Jezebel by Jacquelin Thomas Page B

When he did, he said, “You most likely misunderstood them.”
    â€œI heard them as clear as day,” Cynthia countered, taking a seat in one of the visitor chairs facing his desk. “I’m sure you don’t want to believe this about your wife, but it’s true.”
    â€œWhat exactly did you hear?”
    â€œThey were planning to meet tomorrow.”
    â€œWhere?”
    â€œI didn’t hang around long enough to hear that part. I was too upset.”
    â€œI hope you aren’t in my husband’s office bothering him with nonsense,” Jessie Belle stated from behind them. “If you need to talk to someone, I’m available.”
    Cynthia stood up. “I was actually just leaving.”
    She made her way to the door, pausing long enough to eye Jessie Belle from head to toe.
    â€œWhy are you looking me up and down like that?”
    Cynthia uttered, “Just seeing what a real lady looks like. You try and have a good day, Mrs. Deveraux.”
    Jessie Belle followed her down the hall and grabbed Cynthia by the arm. “You don’t fool me. You’re up to something. I can smell it all over you.”
    Snatching her arm away, Cynthia responded, “I’m not trying to do anything to you, Jessie Belle. I don’t have to—you’ve done enough to yourself.” Wearing a smug expression, she announced, “I told your husband about you and Atkinson. You know, I never thought you’d be so stupid.”
    Jessie Belle looked angry enough to physically attack her, prompting Cynthia to take a step backward.
    â€œThere’s nothing going on between me and Atkinson.” Lowering her voice, she added, “If you’ve done anything to cause problems in my marriage—I intend to make sure you regret it for the rest of your boring life. You better pray I can fix this mess.”
    Cynthia was still shaking when Jessie Belle turned and headed back to Traynor’s office.

    Jessie Belle chewed on her bottom lip as she made her way down the hallway to her husband’s office.
    That witch! If Traynor believes her…I’m gonna make her wish she’d never been born. He won’t believe her. Traynor knows Cynthia is a lonely woman with no life. He knows how much she loves to gossip. He won’t believe her .
    Jessie Belle sent up a quick prayer. Lord, I need You to help me with this mess Cynthia created. I’m innocent. Please don’t let Traynor believe a word she says. I don’t want to lose my husband. I haven’t been unfaithful to him. Please get me out of this mess.
    Standing outside his office, Jessie Belle felt a little better.
    I haven’t done anything wrong. Cynthia’s just jealous of me and she’s afraid of losing Atkinson. Goodness knows…she can have the man—I certainly don’t want him .
    Jessie Belle decided feigning ignorance was the way to go. She would just wait and see if Traynor mentioned anything. Surely he wouldn’t believe anything coming out of Cynthia’s mouth.
    She headed for the nearest exit door and walked outside. She’d wait for Traynor by the car.
    Jessie Belle didn’t have to wait long. He walked out a few minutes later, his expression grim.
    She made small talk while they rode the short distance home. Jessie Belle couldn’t help but notice that Traynor wasn’t saying much.
    â€œYou were so quiet on the drive home,” she began. “Is everything okay?”
    â€œWhy don’t you tell me?” Traynor responded.
    â€œI’m not sure what you mean. Is something wrong?”
    He didn’t say another word until they were inside the house. “Cynthia came to my office after service to tell me about an interesting conversation she overheard between you and Atkinson.”
    â€œOkay. Is there a problem with my speaking to Deacon Bradford? We’ve spoken on several occasions. He is a deacon at our church and he did sell us a