When Perfection Fails by Tyora Moody Page B

her.
    Now that man was a complete mystery. She looked up information about Lance, but the man was nowhere to be found. This disturbed her a bit, but she couldn’t deny the spreadsheet numbers were suspicious. There was a great deal of financial support thrown toward the Hudson Housing Development. It seemed strange that it remained on hold. Serena looked up to see a woman walking fast down the hall.
    Serena smiled. “Well, maybe I might be seeking out the wrong person for answers.” She grabbed her bag and quickly headed down the hall behind the woman. The woman wore black pumps and was dressed businesslike in a blue suit fit with a white shirt. Her black trench coat was thrown over her arm. The woman leaned over and pressed the button on the elevator. The doors instantly opened.
    Serena caught up to her and sprinted in the elevator. As she turned around, Serena caught her breath. Right outside the elevator on the other side of the hallway was Lance Ryan. For a half second, Serena tried to figure if she should get off or stay on the elevator.
    She had a lot of questions for her elusive source. Who was he and what was his true interest?
    The doors closed, sealing Serena’s decision. She looked over at the woman who was grooming her short hair in the elevator’s mirror.
    Serena said, “I love that new cut on you. I was thinking about cutting my hair shorter.”
    The woman turned and frowned. Then she smiled and said, “Thank you.”
    Serena smiled. “You know you are just the person I wanted to talk to, that is, if you have time, Ms. Hudson.”
    Charmayne Hudson continued to smile, but her eyes narrowed slightly as she observed Serena. “What did you want to talk to me about? It’s Ms. Manchester, correct?”
    Serena held out her hand. “Yes, Serena Manchester from WYNN.”
    Charmayne returned the handshake.
    Serena plowed forward. “I would really like to know what’s happened with the Hudson Housing Development. Your father, bless his heart, wasn’t it his dream?”
    Charmayne looked away. “Yes, it was. Why don’t we talk in my office?”
    Serena smiled. “Sounds good!”
    The two women waited in silence until the elevator stopped and the doors opened. Serena followed behind Charmayne to her office. Once inside, Charmayne closed the door. “Please have a seat, Ms. Manchester.”
    â€œYou can call me Serena. No need to be formal.” Serena sat down in the cushy seat across from the old oak desk as she watched Charmayne place her bag beside her desk, and then sit. Charmayne sat forward in her chair and clasped her hands together. “So what exactly do you want to know, Serena?”
    â€œYour father, the late great Bishop Hudson, fought for this housing development for years. By the way, I want to pass on my condolences about his passing. It was right before the holidays, correct?”
    â€œYes, it was.”
    â€œSuch a shame, and with the passing of Pastor Jeremiah Freeman just last week . . . We are losing some really solid leaders in the African American community. I’m just delighted to see you making your place here in Charlotte.”
    â€œWell, thank you. That’s not always recognized. It’s hard to be the daughter of a bishop, but I do want to make sure the funding goes forward on this housing development. Many people who attend Greater Heights Church as well as Victory Gospel Church would benefit.”
    Serena had pulled out her notepad and recorder. “That’s what I thought. I mean, with this growing population, I can understand the mayor and other members of the council wanting to focus on transportation.”
    Charmayne looked at the recorder. “I don’t disagree with the mayor, but people need a place to make home. Are you recording this?”
    â€œDo you mind?” Serena asked.
    â€œI’m not sure why we need to. You just wanted a statement from me, I presume.