“Morgan and I are visiting to support and recognize Jack Killborne for continuing his center’s valiant mission.”
He looks at Jack.
“We want you to know, we haven’t forgotten you. I certainly haven’t forgotten what you did to protect my future wife.”
I suppress a wince as Blake tenderly kisses the top of my hand.
Noel snarls, but Jack just stares from under his brow, no longer reclined, and his expression contemptuous.
Blake steps around the table and extends his hand to Jack, intent on shaking hands. The camera leans closer.
“I personally want to thank Mr. Killborne and offer this check for five-thousand dollars to support this amazing place. Our church is forever in your service.”
Jack’s jaw flexes, then he rises to his feet.
I sense it.
He’s furious.
Silently, I pray he doesn’t do something stupid. Not while livestreaming.
“Play along, Jack,” I whisper, but I know he doesn’t hear me.
Jack takes his hand and shakes it firmly.
“Thanks,” he replies brusquely.
Blake turns fully to the camera.
“Jesus wept. John 11:35. You see, Jesus cries upon his friend’s death despite knowing Lazarus would be resurrected. He cried because Jesus was human, showing us God is not distant from our emotions.”
Blake lays his hand on Jack’s shoulder.
“God knows the pain you endured in jail. He wept for your suffering. He felt it with you. And today, God, myself, and others watching from home feel the joy you bring to his children.”
“This fake...” Noel mumbles in disdain. Then, he groans loudly and leans on the table.
“Come on, Jack. This guy got the girl. He’s marrying Morgan. Now he puts his dick on the table like he has the right. Show him up.”
The room collectively freezes, the tension thick. The energy shifts in the air, quiet and dark.
Jack closes his eyes, and when they reopen, there’s something different about him. His voice is intense, commanding attention.
“Jesus wept,” he says darkly. “The shortest verse in the Bible. It’s about the state of being human.”
Then, he removes Blake’s hand from his shoulder as though it is diseased.
“But for you, I’d choose Colossians 3:23. ‘Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.’”
Another verse that makes me tilt my head.
Jack picks up a Bible.
“Who do you work for, Blake?”
That twinkle in his eye is telling. I know something bad is about to happen. His voice rises.
“You arenotworking for the Lord, because Morgan wouldn’t look sick when you kissed her hand.”
