"Now, what will happen to his wife, the church and everything he left behind?'

*Jim:* Well as for his wife, I really don't know. She is still a very young and pretty woman. After having her baby she might decide to marry who knows. Then for the church, obviously I will be the new Pastor of the church. And the one in charge of everything. The account, and all.

"Wow! Pastor you don hammer be that o, there will be no fear of anything or anyone again abi? It will just be me and you running the accounts and everything. And maybe you will get an assistant too." The Treasurer said excited

Jim smiled for a while before speaking out. 

*Jim:* Well about that, I really can't tell for now, I don't think I'd be needing an assistant for now, I don't want anyone coming to oppose me on anything or any decision I take in this church. So, I won't be needing any assistant. And even the post of a treasurer I don't think ..., well I am still thinking if I'd be needing a treasurer in the church. 

"How do you mean?" The Treasurer quickly asked. 

*Jim:* Well, I don't know yet, I've not really decided, I will make that decision after the burial. 

"Are you planning to discard me now? After all we've been through together in this church?"

"Discard you how?" Did I say anything like that? Why are you getting yourself worked up over nothing? I just said after the burial, we will decide on that. Those things are really not in my head right now. We have just two months to the burial. It may seem far to you but is really not far. Please come let's continue with the planning. After the burial we can discuss this." Jim replied. 

They both sat down and started writing some things down with Pastor Jim stealing glances at the Treasurer. He already made up his mind to drop him after the burial. He does not trust him enough to leave church fund with him. But he was going to relax and endure till after Reverend Leo has been buried. 

WATCHOUT FOR EPISODE 14

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*ENEMIES OF THE CHURCH:*

EPISODE 12

Reverend Leo has been sleeping in the church office for almost two weeks now and people were beginning to suspect. 

That evening, he sat in the office writing the sermon for the next Sunday when Pastor Jim approached him. 

*Jim:* Reverend good evening.

*Leo:* Pastor, I thought you've left already. Hope all is well?

Jim took the seat close to him and sat down. 

*Jim:* Reverend, I am afraid all is not well, and I just have to speak up.

*Leo:* (dropping the pen and the paper and adjusting himself on his seat) What is wrong my brother?

*Jim:* Reverend, for sometime now we have noticed you don't go home, you are always in church from morning till night and you end up sleeping inside the church sometimes. Please correct me if I am wrong. It's becoming a thing of concern for us who have noticed and so I have decided to ask what is happening? Is all well at home?

Reverend Leo needed to talk to someone badly about his situation and all he was going through. But somehow he felt no one would give him a solution to his problem except the Holy Spirit and so he has decided to talk only to Him. He smiled and looked at Pastor Jim.

*Leo:* Pastor firstly, I want to appreciate you for your concern and all, but all is well. Everything is in the hands of God.

*Jim:* Reverend you know you can always confide in me for anything. They say a problem shared is half solved. Talk to me, what is wrong?

*Leo:* My Pastor, I really appreciate your concern but I am fine. I just decided to take time off to be with the Holy Spirit, you know there are times when we need to seek His face and counsel. But you need not worry anymore, I'd be going home today.

Jim smiled to himself, he was relieved to hear that the Reverend was going home. Since his sudden stay in the church things had been difficult for him and the Treasurer. He had found it difficult to collect money from the church for this past two weeks. He stood up with a big smile on his face.

*Jim:* It's okay Reverend, I knew I was getting myself worried for nothing. You know I love you so much and I always want what's best for you and for you to always be happy. My family and I are always praying for you and Mummy Reverend.

*Leo:* (smiling) Thank you so much, God will bless you.

Jim turned to leave and then suddenly stops.

*Jim:* Reverend why don't you just join me so that I can drop you off, it's already late and you may not get a bike anymore.

*Leo:* Oh, thank you so much, but don't worry about me, I will leave soon but not now, there are some things I need to round off before leaving. 

*Jim:* No problem Rev., do you have a good night rest. 

Jim left and shut the door behind him, he was worried that the Reverend might end up staying again. He didn't like that Reverend Leo had refused for him to be dropped. However, he left, hoping that the Reverend would pack and get out of the church.

Leo sat for a while, and decided to go home and face his wife today and so Jim coming to tell him that people were already suspecting was just a motivation to hasten his leaving. After waiting for about thirty minutes he picked up his Bible and left. 

True to Jim's words there was no bike on the road, Reverend Leo was not even in the mood of getting home early, he just wanted to stroll and enjoy the cool of the night.

All the days he had spent in the church he had been at peace. But as he walked home in the darkness, fear began creeping into him again. Fear of what Rachael would say to him, fear of what she will do to him and fear of the next bomb she was going to throw at him. He loved his wife so much and whatever she does to him pierced his heart like a sharp knife. 

As he got closer to his gate, he noticed he was being followed and so he hastened his movement. He tried to reach his gate and open it fast, but he wasn't fast enough as the two men grabbed him from behind. He looked at them terrified.

*Leo:* Blood of Jesus! Who are you? What do you want from me. Please don't harm me, I am a man of God.

The first guy who looked ugly with a big scar on his face turned to his second and asked. 

"Na him be this? Look am well we no get time, na him?"

"Yes na him " the second guy responded. 

"Then wetin you dey wait? Waste am make we dey go, time no dey."

Before Leo could say anything, they fired at him  and as he fell to the ground with tears on his eyes all he thought about was his wife Rachael and how she would be able to live life without him?

"Rachael won't survive this shock if I die, dear Lord for the sake of my wife please save me."

Those were the words from his mouth as he blacked out in the dark of the night.

______________

The news of the death of the Reverend spread like wild fire round the town. While some cried and pitied the wife some gossiped that God always keeps your punishment for you no matter your repentance and this was his punishment for killing a small girl years ago. 

Rachael sat on the floor crying and wailing. The entire women of the church surrounded her, Pastor Jim's wife was also there  holding her, her parents were also there with Leo's parents.

Some policemen came also to ask her some questions.

*Policeman:* Madam, we are so sorry for your loss, but can you please tell us when last you spoke with your husband? And why was he outside that night.

*Rachael:* Oh my husband, oh my beloved Leo, why? Why would you leave me now? Who will take care of me and our baby? Who would love me like you do? My dearest husband please don't leave me now, please. May God punish your killers, may they not see the light of day. May God expose and disgrace them, may they suffer before their death. Oh Leo, oh my Leo. 

(She falls on the ground and continue shouting and crying)

*Pastor Jim:* It's alright Mummy, please stop crying or cursing. Judgement is of the Lord and he will surely be the one to judge this people who murdered our Reverend in cold blood. Dont curse anymore. Just leave it for God.

(Turning to the Officers, he said) 

"Officers as you can clearly see, she is not in the mood to answer questions for now, I suggest and plead with you to give her time. She is still grieving and when she is a little bit better than now she will be able to take your questions.

*Police:* It's alright. But, who are you sir? And how are you related to the victim.

*Jim:* Well, my name is Pastor Jim and I am the Assistant Pastor to Reverend Leo. 

*Police:* Okay sir, please if you don't mind can you answer a few questions for us?

*Jim:* Sure, why not!

*Police:* Thank you. Please can you tell if the victim had any enemy? Anyone who hated him and would have wanted him dead? 

*Jim:* Well, I don't know sir. Reverend Leo was a very nice man loved and respected by all. But, the day he died, I was with him in his office. In fact, when he told me he was going home I wanted to drop him off but he told me not to worry that he still had things to do for another thirty minutes. If I had known, if I had k-n-o-w-n (Pastor Jim starts shedding tears)

*Police:* Please be strong sir, we understand how you feel. From the way you sound it seems like the two of you were close.

*Jim:* Yes! Yes we were very close. He was like my big brother, guiding and directing me in the path of Christ. (He starts crying again)

*Police:* You have to be a man sir. One more question. Please do you know if he had any issue bothering him? Like he was being blackmailed or threatened by anyone? Anything?

Rachael raised her head when she heard this question. Leo had been out of the house for two weeks before he was killed. She didn't know if he had told anyone about their marital problems the period he was away. 

*Jim:* Erm, well, that day, he looked sad and worried like something was eating him up, I tried to make him confide in me, but he wouldn't open up. I did everything to get him to talk but he just told me he would be fine. 

*Police:* Thank you so much Pastor Jim, you've been so helpful. Here is our card if you remember anything please do not hesitate to give us a call please. 

The men shook hands and the police turned to leave. And then suddenly Him stops them. 

*Jim:* Officer excuse me, I remember something.

"What is it?" The policeman turned asking him.

*Jim:* There is this brother in our church, Brother Gbenga, Reverend Leo had openly confessed in church to the killing of his only child and daughter many years ago in an accident before he ever repented and became a Pastor. Brother Gbenga even  lost his wife from that incident and he vowed not to remarry because he couldn't let go that his only daughter was killed by a man he respected. Though, he later came and said he had forgiven the Reverend, but he left this town and we don't know where he went to since then. I do not know how he can easily forget a grudge he carried for years so easily.

*Police:* So, what are you suggesting Pastor?

*Jim:* Nothing sir, I am not saying anything. I am just saying that he is the only one I know has something against the Reverend. Though, he claims to have forgotten o. But aside him I don't know anyone else. 

*Police:* Thank you Pastor for the information, we will definitely look into it. Thank you once again.

With that the policemen turned and left the house. With Rachael still crying and wailing on the ground 

WATCHOUT FOR EPISODE 13

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