The Wages of Sinn: Everyone Pays in the End

By S.K. Gathright

A tangled web of lies, murders, and romance between three very different people, but everyone will pay the wages of sin in the end. CJ longs for the fulfillment that only true love brings and wants to be truly loved and appreciated for the woman that she is, but what will it cost her? Jerome Sinclair is an international business kingpin. He falls madly in love with CJ. His love is shadowed by his secretive affairs. How will he convince her of his true intentions? Molly, the sandbox friend of CJ, has envied her from the start. Molly misunderstood the concept of "Imitation is the highest form of flattery." Will Molly hold it together long enough to secure a love and live of her own?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Aug 22, 2022
• ISBN: 9781662455582

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The Wages of Sinn

Everyone Pays in the End

S.K. Gathright

Copyright © 2022 S.K. Gathright

All rights reserved

First Edition

PAGE PUBLISHING

Conneaut Lake, PA

First originally published by Page Publishing 2022

ISBN 978-1-6624-5557-5 (pbk)

ISBN 978-1-6624-5558-2 (digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Mr. Sinclair

Davis and Melvin

Carol

Molly

Jill and Kenneth

Jessica a.k.a. CJ

Deliverance

The Blind Date

Close Call

Rules of Recovery

Island of Peace

Home Sweet Home

The Next Step

All Lies

Welcome Home

Carol Collects

Underneath it All

Tragedy Strikes

The Awakening

Black and White Affair

Say What, Again?

What's Really Going On

Speak Now or Forever…

Acknowledgements

Thank you, God, for your loving grace.

Mommy you're my hero,

my inspiration and the wind beneath my wings.

I love you Mommy

7/7/2007.

Chapter 1

Mr. Sinclair

Jerome Sinclair embodies the finer things that life has to offer. For over thirty years now he's the mogul of business acquisitions. He began in Chicago and soon expanded to New York and Los Angeles. Once he had made a name for himself, he bought his first Island in the Bahamas. Mr. Sinclair has the reputation of a bottom-line type of guy, so he's into solutions and results. Today he wears his black leather maxi style over coat and matching leather hat as he enters a dark office on the fortieth floor of the Century Twin Towers building in Century City, CA. The office was shadowy and motionless, and then he clicked on the lights to reveal an extravagantly decorated office space. His purpose for coming was twofold, one is to see if the workers that were hired last weekend completed their assignments; so, he could get this space leased by Wednesday of this week, and secondly to use the phone to make an important, yet very private phone call. As he surveys the work, he notices the itemized bill from his decorator that is left on the desktop of the largest desk in the largest office. He smiled and said, Yes, but you're worth every penny. He recalls how she looks and smiled at his personal thoughts. This expensive leather, glass and marble office is the largest office with a view of both sides of the court below. He admired her choices in each room. The high back executive chairs in each office space and cherry wood desk with carved accented Greek statues in them. He thought, Damn good job. Mr. Sinclair props himself on the corner of a desk, punches in the number and awaits an answer. The phone line on the other end rings several times.

A woman's voice answers the phone line, Novak residence.

Senator Novak, please, Mr. Sinclair says in a very masculine voice.

One moment, may I tell him whose calling? The woman inquires.

Sure. Tell him it's Sinn, Mr. Sinclair says.

In the background he could faintly hear joyous laughter and sounds of pots and pans clanking. Suddenly, the line goes silent. Then there was a click and a man answered, Hell must be freezing over, if you are on the phone with me.

No it's going to get colder if that's all you have to say to me, Mr. Sinclair laughed hardily.

Are you married, yet?

Hell, no, Mrs. Right hasn't come along, yet.

You old dog, what's new? Senator Novak said.

I should be asking you the same thing, but I won't because I can read about it in the damn newspaper. They both laugh. Senator Novak said, So, you've read about the upcoming wedding of my third and last child, Nancy.

Yes, sir and I must say, congratulations to you and your lovely wife. How are the other two kids doing? Sinclair Clears his throat, I—I mean you son in particular.

Oh, JR is fine, he and his wife and four kids, now.

What four kids…last I heard it was two and one on the way.

Well hell, she had the last two like Irish twins, just nine months apart.

Tell that young man that I said to get cable or read a book if he doesn't want to end up with a baseball team by next year. Both men laugh.

And that hellcat of a daughter of yours how is she?

That's another story. We're preparing for her tenth wedding anniversary, but still no kids from those two. I don't know what the hell is going on with her and that husband of hers. Her mother and I have talked until we're blue in the face about extending the family and all we get from them is, it's not time yet. Hell, when is our question. I knew there was something wrong when they missed several family gatherings last year and no explanation was given. I should have picked her spouse just like I picked everyone else's.

What, ten years and not even a miscarriage? What's wrong with him…is he shooting blanks?

Not to our knowledge, but I blame you for all this mess?

What? Mr. Sinclair inquired.

If you would have had a son, I would have picked him to marry my little girl and we would have had six or seven beautiful grandkids by now.

They both laugh. Mr. Sinclair interrupted the jolliness, Maybe the man is hitting on the wrong team.

Silence fell upon the phone. Senator Novak said, I've been told some things by some people about that subject and shrugged it off saying bullshit that can't be, but I fear that that may be just the fucking case.

Hey, let's not think about those kinds of things, today. If everyone is alive and well, then nothing is too far wrong that it can't be corrected, am I right?

Thanks for changing the subject, but we both know that this was not a friendly kind of call…not on this phone line. Senator Novak said grimly.

You are right. Let me get right to the point, me and a couple of our mutual friends seem to be having a tad bit of a problem with an employee who's awfully different from us. And quite frankly, we want to ex the problem out without any public interference or issues of political correctness.

What the hell?

We have this employee who has chosen a lifestyle that is disadvantageous to us and the profession as we know it. He has a sweetness about himself that is unbefitting to the average man, let alone men like you and me.

Oh, I see. He's compromising the troops.

Mr. Sinclair said, Two so far. Both were eliminated without a trace. Now, he's become suspicious and started asking questions about their whereabouts, which frankly I can't have him doing.

That seems like a minor situation, and it can be handled easily enough, Senator Novak responded.

I have a trip coming up next week and I'll forward the instructions to you via…

The Senator interrupts, Our mutual friends in New York.

No. Not this time. The less involvement with them means low to no loose ends to tie up. I have a different plan of action and I'll get the information to you soon.

Hey, I look forward to it and I just wish those fudge-packing mother-fuckers would just fall off the face of the earth.

My sentiments exactly, but how do you know if he's the packer, he could be the pack. "Your turn… My turn, Mr. Sinclair said jokingly.

Hey whatever the case, let's get it done.

Where's the happy couple registered for their wedding? Mr. Sinclair added.

Macy's, Bloomingdale's, and Spiegel's and such, my wife has all that information, hell all I know is that it's costing me a small fortune.

What names are they registered under, I'll have someone look them up for me and send them some nice gifts?

Nancy Novak, as you know, and Joshua Reinhold, Esq. My future son-in-law is an attorney for one of the most prominent traders on Wall Street. This kid has a bright future ahead and he's one hell-a-lava golfer, too. His par is zero on the 18-hole courses at the club. You need to come and join us one day soon.

That sounds great. But you can't afford to lose any more money on a game of golf to me.

What? Novak squawks.

Look, I'll find the happy couple and get right on those gifts. Take care until I see you at the wedding.

Fine, have a great day.

The conversation ends and Mr. Sinclair holds the receiver closer to his ear to see if he could hear any clicks or other noises. Satisfied, he hangs up. Mr. Sinclair checks his expensive timepiece. He said, Almost nine o'clock. He turned the lights off as he exited the unoccupied office.

Chapter 2

Davis and Melvin

The sun shines through the second story window of a French Chalet' home in the suburbs of California. The two lovers rest peacefully. Someone's arm stretches out to the alarm clock loudly sounding on the corner of an expensive cherry-wood nightstand. The covers are thrown back to reveal two muscular bodies beneath the 300-count thread red silk sheets. Davis was always the first one up; saying up and at um. While Mel on the other hand, rose only when it was absolutely necessary. Davis sat on the edge of the bed, yarning, and saying, This is a beautiful day. He sat there looking at the love of his life, pretending to be asleep.

Davis exclaimed; Good Morning, dear! as he leaned in to give Mel a big sloppy kiss.

Good morning, my ass, Mel waved his hand in front of Davis' face… You can't give me nothing until you brush yo damn gums.

Davis pulled in closer to Mel and said playfully, Come on, you know you want me to kiss your whole face.

Oh, hell no, Mel said smiling broadly. Mel sat up briefly saying, Now, what's on your agenda for today? Davis walked into the bathroom and got his toothbrush. Put toothpaste on the brush and then turned to Mel with a smile inserting the brush into his mouth. Bubbles surrounded his teeth, gums and lips; playfully saying, Whatever you want I'll do today. Davis knew that kind of behavior pissed off Mel, so to really make him mad, he let some of the suds fall onto his chest.

Mel jumped up saying, "If you think I'm going to do a whole hell-a-lot of cleaning up behind yo ass and those babies, honey you have another thing coming. Mel rushed into the bathroom to get a clean towel. Davis followed behind him laughing so hard that he almost swallowed some of the toothpaste. Davis spat out the suds and rinsed his mouth then dried his face with a clean towel.

Do you think I would want to take your time away from those… I mean our beautiful babies, no way.

Mel came in close to Davis and said, Now that's the man I want to spend the rest of my life with. Giving him a small peck on the cheek, Now I have to brush my gums.

Davis waved his hand up and down and said, Yes my sweet you do. Davis returned to their bedroom and started to get dressed for the day.

Mel shouted, So what's on your agenda today? Before you give me your answer, let me tell you what I want to do. I want us to go see our twins and take them the stuff I bought for them yesterday.

Davis said, I know, but we have this flight that was dropped into our laps…it came in late last night while you were asleep.

I didn't know anything about a last-minute flight, until right now and I'm supposed to put what I want on hold so you can go make some money? Mel questioned.

What do you mean I go make some money…we're in this thing together and I volunteered you as my co-pilot for this trip. So, we both could make some money, Davis reiterated. Girls are expensive.

Mel took a pillow from the bed and through it at Davis' head and hit him. Davis took the other pillow and swung with all of his might and connected with Davis' head, the fight ensued. They both fell on the bed laughing, tired, yet, happy and very much in love

. Mel starts the conversation, Hey Davis, we're going to have to cut some of these ties that bind us, soon. Our daughters are coming home in less than a week. You've got to tell that little wifey of yours.

Davis Caressed Mel's head as Mel comes in closer to Davis's body. You know that's a hard subject for me to get into with Carol," Davis says.

Your ass is gonna have to face her at some time and I think the time is now, with our girls coming home. Look honey, I didn't sign up for this shit all by myself. I really don't care if she follows through on those suicide attempts, she been trying to pull off for years, neither.

Don't be like that Mel, you know she gets so emotional about separations, or divorce issues.

I don't give a damn, it's time to let her go and we can start our lives with our family.

Mel gets up from the bed and walks into the bathroom to get dressed, saying, Well, I'll let you handle that mess and I'll get things set up here at home and try not to worry about that shit. Davis gives him a puppy dog sad eye look and then pokes his lip out.

Mel says, Don't give me that shit Davis. Your betta talk to her soon or I will.

No. No, now we agreed that I would handle that situation with my wife, a long time ago, and I will, Davis says. He gets up off the bed and enters the bathroom where he finds Mel brushing his teeth. Davis says, Don't be like that Mel, I have your back and I love you very much.

Davis why is it that, you can't find the strength to leave this female and commit to me. I have put up with the shit far too long. Hell, me and our babies need you, Mel says.

Davis says, I know and I'm sorry. I have put you through a lot. This will be over this year, she and I have nothing left in common and you are the only one I want to be with. You're the one I want to spend the rest of my life with. They share a tender embrace as they continue to get dressed for the day's activities.

Mel thought, Maybe we could go drop in on our girls before we go on this last trip for a while. But before he could utter the words aloud, Davis says, Hey Mel, let's go and visit with our girls before we take this trip. You know this will be the last one for a while.

Tears welled up in the corner of Mel's eyes as he walked slowly over to Davis and hugged him laying his head on Davis' chest saying, That's why I love you so very much, you just get me. You know my thoughts and feelings about almost everything.

Davis embraced him and then turned to grab a shirt out of the closet. Hey Mel, what's the last step before we can bring the girls home? Mel looked a tad surprised as Davis slowly turned to see the expression on Mel's face.

Davis says, What?

Just the sound of you saying, We can bring our girls home, fills my heart with joy! Mel says. Davis continued to dress, and Mel fussed around the room spouting out the next steps they would have to take to bring the girls home. Davis looks at Mel with a smile of total serenity.

Mel asks, Should I give them a call, or should you? as he picks up the receiver.

Davis grins saying, Go ahead you got the phone.

Chapter 3

Carol

Long flaxen hair sprawled all over the pillow from the head of a petite woman who lays on one side of an enormous king-sized bed with just a blanket laid gently over her. The clock in the living room announced the hour, as she slowly rose from the bed going over to the window. She pulled back the dark green curtains that allowed the sun rays to enter the dark and dreary room that she shared with her husband. She looked over to his side of the bed. Empty, she thought. That's the story of my life. As she makes her way through the cold and colorless house that she calls home she reaches the kitchen. She starts the coffee maker and removes her favorite cup from the cabinet. Ring, ring…she runs back into her bedroom to catch her phone ringing on the edge of the bed. She gets happy. Thinking it could be her husband, Davis. Hello, honey! Carol answers with excitement. She didn't allow the caller to commit. I know, you're sorry about last night and it won't happen again, Carol squeaked.

The caller laughed aloud and hard. Ha, ha, ha, nope this is LJ; yo cousin, little Jacob. Huh? what? did that no good, dumb-ass, shit-head of a husband, stay out all night again?

Carol regained herself confidence; answering in the strongest voice she could muster up, That's none of your business, Jacky. And just what do you want?

What the fuck do I want? I'm calling yo ass to give you some work and you get a fuckin attitude with me, cause yo husband stays out all fuckin night. You got some damn nerve. LJ said without taking a breath.

Look, what's the business? Carol tried to sound more professional.

Come down the street to the coffee shop on the corner, I'll buy you a Latte' and fill you in. LJ slammed his cell phone shut without so much as a good-bye. Carol cleaned herself up and put on her sweatpants and a small tee shirt that revealed her flat stomach and belly button. She looked in her mirror and rubbed belly wishing it was swollen with a child. She picked up her keys and walked outside. The sun was bright, and the air was crisp and clean she thought. She stretched to the side and lifted one leg at a time, and then she jogged down to the corner coffee shop.

LJ was already there and waiting on her to arrive he stood by a table with an umbrella and two chairs. Under his arm was a large manila envelope. LJ said, Come on in knuckle-head, let me buy that Latte', as he held the door open for her. Two Lattes' please, non-fat milk for one and the other skim milk, LJ told the girl behind the counter.

She said, May I have your names, please?

Carol and Jay, Carol answered.

They got their coffee and proceeded to a table outside. LJ placed the envelope on the table and sled it over to Carol. She opened it and saw the small note inside that read:

IMPORTANT

Flight today at 5pm.

Flight number M STS345 from L.A.X. to JFK.

Subject's Initials are MC hint: Not the pilot.

LJ said, Burn that, swallow it, destroy it, after you confirm you're on that flight today.

I'm not stupid, LJ. This is not my first time at the rodeo, and I allow you to get away with stuff you say because you bring me little shit work like this one and my father doesn't have to know about it. But, I'm getting very tired of you treating me like a dumb blonde. Get yourself together, man. I let things slide by because it makes you look good and feel better about yourself. That shit stops today. Do you hear me, Jacob? And for the record, you are not the only game in town that I could work for.

Carol took her envelope and her untouched coffee and dropped them both in the trash can and placed the small piece of paper in her pants pocket then pulled the zipper closed, as she jogged back to her house. She didn't even say good-bye or look back in Jacob's direction.

Chapter 4

Molly

Molly and CJ go way back. Their moms were neighborhood friends and sometimes hooked up a few card games that turned into down home parties. You know the kind, where Uncle Don would fall off the porch or your cousin and his wife get to fighting and the party would end before the police got there. Molly lost track of her when she went away to college. Molly had some hard days and difficult relationships. Molly spent some time in a mental facility for behavioral problems at the age of twenty, but somehow managed to get herself together enough to start a company, make a lot of money catering to the eccentric millionaires. She was invited to run with the wealthy and the élite society of Beverly Hills, CA. They were reunited when CJ transferred back to LA from Mississippi, about six years ago. They have been tight ever since. They both had gone through many of life's changes and now they were all grown up with children…at least CJ had children. Molly only had memories of being pregnant once, but it ended in a miscarriage.

The last time Molly saw CJ, Molly brought up the fact that Molly's silent partner wanted to meet the woman in a picture he saw in Molly's office. Molly thought, Why does everything good come so easily for CJ. That bitch.

The silhouette of a young curvaceous black woman appears in a mirror. It looks like CJ in an evening dress. Her long black shiny, full head of hair gleams in the multicolored hues of the setting sun shone through the parted curtains. The music was extremely loud that it echoed throughout the entire empty house. Like a camera taking shot after shot of each room of this enormous house of cold, colorless and empty rooms, until you enter the spacious master bedroom suite. It was brilliantly decorated with spectacular colors of warm browns and cool shades of blue, because it was an exact replica of CJ's bedroom, even down to the smallest detail.

Molly looked in the Mirror while tears slowly rolled down her cheeks, saying Everything you have should be mine and you don't deserve his love either! Black mascara lines appeared on her face as tears streamed down. She slugged across the room crooning the song HER" by Kelly Price that played loudly in the background. She sips a glass of red wine on the corner of the nightstand as the wine still swirls in the glass. Molly dropped to her knees.

She thought she heard someone say, You know you've suffered your entire life with emotional problems. You better not let anyone find out what you're up to. Her only relief is a stiff one…drink or man, she didn't care which one. She stood up; suddenly she saw herself as CJ. She imagined a beautiful, sexy brown dress with matching shoes. As she admired the vision of loveliness that gazed back at her the music caught her ears and she began to dance around the room with her empty arms curved as if she were embracing the shoulders of a tall, strong and handsome man.

Tears streamed down her face as the dance came to a halt once the music ended. Just as the vision mysteriously appeared, it quickly disappeared. Molly shook herself hard as if in denial as to what