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he thought, she had done her job .
    Luella stood at his desk as if she awaited a hall pass. He motioned for her to sit down again. Vanessa was at home, and her assistant would just have to help him with his pressing business.
    â€œSo, what do we know about this reporter who called?” Willie said, once again pushing back in his chair, this time to cross his legs.
    â€œShe called a couple of times—sounded real anxious to get in touch with you. Then on Thursday people started calling the church after the noon broadcast because they were talking about the fire at your old church again on the news.”
    â€œI wonder what she wants to talk to me about,” Willie said more to himself than to her.
    â€œI don’t know,” Luella replied.
    â€œI guess if I don’t call her back in a timely fashion, she will have to find someone else for her interview.” He began clicking his ink pen to a rhythm to help him think. “What do you think?”
    â€œI think you should call Sister Pastor. She always knows what to do.”
    â€œThanks, Luella,” he said abruptly. She stood for a third time and headed for the door. He didn’t know what he was hesitant for, or why he needed anyone to justify his actions. It was time for him to take charge. “Get me that reporter’s number.”
    â€œI gave it to you with your other messages, Brother Pastor. It’s number one on your call back list,” she called to him from the hallway.
    He consulted his watch before picking up the phone to dial. It was only one o’clock. It felt as if he had worked a whole day already and it was barely lunch time. He was determined to plow through his membership roles and make some decisions on the Young People’s initiative, then get out to see Sister Marshall at the hospital before heading home.
    There were two numbers listed for Alexis Montgomery. He chose the latter that appeared to be a cell phone number in hopes of connecting the call directly. She picked up on the third ring.
    â€œThis is Alexis.”
    â€œMs. Montgomery, this is Pastor Willie Green returning your call.”
    â€œGreat, I’m glad you got back with me so fast. Like I said I want to move on this story quickly. I’m looking to do a series of angles on this story to propose at the next production meeting in hopes of stretching the story to its fullest potential.”
    â€œI guess you need to help me understand. There was a fire. It made the news. I guess I don’t see what is left to report.” He used his first two fingers of his right hand to gesture.
    â€œI don’t know if you’re familiar with the Inside 7 segment, but it is our weekly News Magazine where we bring a more in depth coverage on local stories of interest. We get so bogged down with D.C. area politics that this show is devoted to the people of the D.C. Metro area. When I broke the story I knew it had potential, but recent reports and support from our viewers makes us here at Channel 7 believe that this is a story that’s worth investigating further.”
    â€œI see,” Willie said although he did not completely see his role in the whole thing.
    â€œI interviewed several people, but you’re the only one I could get in contact with again because I had written down the name of your new church. The initial report sparked quite a bit of mail bag response. Many want to reach out to the members of your former church. I’m sure you’ve been thinking about that to.”
    â€œMy wife and I pastor another church,” Willie responded absentmindedly as a surge of guilt took over him. He had not thought about the people, many of which he used to pastor. He had not thought about the community he loved to service. He had not thought about Charley Thompson, the deacon that was so adamant about staying at Harvest that he rallied members behind his back to sign a petition to stop the move to no avail.
    â€œDo you think