Like Sheep Gone Astray by Lesile J. Sherrod

check. “Of course, Mr. Murdock, as president of your foundation, you can ‘talk’] to some of our fine politicians and introduce some new and better ‘bills’] to them. Bills that will help finance the businesses of your organization. Businesses that my company will solely represent.”
    Anthony swallowed hard. “With all due respect, Mr. Haberstick, I'm not really interested in participating in any part of this.”
    “You don't understand, Anthony.” Mr. Haberstick's voice grew softer. “I'm not
asking
you. A lot is at stake here. Too many people have put great energy, planning, and effort into this to simply stand back and watch it disappear. We are talking about dreams, hopes, aspirations—” Haberstick turned his chair toward the window. “…profits.”
    A long pause stretched between them before Haberstick spoke again. “Anthony, believe me, I understand your hesitation, but you must understand that this affects all of us.”
    Mr. Haberstick turned to face Anthony again, a quiet smile overshadowing his aged features as he rested his fingertips together. “I'm sure you desire positive outcomes, not negative ones. We are all in the rat race together. And what are we racing for? Power. The power to hold the keys to open and close doors for everyone else. Right now, Anthony, you hold the keys—the keys of power, the keys of persuasion, the keys of politics. Right there in front of you.” Mr. Haberstick beckoned to the sealed check in front of Anthony.
    “Take that key”—he pointed to the check—“and use it to open the doors for all of us.”
    Anthony eyed the envelope. “Where did this money come from?”
    “That's not important. What is important is where it is going. As founder and president of the Black Entrepreneurs Alliance, you have the right to determine the best way to spend this tremendously liberal donation.”
    “So you're asking me to take this questionable, anonymous gift and use it to buy political influence for whatever you're planning.”
    “You assume this is my plan. This is bigger than me, bigger than both of us. As I said earlier, there are many who are counting on you. And besides, the donation is not anonymous. That's a signed check. Why don't you look and see who signed it.”
    Anthony looked again at the envelope.
    “Go ahead, Mr. Murdock, open it. See the philanthropist behind the check.”
    Anthony slowly reached for the brown envelope and took out the check as Mr. Haberstick softly chuckled.
    “This makes no sense! I'm not getting involved!” Anthony slammed the check back onto the desk.
    Mr. Haberstick suddenly grew humorless. “Remember, Mr. Murdock, you're not being asked.”
    Anthony jumped to his feet. “And you, Mr. Haberstick, are not hearing me! I will resign from this place before you or anybody else uses me again!”
    “That actually may not be a bad idea, you resigning, that is. You'll have more time to devote to your new organization.” Mr. Haberstick chuckled.
    Anthony glared at Garfield Haberstick for a few seconds before stomping out of the office. The check still sat on Haberstick's desk.
    “Lord, what do I do now?” Anthony rested his head in his hands. He was relieved to see that Marvin had disappeared from their office. He wanted some time to sit and think, and the quiet corner office they shared, though cramped and cluttered, was just the retreat he needed. He thought momentarily about his talk with Pastor Green. It was hard to believe that had happened just the night before.
    “I thought I could simply confess and give the Stonymill bribe money back, but I see things are about to get even more complicated. When is this going to end, Lord?” he prayed aloud.
More importantly, how is this going to end?
The thought added no comfort.
    You know there is nothing in your life that Jesus can't handle.
Pastor Green's words echoed in Anthony's mind. As he continued praying and thinking, he began making a list of people he needed to call.
    First on