Nothing Like Naked

Picking up his papers Tom began closing his briefcase as if he intended to leave. Mr. Wilson held up his hand. "Why did you come here today?"

Tom looked him in the eye. "Tell Serino to back off and leave Whispering Palms alone. He's harassed us for over five years. If another letter comes from the county or state, I will personally go to the IRS and turn in these photos. And, I have no control over the photographer as to what he intends to do with the originals. That is your problem, but I guarantee what I will do with my copies if Serino continues down this path. Whispering Palms is my home and I intend to keep it that way. If he even speaks about us at his revival meeting on the 28th, I will be at the IRS on the 29th."

Locking his briefcase, Tom stood up and nodded to Mr. Wilson, "Good day, sir." He turned on his heel and left the room hoping he had made the right impression.

Shirley was waiting for him downstairs in the lobby. He smiled as she stood to greet him. "At least we got our message delivered" he said. "Now we wait."

Marti was also waiting to hear from Mr. Bradley. She knew he would take a day or two so she focused on developing the second segment to her story about Florida TV evangelists. Her research showed that some of these ministers did better inspiring a mass audience, and others really wanted the intimate relationships found in a congregation. That was her angle for this follow-up story.

As she was running on the beach that evening at sunset, her cell phone pulsed at her side. Stopping to catch her breath, she saw the number on her screen and knew it was Greenville. She answered the phone quickly standing still to quiet her racing pulse.

"Hello, Marti. Is this a good time to talk?" asked Steven Bradley.

"Sure," Marti replied.

"My wife and I have talked about our meeting and we've decided we will help gather evidence on Quest as long as the church is not involved. It gives us an opportunity to build a college fund for the kids. Send me a summary of your evidence and I will work to add details as well as the new evidence we discussed."

"Should I use the email on your business card?" Marti asked.

"No, use my personal one. I will email it to you tonight."

"Thanks, Mr. Bradley. I believe you are doing the right thing for your family and church."

Rushing home, Marti dialed John's cell phone number. She squealed into the phone, "We got Bradley!" It didn't matter she was talking to his voice mail. She was so excited. Next she called Shirley to let Tom know that their plan was moving forward.

Hearing Shirley's news that Tom had met with Serino's lawyers, Marti was over the top with energy. She paced her living room trying to think what needed to be done next. She felt an incredible instinct to call the IRS as soon as possible. What if Serino starts hiding assets? We can't give him enough time to cover this up.