Along Came Suffering

By Ross T. Lucas

Something sinister is in the autumn air. The calm of an idyllic suburb is shattered by the wail of sirens. A double homicide committed in broad daylight leaves a community reeling and ignites widespread suspicion.

The pastor of the local Community Baptist Church is caught up in the case when his friend Detective Michaels is called to the crime scene. Amidst the chaos of emergency responders, agitated onlookers, and a mess of gruesome clues, they discover the pastor may have special insight into the mind of a murderer. The pastor and the detective join forces to solve the mystery, but an ever-increasing series of misfortunes threatens to derail the ongoing investigation.

Unbeknownst to them, an ancient evil is watching from the shadows, working against them, and threatening to consume their efforts in despair. When the way is blocked at every turn, will the pastor and the detective find the heart to overcome—or will the trail of a killer go cold?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Nov 17, 2020
• ISBN: 9781716419904

Book preview

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Along

Came

Suffering

Ross T. Lucas

Copyright © 2020 Ross T. Lucas

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

ISBN: 978-1-716-41990-4

Book interior & cover design by E. McAuley, www.impluviumstudios.com

Also by Ross T. Lucas

Mystery / Thriller

Along Came Evil

Christian Fiction

The Greatest Stories Ever... Retold

The Greatest Stories Ever... Retold: Volume 2

The Magi

Poetry

He Sits Alone

Psychology / Self-Improvement

The ID Book: Unmasking the Soul and Revealing Your True Mission in Life

https://www.lulu.com/spotlight/rtlucas

Dedication

This book is dedicated to all the churches I have served as pastor, interim pastor, consulting pastor, or transitional pastor. This book is a work of fiction, and any events in the book which appear to be related to those churches is purely coincidental. However, the development of the pastor, his uncertainty and his feelings of helplessness in certain situations, is a reflection of what I felt at many points in my ministry. I want to thank each of those churches and each person in those churches for their patience with me and support of me as I developed.

Those churches include:

Brown’s Valley Missionary Baptist Church in Brown’s Valley, Indiana

Mt. Vernon Baptist Church near Worthington, Indiana

First Baptist Church of Dunkirk in Dunkirk, Indiana

Rainy Mountain Kiowa Indian Baptist Church near Mountain View, Oklahoma

First American Baptist Church in Hobart, Oklahoma

McDoel Baptist Church in Bloomington, Indiana

New Hope Baptist Church in Bay City, Michigan

First Baptist Church of Battle Creek in Battle Creek, Michigan

First Baptist Church of Owosso in Owosso, Michigan

First Baptist Church of Hoosick Falls, in Hoosick Falls, New York

First Baptist Church of Jackson in Jackson, Michigan

Lakeview Baptist Church in Battle Creek, Michigan

My heartfelt thanks to all of you.

01

ZIKA moved, or so it seemed, from place to place over the face of the earth. Yet ZIKA was already in every place humans dwelt. ZIKA had an awareness of what was happening everywhere and with each awareness there came the possibility of exerting its will forcefully into human affairs. ZIKA didn’t need to be innovative, seeking new ways to insinuate its presence, there were plenty of opportunities just as things stood.

The focus of ZIKA’s attention was familiar. At one time it seemed as if this city could be the starting place for a final victory against the ancient foe. It hadn’t happened. Yet, there were many arrows in ZIKA’s quiver, perhaps a different one would work better. ZIKA concentrated all efforts toward overcoming the ancient foe’s champion.

Looking for the opening, the breach in the armor of the humans, ZIKA circled, biding its time. The tool was chosen. People in pain were always possible tools. All that was left was to look for the most opportune time to deploy one.

02

The pastor closed the book he had been reading, a commentary on Galatians, and sat back, closed his eyes, and took a deep breath. Just as he started to exhale, the phone rang. He had been pastor of the Community Baptist Church for ten years. He sometimes wondered if he had anything new to say to people. Being middle aged, overweight and slightly balding, the pastor wasn’t very happy with himself.

Ann, the pastor’s secretary, was on the other side of the partially-open door between their offices. She was a divorced mother of one child, a boy who was to graduate from high school this year. She answered the call. Community Baptist Church, this is Ann speaking. How may I help you? After a startled pause, she continued, Oh, hello, Detective Michaels. Just a moment and I’ll tell the pastor you’re on the line.

I’ve got it, Ann. The pastor called and then picked up the phone. Hello, Mike. What’s up?

It had been just over a year since he had re-established his friendship with Detective Michael Michaels. When the pastor and Mike had first meant he had been told that Mike’s parents apparently thought it would be cute for his first name to be Michael to go with the last name Michaels.

They had been roommates for one year in college before going their separate ways. Then the director of the McElhaney Christian Center, now known as the McElhaney-Newman Christian Center, was murdered and the building set on fire. The pastor and Michaels had crossed paths again during the investigation. Shortly after the case was resolved, Mike and his wife Glo had officially joined the Community Baptist Church and, over the course of a year, the pastor and Mike had become close again.

The pastor hung out at the precinct whenever he could and whenever Mike was free. For his part, Mike liked having the pastor around. He was a good person to bounce ideas off of and Mike believed that several cases had been closed quicker than they would have because he and the pastor had discussed as much as they (ethically) could about them.

The pastor and his wife Lorene had become good friends with Mike and his wife Glo. The four of them would go to movies together and would have each other over for supper at least once a month.

On the other end of the phone line, Michaels responded after a moment to gather his thoughts. Nothing much, I just wondered if you had time for coffee, or a lemonade if you prefer?

That would be nice, Mike. When and where?

"How about I pick you up at the church in, say, thirty minutes?

I’ll meet you in the parking lot, the pastor said.

He hung up and went into the church office. Ann was her usual cheery self, and today she was wearing a bright yellow blouse that was one of her favorites. When he walked in, she looked up and offered an astute guess. You’re getting together with Detective Michaels.

The pastor nodded. I doubt I’ll be gone more than an hour. I should be back before you leave.

She asked tersely, Is there some great new mystery the two of you are collaborating on?

Putting his hands in his pockets and leaning back a bit, he shook his head. No, we’re just going to have coffee.

Ann and the pastor had become friends and confidants regarding matters of the church. They also occasionally discussed their personal lives and teased each other about any number of things. His friendship with the detective was only one of the things they joked about, but the pastor had noticed the slight edge to her question. Is something wrong?

Ann looked back to what she had been working on and said, No, everything’s fine.

I’m not sure I believe you, he said.

There followed an awkward silence, Ann continuing to type as the pastor stood, rocking back and forth on his feet.

Finally, Ann quit typing and looked up. Really, it’s nothing, she said. I was just arranging for Billy to get his senior pictures taken. It reminded me that he’d be leaving for good after he graduates.

Ann was divorced and had one child, her son Billy who was a senior in high school and during the school year he stayed with her; but in the summer he stayed with his father in Evansville, a hundred and fifty miles to the southwest.

I was just thinking that I’ll be alone all year, not just during the summer. It really isn’t a big deal. I’ll get used to it. She turned back to her computer.

She was signaling an end to the conversation, but the pastor wasn’t willing to let the matter drop so easily. Glancing at his watch, he saw that he had twenty minutes before Mike would be there. Ann, I’d be open to talking with you about it, if you want? You don’t have to share what’s going on, I just want you to know I’m available. I’ll be in my office for a few minutes if you want to talk.

He went back to his office, leaving the door open. He stood at his desk and glanced though some message slips. After a prolonged wait, Ann appeared. He invited her to sit in front of his desk where there was a circle of red upholstered chairs. He preferred to use these chairs when he wanted to talk to people one-on-one, without being in an authority position behind his desk.

Ann sat down and the pastor closed the office door for privacy. He took a seat facing her. Sitting fully upright, her body was tense as if she were getting ready to run. It was quiet for a while longer as each waited for the other to start. He decided to take the lead. Ann, We’ve known each other for almost ten years. It’s obvious to me that something is bothering you. I can just listen if you want to talk.

Ann folded her hands in her lap and studied them.

He waited.

She sighed and leaned back in the chair. Tears formed in the corner of her eyes. Really, Pastor, I don’t know what to say. It’s just been hitting me that Billy—I guess I ought to start calling him Bill, everyone else does—is going to be gone from my house. Summers have always been hard, but thinking of it being year-round is even harder. I hate being alone.

The pastor went back to his training in counseling. I hear that you’re dreading being alone when Billy… uh Bill, leaves for college. Is that right?

Yes, I’ve never allowed myself to think about being alone and now I’m not going to have any choice. When I got married I thought I would be with my husband for the rest of my life. Boy! Was I wrong!

How long have you been divorced? Although the pastor knew the answer, he felt it would be good to ask again.

I was divorced just before I moved here. That was ten years ago, right before you hired me. I’d been married for ten years before that. I got married right out of high school and I worked while William was in college. Once he finished, I went to business college and got an associate’s degree. While I was in school, Will decided he was more interested in younger women.

The pastor nodded his head and made a noise of affirmation.

Ann was about to say more when the phone rang. She got up immediately and went into the other room to answer it.

Looking at his watch again, the pastor realized he would have to get going. He went back into the church office and waited while Ann made a note on the legal pad on her desk. When she hung up and turned back to face him, he said, Ann, I really want to talk more about this. I can call Mike and arrange for a rain check.

Ann shook her head. No, really, Pastor, I have a lot to do right now. I’ll talk more later, just not right now.

He wasn’t sure if she was simply trying to be polite, but he took her assertion at face value. Okay, perhaps we can talk tomorrow.

Sure, she responded. I’ll see you when you get back.

03

The pastor went to the parking lot, still mulling over the information Ann had shared. The empty nest was often hard to deal with. Ann would have it worse because she was single with no other children.

Stepping outside, the pastor shivered slightly. He wasn’t sure if it was because of the cooler weather or because of his discomfort at having left the conversation unfinished. Michaels pulled up just as he stepped outside and the pastor slid into the front seat and fastened his seatbelt. Hey, Mike.

Hey, Preach, came Mike’s easy response.

When they had been college roommates, Mike had taken to calling him Preach because of his plans to go into the ministry. The nickname had been revived when they reconnected.

They rode mostly in silence, only occasionally commenting on the weather, the changing color of the leaves, or the Chicago Bears, their favorite NFL team. When they arrived at Biggby Coffee, they chose to sit at a corner table. Business was slow. Only two other customers were in the shop.

So, Mike, What’s up? the pastor began.

Not much really. I just wanted to get together and had a break in my schedule. It’s been a busy week.

Anything unusual? the pastor asked.

No, the only thing of any significance is a robbery at the Seven Eleven store.

The pastor thought for a moment. Don’t you usually work homicides?

Yes, Mike responded. Thankfully, there haven’t been many homicides in the last few months. We get other assignments depending on the caseload of other departments. Actually, Bill Pyle is taking lead on this case.

It’s nice when things slow down. My schedule has been just the opposite, the pastor said. I had two funerals in the past seven days and was at the hospital most of the day Tuesday when Lucian Walker had the stints put in. That’s in addition to all of the usual stuff going on to prepare for Advent and Christmas.

Mike smiled. That does sound like a lot. Maybe I should skip church Sunday, he teased. Doesn’t sound like you’ve had a lot of time to prepare your sermon.

The pastor snorted. I suppose that’s a possibility.

After a moment of silence, the pastor took up the conversation. So how is Glo doing with the pregnancy? For that matter, how are you doing?

This marriage was the second for both Glo and Mike. Neither of them had children from their first marriage, and even though both of them had wanted to have children, after trying for a long time, they had basically given up. Then, a couple of months ago, they’d announced to the pastor and Lorene that they were expecting. They were all looking forward to the birth, even though it was still six months or so away.

Mike cupped both hands around this coffee and leaned forward. Other than being nervous, we’re doing fine. We’re working on getting a room ready for the baby. I know it’s a little early, but we’re so looking forward to starting our family that we just can’t stop going ahead and making preparations.

Before the pastor could say anything, Mike’s phone rang. He touched the phone screen to answer and held up one finger to the pastor. Michaels here. It was only a second before his face clouded over and his forehead became wrinkled. Okay, where? …I’ll be there right away.

Michaels hung up and said, Sorry, Preach, I have to go. There’s been a double homicide.

Well, the pastor responded, that will certainly put an end to your break.

By this time the detective was standing. He frowned. I hate to do this, but you’re going to have to find another way back to the church.

I understand, the pastor said. Or, he suggested mildly, I could come with you and get a ride from there.

There wasn’t time for Michaels to give it much thought. He hesitated a couple of heartbeats and said, Okay. You know the drill. Stay in the car until you’re ready to leave.

04

They got in Michaels’ car and headed west. The pastor assumed, from past experience, that Michaels was mentally planning out what he would do when he arrived at the scene.

May I ask what happened? the pastor wondered.

All I know is there’s a double homicide. It’s in the more upscale part of town.

The pastor said nothing, merely nodded his head in understanding.

Mike put a flashing light on top of the car. There wasn’t a pressing need for it, the victims were dead and the scene was secured by the uniforms, but Mike was driving fast. The pastor trusted Michaels’ skill behind the wheel, but he still tightly gripped the overhead grab bar. What is it Jake calls it? The pastor’s son had used a colorful name for it in the past. Oh, yeah, the oh, shit bar, he thought to himself.

They arrived at a street where there were several patrol cars and an ambulance parked in front of a nice, two-story brick house with a large front porch. There were people, mostly uniformed officers, going in and out of the house. Michaels parked inside the area blocked off by yellow tape and sawhorse barricades and told the pastor to sit tight. He would be out shortly.

Sitting in the car, the pastor watched as different people went in and out of the house. A crowd gathered across the street. Most of the people in the crowd were dressed casually, wearing light coats against the cool temperatures. One man stepped up to where an officer was standing, spoke to him briefly, then returned to stand in the crowd. The pastor couldn’t see him clearly, but when the man moved to the edge of the crowd, he got a better look.

The pastor recognized him as another clergyman. Eventually his name came to mind: Martin Bowers. The pastor didn’t have a lot of contact with Marty. He pastored the Bible Believing Fellowship, an independent congregation. The pastor considered them to be fundamentalists, but he wasn’t sure how they identified themselves. He’d seen Marty at a few community events where clergy were invited, but he didn’t know much about him other than his name.

He watched as Bowers walked back and forth, nodding his head at some unspoken thought. He seemed to reach a decision, turned abruptly, and took long strides to return to the officer he had spoken to earlier. From where he sat, the pastor couldn’t hear what was being said, but Pastor Bowers was waving his arms about.

The pastor rolled down the window to see if he could hear anything. Maybe I should go see what Marty is so upset about, he thought. Still, Mike had asked him to stay in the car, so he hesitated. The hesitation ended when Bowers turned toward the crowd, who were now watching him more than the goings-on at the house. Marty had gone into preaching mode.

…police refuse to let people have spiritual comfort. That is against the constitution. You are all witnesses! Bowers shouted.

When Marty turned back to the officer and began haranguing him again, the pastor decided he should do something. Getting out of the car, he ducked under the yellow tape and approached his colleague from the back.

Marty, he called. Reverend Bowers, what’s happening?

At the sound of both his first name and last name, Bowers looked over his shoulder and watched the pastor approach. Bower’s face was red and he was breathing heavily. At first there was no sign of recognition.

I haven’t seen you for some time, the pastor said. Not since we worked together on the community prayer breakfast committee. I doubt you would remember me, no reason you should, I’m the pastor of the Community Baptist Church. He was close enough to offer a handshake.

The pastor had been formulating a plan as he walked. He was embarrassed that a clergyman was making a scene, but at the same time he wasn’t sure what was going on, so he wanted to withhold any judgment. He decided that perhaps he could distract Marty long enough to find out what was happening.

As he shook hands, he noted out of his peripheral vision that there were now three officers at the tape line, one of them talking on the two-way radio mic attached to his shoulder. He said to Marty, Is something wrong?

Reverend Bowers was still agitated, but at least there was someone willing to listen to him. In a quieter voice he said, There certainly is. That house, he pointed with his chin, belongs to a family in my church. I asked that officer what was going on and he refused to tell me. Those people might need spiritual comfort and the police won’t let me in.

Marty, I think it’s normal for the police not to say what’s going on in a case like this. The pastor used the handshake to gently pull Bowers away from the police tape. He managed to turn them both so that he was situated between the tape and Marty.

Marty Bowers stopped and took a breath. But I’m their pastor. I have a right and a spiritual duty to be there.

Marty, my friend, the pastor continued thinking to himself, Friend is stretching things. I’m sure the police will let you in as soon as they can. Meanwhile, what can you tell me about the family?

As long as