A Step Back, a Step Forward: Sequel to Escape from the Ozarks by Denisa Claris Cooke

Author:Denisa Claris Cooke [Denisa Claris Cooke]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: -
Publisher: BookBaby
Published: 2016-06-02T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 12

Their meeting with Pastor Craton was two days later, set for 5:30 after Luella got off work, at a restaurant close to Luella’s office. Aunt Dolly had talked with him a little to explain why they needed to speak with him and had described their appearance so he would know them. When they walked into the restaurant, he stood and beckoned them to his table.

“Hello, Mrs. Reed and Ms. Buttram, it is good to meet you both.”

“Thank you, Pastor Craton, this is my niece, Luella, and she needs to give you some unpleasant information about your youth pastor, Drake. However, before she begins, I would like you to keep an open mind and not judge her, as this is difficult for her. I am the one that has pushed her to come to you.”

“I understand and I don’t judge – that is left up to God, but I do uphold the law, so I need to know if what you are going to tell me is unlawful.”

“I’m not sure, but I rather think it might be and I know it is not moral or just.”

“Okay, now let’s order something to drink and if you like, some food also, then Luella, you tell me what you need to say.”

Luella and Aunt Dolly ordered hot tea and sandwiches, and Pastor Craton had coffee and soup. The weather had tuned rather cold and the hot drinks warmed them. While they ate, Luella told the Pastor her story. He listened without interruption, then sat quiet for a while before he answered.

“I am astonished, Luella, and saddened, but I believe you absolutely. I do not blame you in the least – you are young, inexperienced, and you were partly incapacitated by the punch. I do blame Drake and I’m shocked by his behavior. I had no idea that he had this problem and I’m very grateful that you stepped forward to let me know. You have quite possibly saved other girls from his actions. Also, by these disgraceful actions, he could turn girls from their faith in God, and in men. I hope this hasn’t affected you this way.”

“It has not affected my faith in God at all, but in men, well perhaps, but I’ll recover in time.”

“Good, I think before I go to the police, I will go have a talk with Drake, and hope that he will be straight with me about this. I need to know if he has accosted other girls. I’m worried that he may have.”

“I was concerned about that also, Pastor Craton and that’s why I wanted Luella to come to you.”

“I’m certainly glad that you did, young lady, and now that we have finished our meal, let’s have a prayer and then I will go have that visit with Drake.”

“Ah, before you go, Pastor, could I ask a big favor?”

“Of course, Luella, what can I do for you?”

“Could you keep my name out of all of this? I have a good job with a law firm that

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