not giving it to William, so you don’t have to worry about that.”
“Destroy it. Give William back his money and look for another job.”
“I can’t,” Delilah whined.
“You can, but you won’t.”
“Have you read Samson and Delilah’s story? It’s one of the greatest love stories ever told. Samson and I are destined to be together. This isn’t just fate, it’s biblical, Keisha.”
“Delilah, I would be remiss if I didn’t share this with you. I hate to tell you, but the story of Samson and Delilah in the Bible is more of a tragedy than a love story. Do you want to destroy the man you claim to love?”
Here she goes again on one of her tirades, Delilah thought. “No, of course not.”
“Then do as I suggested. Forget William and Samson and move on.”
“William I can forget, but Samson, never. I love him too much to give him up that easily.”
“But the love isn’t reciprocated. You deserve so much better.”
“Keisha, you just don’t understand. You don’t know Samson like I know him. My love for him won’t allow me to give him up.”
“I hope you don’t live to regret this quest of yours. Samson is a man of God, and your trying to destroy him will only bring bad things on you.”
“I’m the one standing in the gap for him. If I didn’t agree to help William, he would have found someone else, and you can guarantee that person wouldn’t be making things easy for Samson.” Delilah said those things more to herself than Keisha, as she attempted to justify working for William.
“Your allegiance should lie with God, but it sounds like you’ve aligned yourself with the devil.”
Delilah couldn’t disagree because there were many days when she thought William was a pawn of Satan. “I love God, and I love Samson. Unless Samson does something to change my mind, I will protect him from William’s wrath.”
“From what I’ve heard about William, he’s no one to play with. Be honest with him and get out while you can. Men like William will destroy anybody who stands in the way of them getting what they want. I love you, and I don’t want anything to happen to you,” Keisha said.
“Are you sniffling over there?” Delilah asked.
“No, I’m all right.”
To Delilah, it sounded like Keisha was crying. Maybe her friend was right. Maybe she should get out from under William while she still could. She hadn’t spent the money he had given her yet, so all she had to do was return it. Delilah knew it wouldn’t be that easy, so she pushed thoughts of returning William’s money to the back of her mind.
“Keisha, I’m a grown woman. I know how to take care of myself. Trust me. Things will work themselves out. William will get his land, and I will get what I want—Samson.”
Chapter 14
Samson felt bad about how things played out with Delilah. She claimed to love him, and his male ego ate it up, but he knew it was wrong. He had no business sleeping with Delilah. He knew God was not pleased with his behavior. Samson headed straight to church after he left his parents’ house. Elaine’s car was the only one in the parking lot, and he assumed she was in her office.
He kneeled down before the altar. “Father God, please hear your servant’s prayer. I have been obedient to you in so many areas of my life, but lately I’ve succumbed to the desires of the flesh. I know you’re not pleased with my actions, and the video was a wake-up call. Lord, forgive me for the sins I’ve committed against you and against the woman that you’ve blessed me with.
“Delilah has a good heart, but her affections are directed in the wrong place. I pray that she gets peace of mind and that she realizes her worth. Only you can change her mind and heart. With you all things are possible.
“Lord, please remove the yoke from around my neck. Free me from my carnal desires. Forgive me, Father, and guide my steps so that I won’t be a hindrance to anyone trying to serve you.”
Samson finished praying and stood up. He turned around and came face-to-face with William Trusts. “What are you doing here?”
“If the man of God won’t come to you, you have to go to the man of God, right?” William, wearing a red pin-striped suit and matching hat, sat down on the closest pew, his cane in hand.
Samson remained standing. “Let me get my bottle of holy oil. Better yet, let me get the whole box.”
William leaned on his cane as his sinister laugh filled the sanctuary. “You got jokes I see.”
“If you’re here about the land, forget it.”
William tapped his cane on the floor. “No, we have another matter to settle. I understand you’ve been getting a little cozy with one of my employees.”
“I don’t entertain rumors.”
“Must be some truth to it because you never asked me which employee.” William leaned back on the pew.
“William, you have one minute before I forget I’m a pastor and kick your butt out of my church.”
Getting straight to the point, William said, “What would your fiancée think about you messing around with Delilah Baker?”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about, so you can get out of here with your threats.”
William stood up. “Oh, I’m going, but know this: I’ll give you until the end of the month to sell me the property. If not, I’m taking it.”
William picked up his cane and tipped out of the sanctuary. Samson fell back down on his knees to repent of the sinful thoughts that filled his mind about William. After praying, he got up and headed to his office. Elaine was on the phone when he entered the office. “Hold on, that’s the pastor now.” She looked up at him. “Julia’s on the phone for you.”
“I’ll pick it up at my desk,” Samson said as he rushed to his desk. “Hi, beautiful,” he greeted Julia after picking up the phone.
“I stopped by this morning, but I guess I missed you,” she said.
“I had some last-minute errands to run,” Samson responded.
“Are you nervous about Saturday?” she asked.
“Is fat meat greasy?”
They both laughed. After going over wedding details, they got off the phone. Samson called Elaine on the intercom. “When Deacon Thompson gets here, I would like for you to hold all my calls unless it’s my parents or Julia, please.”
“Will do,” she responded.
Samson turned on his computer and checked his e-mails. Sometimes some of the members would send prayer requests via e-mail, and he didn’t want to miss any. He made a mental note
