Page 49 of Sins of the Flesh
My toolbelt feels suddenly heavy against my hip as I watch two guys in suits struggle to assemble a desk.They're doing it all wrong, tightening screws before aligning the legs properly.I bite my tongue.Not my circus, not my monkeys.
Charlotte's voice cuts through my thoughts, sharp and clear as she directs someone where to place her personal items."Careful with that!It's Waterford crystal."She's wearing a black pencil skirt that hugs her curves and a crisp red blouse that screams power.Everything about her is perfect, from her manicured nails to her pearl earrings.
"Oh!Cole!"Charlotte's voice shifts, suddenly warm honey as she spots me lurking by the door."How wonderful to see you!"
"Mayor Hendersen," I nod, straightening up."I'm sorry about your husband."
Her face arranges itself into an expression of grief so perfect it could be on a Hallmark sympathy card."Thank you, dear.It's been...difficult."She places a hand on my arm, her red nails standing out against my work shirt."But Caleb has been such a comfort.I don't know what I'd do without him."
I move my arm out of her reach as subtly as I can manage."I'm glad the church could help out," I say, trying to sound sincere."If you need any assistance setting things up, I'm around."
Charlotte's eyes gleam."Actually, would you mind helping move that filing cabinet?My staff seems to be struggling with the heavy lifting."She gestures toward two skinny guys in suits sweating over a metal cabinet.
"Sure thing," I say, heading to the two worn out men.
"You're a lifesaver," one of the suits tells me after we've got the cabinet positioned.His voice drops to a whisper."Careful around her today.She's been on edge with the move."I look over at Charlotte and back at the young man, there's a warning in his eyes that doesn't make sense and I’m wondering what exactly he means by, be careful.
THE NEXT MORNING, while sitting next to Caleb at the small breakroom table.We are chatting over coffee when Charlotte, wearing huge sunglasses and her normal power attire, states: “Gentlemen, please gather in the fellowship hall.I have an announcement.”We glance at each other, and Caleb nods, indicating we should follow.
The fellowship hall has undergone an even more dramatic transformation since yesterday.What was chaotic then is now organized chaos.Desks arranged in neat rows, filing cabinets along the walls, and a large desk positioned at the head of the room that can only be Charlotte's.It's like some weird corporate takeover of sacred space.The smell of fresh donuts mingles with coffee and whatever cleaning product they've used.
Charlotte's staff mills around, their expressions ranging from bored to anxious.Caleb moves to stand near the front of the room, and I notice how several of Charlotte's female staffers track his movement.Can't blame them.He's gorgeous.I hang back near the wall, crossing my arms and trying to look like I have a legitimate reason to be here.
"Good morning, everyone," Charlotte says, silencing the room immediately."Thank you all for your patience during this difficult transition."
She pauses, and I swear I can see her mentally counting to three before her expression shifts into grief.It's like watching an actress step into a role, the slight downturn of lips, the glistening eyes that never quite spill over.
"As you all know, I lost my dear husband George in the terrible fire at the town hall building."Her voice catches."Such a senseless tragedy."
My eyes drift to her staff.A few look appropriately somber, but others exchange quick glances I can't quite interpret.One woman in a navy pantsuit studies her shoes with sudden interest.
Charlotte continues, turning slightly to face Caleb with a smile that's a little too warm for someone supposedly in mourning."Caleb has graciously offered to put us up here until the repairs at the town hall have been completed."Caleb nods politely.
"In thanks," Charlotte continues, gesturing dramatically to a table, "I have brought donuts for everyone, so please help yourselves!"
The announcement lands like a stone dropping into still water.There's a moment of absolute silence, then a ripple of murmurs.Her staff freezes, exchanging looks of open surprise.It feels as if the gift has created a thick fog of tension instead of expected gratitude.
A younger gentleman with glasses steps forward practically bowing."Thank you, Mayor Hendersen.That's...very generous of you."
The way he says "generous" makes it sound like she's donated a kidney, not bought a few dozen donuts.Charlotte beams at him like he's just given the perfect response to a test.
"Don't mention it, Richard.We're all family here, aren't we?"
More uncomfortable glances.Whatever Charlotte's normal management style is, this sugary version is clearly throwing everyone for a loop.I watch as they cautiously approach the donut table, like they're suspecting some kind of trap.
"Go on," Charlotte urges, her smile fixed in place."Don't be shy!"Her staff finally gives in, plucking up a treat and eating.Now and again I catch a few of them darting glances at Charlotte as if they are tracking her movements.
Caleb moves to stand beside me and just as he is about to open his mouth Charlotte's voice cuts through the room again."Caleb!There you are.Come, I need your input on something important."Caleb gives an apologetic glance as he walks over to her to be pulled into a discussion.
As Charlotte and Caleb delve into their discussion, I find myself slowly drifting towards the door.The room's tension remains palpable, but it begins to fade as I step out into the hallway.With a last glance back at the bewildered staff and their donuts, I head towards my next task: the troublesome kitchen sink.
The kitchen sink pipes are giving me more trouble than I expected.What should've been a simple washer replacement has turned into a three-hour battle against decades of mineral buildup and bad plumbing decisions.
I'm flat on my back, wedged under the sink with water occasionally dripping onto my forehead like some twisted form of Chinese water torture, when I hear the first shout.
It's muffled by the wall between the kitchen and the fellowship hall, but there's no mistaking the anger in it.I freeze, wrench in hand, and listen.There it is again, Charlotte's voice, but not the sugary-sweet version from this morning.This one's razor-sharp and rising in volume.
I slip out into the hall to find the door to the fellowship hall is cracked open about a half inch, I peer through."I asked for that file an hour ago!"The words punctuate the air."What part of that was unclear to that idiotic brain of yours?"Woah, I’m completely thrown off guard.I have never heard Charlotte speak to anyone like this.
