Kemar POV

"How is she?"

The intense concern in the voice that spoke in my ear caused my heart to flutter. I swallowed as I moved further away from the church door and walked down the steps.

The voices that joined in unison to offer up prayer for Seana and the upcoming Convention drifted out to me as I stood there thinking about how to answer Maas Cushane.

'Lord as we storm your throne I am asking that you open this Red Sea before as...'

'Mighty and Everlasting Father who is the same today as He was yesterday I am beseeching...'

'Jesus as we approach your Father's Throne seeking...'

'Lord Jesus there is none like you and wherever two or three are gathered...'

'Ooooh Jesssusssss we need you! Father this minefield before us...'

I continued to walk leaving the voices behind me and thinking how to answer him.. A few minutes ago Cullayne had rounded up everyone and headed out to the church where she had relayed what was happening with Seana.

I sat with the small group and listened. I was not shocked seeing I have witnessed Seana's selfishness on numerous occasions and knew first-hand how manipulative she could be yet I was very disappointed that Seana had resisted accepting her place here in her family but it was obvious her selfish desires were far stronger than the need to do right by her place here.

I sighed and answered the best that I could.

"She is holding the fort that much I can tell you. Right now she's inside holding a small prayer meeting." I told him hoping to drive away the added stress I know he and Lamais could do without. "She a hold on and she's finding the strength to overcome and press on."

I smiled as I remembered her taking charge and calmly dispersing the crowd that had somewhat dwindled after she had returned from talking with my father. I had expected her to be worn out and disheartened but it seemed that step by step she was getting stronger and this Goliath of a situation was not going to defeat her.

I had stood admiring the way she had flourished through the unfortunate situation and had not withdrawn into the shell that she normally cocooned herself in when she was faced with unfavourable circumstances.

I found myself admiring more than just her growth as my eyes travelled with her as she moved about. I was happy to see that people were offering her their support and not only here to add fuel to the fire that Seana had started.

I knew all too well how people were. They could change faster than the weather and often they conveniently forget all you have done because of how fickle and hypocritical they are. It was great to see them offering her words of encouragement, a few comforting handshakes, some pat on the shoulder and a few hugs.

She was truly a beautiful woman and I wanted to barge from where I stood with Bro. Kirkland and a few other men and pull her into my arms but the thought of her in my arms had raised other feelings that left my body fighting my need for her.

"I wish we could return earlier than planned but Lamais and I won't be able to, " I heard Cushane's voice said cutting into my thoughts. "I want so much to be there for my little girl."

I felt my cheeks great hot as I was brought to realize that I was on the phone with Cullayne's father and thinking how much I wanted to caress her body under the black lantern sleeve tie-front dress that outlined her supple womanly frame.

I cleared my throat and dragged myself back to the conversation.

"A few persons who are scheduled for the Convention are coming down tomorrow night. They decided to come down early to offer further physical and mental support for Laynie seeing we're unable to leave because of prior commitments."

"I know she'll appreciate that and she understands you and Ms. Lamais would be here if you could." I returned. "But yuh nuh affi worry mummy and mi naah mek nothing happen to her and yuh already know the church family ever-present fi marshall things."

"Well, I just wanted to hear from someone who will tell me how things truly are," he said sounding a bit relieved. "I know if I call her she's going to try her best to convince me she's ok knowing she is at the place where she feels she going to disappoint us if she decides to step off the front line."

I look out at the expanse before me and think of the occurrences that were playing out because of one's woman grudge and the decision to act upon it.

"I believe Laynie is more prepared to stand her ground than we give her confidence for. Just continue to pray her up because this matter ain't going to go away with smooth sailing. Sean's really messed up."

"O daddy Jesus," he sighed before asking, "Is there any news as to her whereabouts?"

"No," I answered. "They are speculating she gone inna hiding and I hope if that's the case she stays there because I know dose boys when they are out for blood there is no stopping them."

"Kemar that ungrateful girl was trouble from she came here," he said his voice laced with grievance. "Lamais knew it but still she gave her the benefit of the doubt because she was not going to turn her back on her the way her brother did when he realized Seana too like Lamais had the ability to read."

I closed my eyes and ran a hand over my bearded cheek. I slowly open them and look out at the familiar outlay before me. "We know not why Ms. Lamais decided to keep Seana here but we always know she never goes against the will of God."

"True dat," he said knowing his wife all too well.

We chatted some more before he rang off and I stood there looking out at the place where a few nights from now should be packed with vehicles for the upcoming convention and an unease washed over my body.

Seana had stirred up serious trouble and started a wildfire that was spreading closer and closer to
home. If only she had thought of this as her home and not a place to hold siege by dividing to conquer.

I turned to the building behind me where voices were now raised in praises. I wish I could take comfort in the thought that God inhabited the praise of His people and He will never leave or forsake them because a few years back I was there to see first-hand what Bagga Don minions were capable of because I was once one of those very minions.

There was deep unrest within the fold of the crew now that their Chief was dead and their commander was behind bars. They were time bombs ticking away and Bounty was ready to use them to his advantage now that Bagga Don was out of the picture.

The power was now in Bounty's hands seeing as he was the commander he automatically rose to the position of Chief and knowing Bounty he was going to reign havoc and take great pleasure in displaying his dominance with bitterness and spite.

Lord send your Angels to encamp roundabout Cullayne and all that she holds dear. Let nothing defeat her purpose. Under your precious blood, I place her morning, noon and night. Let no weapon spiritual and human form against her prosper...

I prayed as I walked back to the church that loomed before me and knew without a doubt that I would protect Cullayne and every one of these people who had over the years become my family and friends with every fibre of my being.