Truth Be Told by Victoria Christopher Murray Page B

condemnation came from her sister. Grace had broken off almost all contact as Starlight became more successful.
    But today was the beginning of redemption. Pastors were beginning to realize that she was a motivator, helping women to recognize their inner strength. It made her want to kick her heels; Christians were waking up.
    Tonight, she proved that her message and the church could coexist. Before she’d uttered her first words, she’d received a standing ovation. When she spoke, she had to pause often because of the applause that stretched her normal fifty-minute speech to ninety minutes.
    â€œWe all know there is a God,” she had said. “But the greater God resides in you.” Those words brought her second ovation.
    â€œWe have to rely on our power within. The higher being has given it to all of us.” The applause was deafening.
    â€œIt doesn’t matter if you worship Jehovah, Allah, Buddha, or God. This is about the One. And, you are one with the spirit.” She’d had to walk over those words with alacrity when murmurs filled the sanctuary. “Of course, there is only one God, but what I’m talking about is the spirit within you.” The applause returned, and she sighed with relief, making a mental note. She needed to pass her words by a Christian—maybe her mother.
    She hadn’t changed her presentation much. She always talked about a higher being, a he/she supernatural spirit, because that appealed to all of her followers. All she had to change tonight was sprinkling God throughout her speech.
    â€œThe church is where all the money is.”
    This time, she had to smile at Lexington’s words. Nothing would change his thoughts. And it was his monetary focus that afforded her an ocean-front penthouse, credit cards to every Rodeo Drive boutique, a full-time housekeeper and a driver, and a staff of twelve in her Beverly Hills office.
    He stood when she smiled. “That’s my girl.” He swaggered toward her and stroked her cheek. “You did great tonight.”
    Her smile widened.
    â€œWanna know how great?”
    â€œI’ve been waiting for you to tell me.”
    â€œAlmost thirty-three thousand from the books and tapes. I could kill New Vision. We only had fifteen hundred books. Could have doubled those sales.” He turned back to the table. “About fifty women registered for the Sisters of the Sun conference.”
    â€œDidn’t we already have forty?”
    His grin met her frown. “I think we can get two hundred and fifty there.”
    â€œI thought we were sticking with one hundred attendees.”
    He shook his head. “The response is too great. At five hundred dollars a pop, why not maximize?”
    â€œBut it’s our first conference.”
    â€œDon’t worry. I’ll work this. All you’ll have to do is show up.” He stuffed a stack of cash into a bank bag. “I’ve figured that we could clear two hundred fifty thousand for the day. And it’ll be good practice for the Revival in June.”
    She nodded.
    â€œGreater Faith is transferring the ticket money to our account. I expect it’s well over one hundred thousand.”
    She smiled. Now the talk about money didn’t seem so bad. “Make sure you go over Greater Faith’s records,” she said.
    He looked at her as if she was speaking in tongues. “You think I’m going to trust a pastor?”
    They laughed together.
    â€œWhy didn’t you do the love line?” Lexington asked. “Pastor Carey suggested it. Would’ve been a lot more money.”
    â€œI wanted to be careful this first time. The news will travel, and I want everything Pastor Carey says to be good.”
    He gave a slow nod. “Makes sense.” He walked toward her. “I have an idea.”
    Don’t you always? she wanted to say. But she smiled, her signal for him to continue.
    â€œNext time, don’t just talk