Vengeance Is Mine, Not the Lord’S

By Rochelle Butler Lee

First Lady Cantina is fully committed to her husband of fifteen years. Pastor Russell Maystone is the beat of her heart, and shell blindly follow him to the ends of the earth and beyond, if required. Life for the childhood sweethearts has never been without struggles, but their faith in God leaves them hopeful of better days.

But life for the Maystones worsens when Cantina returns home unexpectedly and finds Russell in bed with her best friend. As expected, her hopes for better days are replaced with pain and rage.

The nagging thoughts of her unyielding loyalty and selfless love to a man that betrayed her in the worse manner imaginable leave her hungry for retribution. Cantina vows to make him pay for every tear his act of infidelity has caused to drip from her eyes.

Spurred by her anger, which increases daily, Cantina converts from submissive wife into angry predator, and no one, including God, will deter her from getting vengeance.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Feb 27, 2017
• ISBN: 9781532018480

Rochelle Butler Lee

Rochelle Lee, is the author of two other fictional books, My Life as a Single Christian: How I Survived and Taking on the Tyson’s: One Woman’s Fight for Justice. She is a native of Chicago, Illinois but currently resides in Riverdale, Georgia with her husband of 26 years. They have a total of 8 children and 23 grand children.

Book preview

Copyright © 2017 Rochelle Butler Lee.

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 author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

Author Credits: Rochelle Lee

iUniverse

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.iuniverse.com

1-800-Authors (1-800-288-4677)

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

ISBN: 978-1-5320-1847-3 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5320-1848-0 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2017902915

iUniverse rev. date: 02/27/2017

Contents

Acknowledgements

Dedication

Chapter I

Chapter II

Chapter III

Chapter IV

Chapter V

Chapter VI

Chapter VII

Chapter VIII

Chapter IX

Chapter X

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I want to thank my husband, Charles Lee for acting as my personal editor. I appreciate all the times you’ve stopped your activities to listen to my thoughts. Your expressions of surprise, anger, disgust and laughter encouraged me to keep writing the story. Thanks sweetie. I love you for always encouraging me to do life as an achiever and not just a dreamer.

DEDICATION

To the memory of:

My mother, Evangelist Fannie Lee Butler. I bear your mantle with gratitude and humility.

My big sister, Ms. Dora Mae Winters. Thanks for telling me I could do anything I set my mind to do.

My sister-in-law, Mrs. Phyllis Marie Thigpen Butler. I’ve learned to reach for the stars.

My younger brother, Bishop Rico Butler. I will never get over you being gone but I’m determined to do all you saw me doing.

My motivators

All my children, their spouses and my grandchildren, I love you all!

All of my longtime supporters, especially the still standing with me members of Mount Moriah Ministries. I love all of you!

CHAPTER I

She’d gone in for her scheduled shift but thirty minutes later her client went into cardiac arrest. As a result of his misfortune, she was afforded the opportunity to go home early and with full pay.

Thump…thump…thump.

Cantina’s brown eyes enlarged as she tilted her head to the side and frowned. Initially, she’d been excited to have the 3600 square feet home to herself. However, the constant noises she’d heard for the past fifteen minutes had pretty much zapped that joy.

They’d recently purchased the home and she was still adjusting to the feel of the place. It seemed she was always hearing something. Usually, her husband Russell was around to check things out. He’d always return minutes later with a smile on his face to assure her the house was simply settling.

She smiled as she envisioned Russell Maystone’s face. They’d started dating when she was sixteen and Russell was an eighteen years old senior and star basketball player. He was easily the best looking of all the guys at the 628 student body high school they attended.

He measured 6'2" tall, weighed175 pounds with the cutest and curliest, brownish red hair. His complexion was Vanilla bean and his eyes light-brown. Though, he’d dated plenty of girls before her, once he committed to their relationship he was faithful.

Even after he graduated and enrolled in a bible college nearly 300 miles away from home he remained faithful. He called her every day without fail. He came home for every break and spent all his time with her. He even took his finals two weeks earlier to serve as her senior prom date.

Over the years he’d gained about twenty pounds. His reddish hair was now peppered with streaks of gray but the gray only made him more handsome.

Bump…thump…thump.

She exhaled and shook her head.

Tina, the house is simply settling.

She flicked on the coffee pot, sat down and stared at the dark java as it dripped into the canister.

"Thump…bump…thump."

Cantina’s back straighten and she forced slow, steady breaths into her nostrils and out through her slightly parted lips.

Screech…screech…screech.

She leapt up from the chair and grabbed the half-filled canister of coffee. Her small chest expanded as she balanced her 4'11" tall, 120 pounds frame on the tips of her toes. She took in a deep breath and moved forward. She glanced around every corner and after finding nothing she exhaled and mustered up more courage to keep moving forward.

Screech…whimper…screech…moan…screech.

Cantina hurried up the ten steps but slowed her pace as she walked toward her bedroom. The noise was definitely coming from there. She took in a deep breath and wrapped her hand around the knob. Her heart beat so hard it seemed to shake her scrub top. She closed her eyes briefly before she slowly opened the door.

The stench of sex and sounds of ecstasy hit her senses. Her brows rose high and her body trembled as she stared at her bed. There were a pair of dark, shapely legs wrapped around a man’s waist and he humped with emphatic energy.

She felt nauseous and weak as tears filled her eyes but she kept telling herself not to cry. The man in the bed couldn’t be her husband. There was no way it was Russell. Not in a million years would it be …

Russell?

He immediately scampered from the bed, fully aroused and naked as the head of a clean-shaven man. She sat the canister on the dresser and stared at him while shaking her head.

Russell grabbed a pillow from the bed, held it in front of his body. Cantina, I’m so sorry.

Her pupils shifted between her husband and the woman she called her best friend.

Sarai` Memphis was a gorgeous woman with a full head of mahogany, wavy, shoulder-length hair that hung free like her spirit. Her complexion was smooth and dark. Her 5'9 tall frame was complete with full, plump breasts, 38 hips, 27" waist and a backside that resembled two large melons. Needless to say, whenever she walked into a room she usually caught the eyes of everyone, especially men.

She was a chef by trade with a long list of film stars, recording artists and top executives as past clients. She was only thirty-five years old but had traveled throughout the states and even lived in Europe for five years.

Cantina never admitted it to anyone but she was intimidated, impressed and even envious of Sarai`. She was an accomplished woman and all she’d ever been was a wife and mother.

Cantina wiped her eyes and glared at Sarai`. How could you do this to me?

She smoothed out her peach colored sun dress. I’m in your bedroom. She pointed to Russell as she glanced around the floor. He begged me to come here today.

I didn’t beg you. He mumbled as he slipped his pants on and sat down on the bed.

Cantina waved her hand toward the doorway. It doesn’t matter. I just want you to leave and never show your face to me again.

No problem. Sarai` grabbed her shoes and walked toward the doorway. I just thought you should know he came to me.

She’s lying.

Cantina frowned at Russell with her finger pointed at Sarai`.

Please, get out.

He came to me complaining about what he wasn’t getting from you. He said you’re always tired, worried about the kids and definitely not adventuresome. She smirked.

I didn’t say that.

Cantina waved Sarai` toward the door. I don’t want to hear it. I just want you out of here and I never want to see you again.

I understand, and I will respect your wishes. Sarai` paused and glanced over her shoulder at Russell. "Pastor Maystone, we’re done, and this time I mean it."

This time?

Cantina grabbed the canister and charged Sarai`. She grabbed a bunch of her hair between her fingers and pulled her the side of her face to her mouth.

You should’ve left when you had the chance. Now, you’re leaving on a stretcher. She crashed the canister against the side of her head and pushed her away.

Oh god! Sarai` yelled as her body hit the wall and slid down to the floor. Get her! She’s trying to kill me!

Tiny! Russell rushed towards the two women.

Stay away from me. Cantina yelled with her hands up in the air.

Russell stopped in his tracks, held his hands in front of him. Tiny, your hand is bleeding.

She glanced at her hand, wiped the blood on her purple top and rushed from the room. She found Sarai` in the hallway, scooting away on her hands and knees. She caught up to her, tucked her lips together and kicked her in the butt. The hard kick caused Sarai` to slide forward.

You were supposed to be my friend.

He came to me. Sarai` yelled as she grabbed onto the handrail and pulled her body up from the floor. She repeatedly pat her chest. He wanted me. He wanted me… She yelled over and over.

He can have you. Cantina yelled and raised her foot.

She was set to land a blow to her abdomen but a strong pair of arms wrapped around her waist.

Put me down. Cantina yelled while kicking her heels against Russell’s knees.

Ouch. He dropped her from his arms, bent over and rubbed his knees.

I’m going to press charges against you. Sarai` hollered while running down the stairs.

Good. Cantina glanced around the hallway while breathing fast and hard.

She ran a few steps over, grabbed a candle holder off the wall but Russell grabbed her hand. Cantina snatched away from his grip.

Stop trying to protect her. She yelled and stomped her feet.

He frowned. I don’t care what happens to her. I’m trying to protect you. I don’t want you to end up in jail over this.

She rolled her eyes up in her head. I can take care of myself. She threw the 10 pound candle holder near his feet and walked away.

Russell followed but stopped in the doorway after finding Cantina at his dresser throwing his bottles of cologne and jewelry to the floor.

Cantina.

She didn’t respond.

Cantina. He called much firmer.

What? She yelled as she grabbed an eight ounce bottle of cologne from the dresser top, spun around and threw it at him.

He moved his head just in time and glanced down. Cantina, you know that was my favorite cologne.

I’m sure Sarai` will replace it for you. She picked up a sixteen ounce bottle of cologne and narrowed her eyes.

He raised his hand and pointed a finger. That cost $300. Put it down. He ordered.

Okay. Cantina twisted her lips to the side, raised her hand over her head and sent it sailing toward his pelvis.

He placed his hands at his pubic area just as the bottle landed against the back of his hand.

Ouch. He rubbed his knuckles and glanced down at the broken pieces of glass lying at his feet. He frowned. Stop throwing my things.

"Sure, Pastor Maystone." She flashed a grin at him. I won’t throw anything else. She grabbed a pair of scissors from a cup on the dresser and ran into the closet.

What are you doing in there?

Nothing. She calmly replied.

He stepped over the broken pieces of glass.

Cantina. He leaned against the wall and shook his head. Come on. Why are you cutting my suits?

To keep from cutting you.

Please, just stop. He placed his hand on her shoulder.

She spun around. Her face was drenched with tears.

I hate you. She stabbed at the air while glaring at him.

Yeah, I hate me too.

She closed her eyes, dropped the scissors from her hand and fell to her knees. Russell knelt on his knees and wrapped his arms around his wife.

I’m so sorry.

At first Cantina squirmed in his arms but eventually she gave in. She chided herself for being so weak but she couldn’t help it. His touch soothed the anguished feeling that gnawed at her insides.

She’d never felt so lost and helpless. In less than twenty-four hours her life had gone from serene to surreal. The man she loved more than she loved herself had torn her heart from her chest and thrown it in her face.

Cantina broke their embrace and gazed into his eyes.

After all these years how could you do this to me?

He shook his head. I don’t know.

I don’t satisfy you anymore?

Of course. I love making love to you.

But not lately. Is she the reason you’ve been ignoring me?

No. I’ve been preoccupied with the church.

Are you in love with her?

No. He shook his head. She means nothing to me and she knows it.

Russell, I don’t understand. Cantina rose to her feet. Why would you jeopardize your marriage for someone you don’t love?

He rose to his feet, exhaled and hunched his shoulders. I’m stupid.

Her eyebrows rose unevenly. You won’t get any sympathy from me. She grabbed a suitcase from the closet, walked a few feet over and laid it on the foot of the bed. Russell leaned against the door frame of the closet.

I’m sorry.

You said that already.

I mean it. I don’t want to lose you over this.

Cantina glanced over her shoulder. Hah. You can’t be serious. She opened another drawer and grabbed out more clothing.

You’re leaving?

You thought I would stay if you got caught?

It’s obvious I wasn’t thinking. What about the children?

I’m taking them with me.

All of them?

She glanced at him with arched brows. Yes, all of them.

Tiny.

Don’t call me Tiny. She narrowed her eyes and stiffened her jawlines.

I’ve called you Tiny since the night of our honeymoon.

She rolled her eyes, slammed the dresser drawer closed and walked over to the bed.

Can we talk? He walked over and stood beside her.

There’s nothing to talk about. She threw an armful of things into the suitcase.

He turned the suitcase over. One mistake and the marriage is over?

Cantina glared at him. You didn’t overfeed the goldfish or run over the family dog. You cheated on me.

I know but I don’t want you to leave me. Please, stay.

I just caught you having sex with my supposedly best friend, in our bed and you ask me not to leave?

Okay, I blew it but we can work this out.

She frowned. There’s nothing to work out.

He threw his hands up. Cantina, where are you going with eight children?

Anywhere I choose. I’m not some woman in the backwoods with a house full of babies and no education. I’m a Registered Nurse. I have a bachelor degree, which means I can earn a decent salary wherever I decide to go.

You alone with eight children? He sighed. Don’t allow pride to make a fool of you.

Her eyebrows rose, she tilted her head to the side and placed a hand on her hip.

As I recall, it wasn’t my pride in the bed with Sarai` making a fool out of me. She poked his chest with the tip of her finger. That was you.

He exhaled forcefully.

She flipped the suitcase over and threw her belongings back inside.

He grabbed her arm. She snatched away.

I can’t touch you?

No, you can’t. She walked over to the dresser and grabbed more items.

All right. I won’t touch you. He held his hands up in the air. I’ll move into the basement or sleep on the sofa. I just want you to stay.

She turned around and stared at him with one hand on her hip.

I don’t care what you want. She hunched her shoulders. "I’ve always done whatever you wanted me to do. She held her hands up in the air. I attended the university you chose. I had eight children because you said it was the right thing to do. I moved two hours away from my family because you wanted to take the position here as Senior Pastor. She turned around and started grabbing more things. This time I’m going to do what I want to do."

"And you want to leave?"

She spun around. "Yes, Russell. I want to leave." She yelled.

She dropped another armful of clothes into the suitcase. He grabbed her hand and pulled her toward him.

She smacked his face and snatched her hand away. I told you not to touch me.

He rubbed his hand over his head. You need to calm down.

She pointed a finger at his face. Stop telling me what to do. She waved her hand around the room. I’ve worked like a slave to provide for this family. The measly $350.00 weekly salary you get from the church doesn’t provide for us. I do. She pointed at her chest. My salary got us this home and that nice truck you drive and this king sized bed you and Sarai` were screwing in. She rested her chin on her chest and glared at him. I bought it. Or did you forget?

He face hardened. I never wanted you to provide for us. I moved here because I thought it was a good opportunity to provide for my family. He hunched his shoulders. It didn’t work out that way.

Cantina stared at his pink tinged face and wished she could take back her words. Russell was a hard worker who firmly believed a man should provide for his family, no excuses. He always tried to do just that but could never get things to swing in his favor.

It was that way for them from the start. They married during his third year of college. Their plans for a prosperous lifestyle were complicated by the births of their eight children. Elizabeth, was born the first year. Abigail came the following year. Russell Junior, arrived ten months later. David popped out the next year. Adam followed eleven months later. Martha surprised them ten months afterwards. Mary came along the next year, and finally, Seth, a day before Mary turned one.

Russell transferred into an accelerated program and worked twelve hours a day. After completing the program he worked as a counselor at a Christian high school in the area but his dream was to serve as a pastor. He sent his resume everywhere and finally got a call for the position in Oden, Kentucky.

It appeared to be the fulfillment of his dream. However, once they got there the pot of gold wasn’t at the end of the rainbow, and the dream turned out to be a nightmare.

The seventy-five member congregation was made up of tired, self-indulgent, unsupportive and demanding senior citizens. They expected Russell to give his all while they sat back and blamed him for the lack of growth in the ministry. Even worse, they were convinced that the $1,450 monthly salary was sufficient to provide for ten people.

Nonetheless, Russell was a stubborn man who didn’t believe in quitting anything he started. He worked to turn the lackluster church into a thriving mega ministry. He’d been at it for three years but nothing had changed.

I shouldn’t have said that. She closed the suitcase and grabbed the handle.

He placed his hand on top of the suitcase. Tiny. He exhaled. I know it’s been rough for us lately but I need you to stay with me.

She yanked on the handle while glaring into his moist eyes. I don’t care what you need.

You don’t love me anymore?

She scoffed. My love shouldn’t be in question. You didn’t catch me in bed with another man. I caught you with another-

Another woman who means nothing to me. I’m in love with you. I’ve loved you from the moment I saw you walk into the school, wearing a pair of brown slacks and cream colored blouse.

Cantina perched her lips and shifted her pupils from his face.

Your hair was pulled up in an oversized afro puff. I intentionally bumped into you to get your attention.

I’ll come back for the kids’ stuff later today.

He grabbed the handle of the suitcase again. Tiny, I can’t survive without you. Please, I’m begging you not to leave me. I need you in my life. I need my children in my life. I won’t last without you all being here with me.

Cantina’s face harden and her eyes took on an icy glare. You made a decision. Live with it.

He dropped to his knees. Tiny, please. I’m begging you. He pressed his hands together and held them at his lips.

She stared at the tears running down his cheeks while he repeatedly begged her to stay. Her heart quivered, fluttered, and poked her chest cavity. She felt her resolve to leave weaken until the image of him and Sarai` in bed together came to mind. Instantly, an increased amount of rage resurged and strengthen her determination.

You chose this, not me. She released the handle of the suitcase and headed toward the doorway.

Tiny, wait.

She glanced over her shoulder and saw him scrambling to his feet. She set her face like a stone and ran out of the room. She ran down the stairs, into the kitchen. A few seconds later she heard loud clunks on the steps and then heard the front door open. She snatched her van keys from the counter and ran out of the back door.

The two entered the yard at nearly the same time. They gazed into each other’s eyes as they raced toward her van.

Cantina moved past the trash cans and the small swimming pool with the agility of a graceful dancer. In contrast, Russell’s path to the driveway was more troublesome. He was forced to walk bare feet over the brick walkway that was scorching hot from the rays of the sun. He hopped over the heated stones and winced while keeping his eyes locked on his wife.

She arrived to the van first. She snatched open the driver’s door, slid the right side of her body inside the van. Within seconds Russell’s hands were around her waist and he yanked her out of the van.

I’m not going to let you leave me.

Russell, let me go. She demanded while kicking and swinging her arms wildly in the air.

He pinned her petite body against the van. I’m begging you not to leave. I’ll do whatever you ask me to do.

I’m asking you to let me go.

I can’t. He moved her hair out of her face and stared into her eyes. Give me one kiss. If you still want to leave me after that I’ll let you go.

Cantina scoffed. Russell, you were just humping on another woman less than twenty minutes ago. There’s no telling where your mouth has been on her body. I don’t want to kiss you.

Please.

I’m not kissing you.

He placed his mouth over her lips and forced his tongue inside her mouth.

Mm…grr…oomph…

She squirmed, moved her head about and mumbled as she pushed against his chest but he held her firmly in place. Her body stiffened and she bit down on his tongue as she clamped her ten fingernails into the cheeks of his face and squeezed.

Argh. He released her and grabbed his face.

Tiny, I’m bleeding. He stared at his hands.

Cantina climbed into her van, locked the doors, and backed out of the driveway like a cop heading to a high speed chase. She glanced in the rearview mirror and scoffed at the sight of him crouched on the ground.

She was done with Pastor Russell Maystone. In her opinion, he was lower than the first shovel of dirt thrown over a casket. She took in a deep breath, swallowed and then the tears burst from her eyes. She couldn’t believe her marriage of fifteen years was over.

45400.png

Twenty minutes later she sat in the parking lot of the high school her older girls attended.

Cantina wiped her eyes and plastered a smile on her face as Elizabeth approached the van.

Hi. She said to her eldest child.

Why did you pull me out of the class I’m doing the worse in?

Her smile turned upside down. She stared at the fifteen years old girl. Lizah (the nickname her father gave to her) weighed about 108 pounds, stood 5'7" tall and was the spitting image of her dad. The same vanilla bean complexion, light-brown eyes, brownish red hair worn shoulder length and feathered, thin lips, narrow nose and audacious attitude.

I barely have a C average. If I flunk the class I don’t want you fussing at me. It’ll be your fault.

Cantina rolled her eyes up in her head and resolved to ignore her teen-aged Frankenstein. When she was younger they were close. The teen years transformed her into a monster with an ardent hate directed at her and she wasn’t shy about showing it.

She had enough to deal with already. She wasn’t going to get drawn into a senseless argument. Cantina placed her pointer finger against her lips and glared at Lizah.

Shush.

Cantina pointed toward the seat and stared ahead at a welcomed sight. She inwardly smiled while watching fourteen years old Abigail. She was a godsend. She kept a watchful eye on the younger siblings, assisted in the kitchen and served as referee for Lizah and Russ Junior.

She was certainly more responsible than Lizah and most people were surprised when they learned she was the younger of the two. She was more like her mother than any of her siblings. She was short like her mom, only 5’ tall, shared her features and even had the same mild personality.

Hi, mom. Is everything all right? She wrapped her arms around her mother’s small neck.

Cantina took in a quick breath and held it. Yes. She exhaled. Everything is fine.

Abby released her mother’s neck, tilted her head to the other side and gazed into her eyes. You sure?

Yes, sweetie. Cantina forced a smile on her face and rubbed her hand over Abby’s black shoulder length hair. Something has come up. I want you guys with me.

Abby frowned as she opened the van door. Is dad all right?

What’s wrong with dad? Lizah stared at Cantina with bulging eyes.

Cantina looked at her girls’ faces. She knew Lizah would pester her until she told them something.

Your father is fine. I want to go riding and I’m taking you all with me.

We’re going riding in the middle of the day and without daddy? Lizah turned her lip upward.

Cantina unconsciously glared at her. Yes.

Lizah glanced at Abby and then shifted her pupils back to her mother’s face.

I don’t want to go. Take me home.

You don’t have a choice in the matter. Now, sit back and shush.

Ugh! I hate it when you do that.

Lizah sighed and slammed