Commencement

  ****

  After dinner everyone bid each other farewell and headed out for the night. Mother Rose excused herself to clean up the mess left behind, taking Tamiko with her to help. Allen and Davis went out together and the Pastor followed Tim out to his car.

  “Pastor, could I have a word with you for a second.”

  “Sure, Tim. What’s on your mind?”

  “I wanted to know if I could talk to you privately at your office about some things.”

  “Of course.”

  Meanwhile Allen decided to take advantage of a spare moment with Davis.

  “Hey, Davis.”

  “Whassup, man.”

  “I’ve been thinking about what you told me a while ago. About your mom’s situation with the house. I think I can help you, but I’m going to need some information from you.”

  “Look Allen, don’t sweat that none. I told you. God will work things out. ”

  “But I know there is a way out. I could broker the deal for you. I have a degree in finance. I can help you.”

  “Allen, please, it’s okay. We’ve already been through it wit’ the guy at the bank and everythin’. If I’m not worried about it, why should you?”

  Allen realized his mission was going to be harder than he thought. Especially if Davis wasn’t going to cooperate.”

  Forty-Six