Chereads / The Forgotten Scars of Cherry Hill / Chapter 2 - In Peril in the Business District

Chapter 2 - In Peril in the Business District

The next morning, the Reverend was up early, making sure to eat a hearty breakfast as he would be remodeling the church. As he worked, another letter fluttered in through the mail slot.

Reverend, congrats on the revenge you took. Now it's time to be a shepherd of the flock. The next letter will be in the form of a prayer request. It will contain everything you need. Good luck. ~A

The Reverend tossed the letter into the fire he had going, then went back to work. He worked diligently, ripping up the stained carpets for a few hours before stopping to eat lunch. Just as he finished his lunch, the mail slot dropped in another letter. 

He picked it up and sat in a pew. Opening it up, he unfolded the letter. Reverend, we ask you pray for the Mateo Boxing Business. Mr. Mateo is stress about his business and needs the hands of god. 1416 400th Street, Marawa. 

He put down the letter and picked up his jacket and keys. He took the van into the heart of the city. The Mateo Boxing Business was a small dojo. Inside, Sensei Mateo was teaching a class when the Reverend walked in. 

Now remember, the purpose of these classes is to learn self defense, not to inflict harm but to prevent it. Now concentrate, I will tend to our guest. 

Sensei Mateo left the mat and walked up to the Reverend. What may I do for you sir?

One of the members of my congregation said I should come check this place out! Is there a better place we can talk? Like an office or something?

Yes, follow me. 

Sensei Mateo walked him into his office and then shut the door. I wasn't expecting you to arrive so soon.

You were expecting me?

You did get the prayer request right?

I did. What is going on?

Goons, corporate goons are trying to run me out of business. I am trying to just keep my doors open, but they want me gone. 

What corporation? 

It's small time, but they have good connections, but not good enough that if they were to disappear, they wouldn't care. 

For they could continue, corporate goons kicked in the doors and all point blades at the patrons of the dojo. 

Sorry folks, lessons are over, get the fuck out.

As people rushed out, the Reverend opened his coat revealing the shotgun. He racked several slugs and made his way up front with the Sensei. Well, if it isn't the corpo goons. Looking to kill me this time?

Our boss sends his regards. Time to close up, either take the money or die.

Before either party could continue, the Reverend slam fired the shotgun into the chests of several goons, killing them instantly. 

Forgive me my father in heaven. For these sinners are beyond saving. 

Just who the fuck is this guy!?

You my know to me by my favorite biblical passage, Romans 12:21. "Don't let evil conquer you, but conquer evil doing good." I am Reverend Psalms and I will make sure you meet God today. 

By the end of his small speech, the shotgun barrel was smoking, and there wasn't a single goon left standing. Before Reverend Psalms could kill the last guy, Sensei Mateo broke the goon's ribs, wrists and arms, with a series of flash-fired moves. 

Woah. Nice moves Sensei.

Not bad for a man of prayer either. 

As they walked back inside, a woman stood up from behind the check in desk.

A-uh Reverend? This came for you while you were out.

Oh?

He took the letter from her. Unsealing it, revealed yet another prayer request.

Reverend, I lift up a man of color today. He is in danger and I ask that God's shepherd guide him into the light. 332nd and 92nd, West Marawa. 

What is that?

My next mission. Care to join me?

With the dojo a mess, I might as well. Count me in Reverend. Just allow me to change clothes before we go.