The countdown to the release of The Harvest Club has begun. Today is 12 days away. Here is an a small taste of the story.
Startled by a loud bang in the hall, Jessie jumped up to look. The woman’s frizzy, red curly hair was pulled on top of her head in a haphazard updo, which was threatening with every movement to spring loose of its confinement. Her clothes were wrinkled, her eyes still puffy from sleep, but it was her gravelly voice that brought a smile to Jessie’s face.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you. I dropped my bucket of cleaning supplies. I’m having a blonde moment. I can’t for the life of me remember where I put my keys.” The lady tapped her forehead.
“Can I help you?” Jessie struggled to hide her amusement as she sat back down.
“Not unless you know where I left my keys.”
“You can borrow mine if you need to.” Jessie nudged them toward her.
“I’m Melinda, the custodian, and I have to empty the trash can in Pastor’s office. Is he there?”
“No, it’s his day off.”
“Right, I forgot. I think I’ll sit for a minute. Maybe I’ll remember where I put the darn things.” She peered at Jessie, her faded hazel eyes bright with curiosity. “You’re our new secretary, aren’t you?”
“Yes, I’m Jessie.”
“I’m a little rattled at the moment. I saw her again.” She drummed her fingers on the chair, while her foot bounced back and forth under the chair.
“Who’d you see?”
“I forgot you’re new, and you wouldn’t know what I’m talking about. You must think I’m nuts. Sometimes this place really freaks me.” She scratched her head. “It was Pastor Gina that I saw, walking in the hall. She was murdered, you know.” Melinda’s eyebrows arched. “Several people in the church have seen her, although most of them don’t want to talk about it. Reba Thomas is keeping track of all the sightings. So tell her if you see Gina.