Authors: Nancy Hopper
He sighed, and grinned crookedly at Tasha. “Let’s go.” he suggested. He flashed a smile at Mickey and Joe, who were hovering near the door, allowing Tim and Tasha as much privacy as possible. They went out the back door.
They headed over to the hotel, and stopped at the desk when the clerk called to them.
“
Mr. Rain.” the young desk clerk said, with admiration in his eyes. “Killer broadcast! You really put ‘em in their place.”
Tim smiled. “Thanks.” he said quietly.
They had time for a lunch together, and then they rode to the airport in a limo along with Joe and Mickey, who were heading back to Jackson. After saying goodbye to Mickey and Joe, Tasha turned to Tim, and put a hand on his face.
“
Tim, what you did was extraordinary. I’ll never forget it.”
He shook his head. “The Lord will use this for His glory. Wait and see.” he predicted calmly.
She smiled. “You’re a very interesting and unique man, Timothy Rain.”
He raised an eyebrow. “I’m not sure that was a compliment.” he mused teasingly.
“
It’s better than boring.” she assured him lightly. “You enjoy your time in Europe and South America.”
“
I’ll try.” he promised. “Once I get caught up in ministry, I’m sure I’ll be fine.” His eyes smoldered down into hers. “It’s the nights that are the hardest. You have a way of continually invading my thoughts.”
She smiled, closed her eyes and waited. Tim didn’t disappoint her. When his mouth closed over hers, she couldn’t help but shudder with delight. He felt right, he smelled right, he tasted right. Her whole body responded, as her arms found their way around his neck.
There was absolutely no compromise in Timothy. There was something in the kiss that first captivated her; then disarmed her; next, claimed her and finally, possessed her. She felt every transition, and was powerless to pull away.
They both felt the moment that she fully surrendered. Then he pressed in, shredding her defenses and fully establishing his place in her heart. It was uncanny, but she felt it and knew it. She was his. He didn’t stop until the work was complete.
“
Tim,” she objected in a shaky voice, but he just gave a low chuckle.
“
Forget it. While I’m gone, you'd better get used to the idea of having a man in your bed again.” he warned. “I fully intend to end my suffering,
in the near future
.”
She blushed, and hid her face in the lapels of his leather coat.
“
Tasha, you know it’s over. You’re all mine now.” he said in her ear.
She trembled, and nodded.
Tim smiled to himself, to finally have her agree. “That’s good. Don’t you forget it while I’m gone. I love you, Tasha.” He lifted her chin to kiss her again, smiled into her eyes, then pushed her into line to board her plane.
After Tim was gone, things somehow got worse. People began to talk about Tasha in her presence, and stories about her spread all over town. Brent had to hire an answering service to screen the calls to their home, and Pattie came out with a second story – all about Tasha.
It hit the magazine stand with a mighty splash. Tasha retreated to the Idaho lodge, with four professional guards. She couldn’t believe it! She was obsessed with the story, and read it over and over again.
“
Sexy Mystery Lover for Big Name Minister”, the title screamed. The body of the article read:
“
International Evangelist and Prophet Timothy Rain went on national television August 6 in answer to my article in the August issue of 'Shout!' magazine. Steamier pictures I’ve never seen, than those I took personally of Timothy Rain making love to a scantily-clad, sexy woman in the bedroom of her father’s home in Salt Lake City.”
“Timothy Rain rushed to Salt Lake City after the article was published to console the lady, Tasha Charles Taylor. He then took her with him to New York City, where he appeared on Warren Weaver’s talk show, to declare their innocence in the scandal.”
“While Timothy is technically correct -- I did not in fact actually see him have intercourse with this woman, I maintain that the pictures speak for themselves. The clean-cut, pure image he’s always maintained has been undeniably smeared. These pictures have rocked the very foundations of his ministry.”
“My friends, Timothy Rain cannot preach chastity from the pulpit and handle negligee-clad lovelies in their bedrooms at night. This woman Tasha Charles Taylor is a rich socialite, the daughter of millionaire financier Brent Charles. Charles is well known for his playboy image. Rumors of sexual indiscretion follow him wherever he goes.”
"For Timothy Rain to think he can involve himself with this caliber of people and not be tainted by their sexual indiscretions, clearly demonstrates that he is the victim of blind deception. I believe he thinks that everything is fine because ‘nothing happened’.
“But, I was there to see it all; and I watched in horror as this woman tried to seduce Timothy Rain, a pure man of God, with all the considerable skill she possesses. She did not technically succeed, but it was clearly a near miss – and it is only to Timothy’s credit that he did not fall completely into sin, in this woman’s inviting arms.”
“
Tasha Charles married at age twenty-one, following two years of college studies in Art, Music and Drama. Her whirlwind romance with Charismatic pastor Gary Taylor was described as most unusual and out of character for the solid, dependable young pastor. After their marriage, the couple pastored a small home church in Juneau, Alaska before moving to Long Beach, California to a church of 2,000.”
“Gary Taylor fathered two children before he succumbed to the cancer that claimed his life -- Naomi, six and Lucas, now four years old. The children reside with their mother and rich grandfather.”
"Gary Taylor died of colon cancer just months after the birth of his son, Lucas. Our investigation showed that he had been treated twice for cancer prior to the episode that claimed his life.”
“
After the loss of her husband, Tasha Charles Taylor resumed the lifestyle of the rich and famous. She returned to the household of her abusive father; and as far as we are able to tell, she has had no contact or interest in Christianity since the death of her husband, whose insurance policy paid her $150,000.00.”
“
Now, amazingly, this elegant, sophisticated young woman has surfaced again in the arms of handsome, young, single Evangelist Timothy Rain. What a sad shame it is to see this bright, young star of Zion fall into disrepute! The Bible says that if a man lusts after a woman in his heart, he has already committed the sin.”
“
My brothers and sisters in Christ, when these things happen, we cannot condone them. We must show our youth that the church does not look the other way when sin is committed. If we don’t respond to this travesty with a clear message, we too are guilty and we will so invite corruption to consume the youth in the Body of Christ.”
“
But I say that fornication is not the only sin. I urge you to take a stand for righteousness today. Mr. Rain’s church authorities cannot or will not answer the questions that America has posed about his conduct. I am not trying to report for sensationality; I am only trying to reveal the truth of what I know, and saw.”
“
Tim Rain is an international ministry, and an example to Christians around the world. I say that Timothy Rain is accountable to us all. He is not going to be allowed to say it is a private matter, and none of our business. His ministry reaches far beyond the confines of his church leaders’ authority.”
“
Perhaps the powerful ministry of Timothy Rain can yet be salvaged. Perhaps if we all pray, he can be called to repentance. But, we must by all means remove this disease from the camp.
“
Let us stand together in prayer: first, to call Timothy Rain to repentance; and then, to see his ministry purged and restored to purity.
"May the Lord have complete victory in this torrid situation, and may the youth of America as well as people around the globe continue to look up to this powerful young man; and respect him for his courage – the courage to repent, and go on from here, with God.”
Tasha was incredulous. It was too much for her to bear! When Tim called, she was so miserable that she asked Helene, the housekeeper at their Idaho home, to tell him she had gone out.
He called again that evening. When Helene came to tell Tasha he was on the phone, her eyes were wide. “Miss Tasha, it’s that Mr. Rain again. He says for me to tell you to stop the foolishness, and come to the phone. He says it’s making him sick at heart, and he must speak with you at once!”
Tasha covered her face with her hands, and groaned.
“
Miss Tasha, I didn’t tell him you were here. Honestly, I said nothing!”
“
I know, Helene. He just knows. He’s a seer, I can’t hide much of anything from him. Don’t worry about it, I’ll take it in my room.” she said. Though it was the last thing she wanted to do, she knew it would do no good to try to hide from Tim.
She went to her room feeling extremely shaky, and picked up the phone with trepidation. “Hello, Tim.” she said quietly.
“
Tasha.” he sighed wearily.
“
I’ve been a bit of trouble to you again, it seems.” she said tightly. “I’m sorry, Tim. She won’t quit until she’s uncovered every dirty little detail of my life, will she? This is going to be a fight to the finish.”
“
Well,” Tim drawled, “she’s making you famous. I predict she’ll quit when you marry me.”
“
Infamous, perhaps.” she snorted. “Really, Tim, it’s not all that amusing.”
He chuckled. “She’s shooting herself in the foot, Tasha. I know this is awful for you; but honey, I am telling you the truth. It doesn’t matter what Pattie’s intentions are. Can you take hold of this in faith with me, Tasha? Can you believe it with me?”
Tasha drew a deep breath. “Not really, Tim. My little faith goblet was pretty well shattered when I lost Gary. I’ve been trying, but I can’t go on fighting this kind of battle.”
Tim was quiet for a moment. “I can understand why. But I promise you, Tasha. He will have the victory in this.”
Tasha had to laugh. “Funny, that’s just what Pattie seems to think.” she said brokenly.
“
She was right; He will. But not in the way she meant it. Did you notice the twist in her story this time? Now she’s saying that maybe
I
can be saved. What a slant.”
“
She sure doesn’t say anything about praying for me, does she? I'm just the tart, so I guess I get booted out of the camp on my ear.” Tasha snapped.
“
Precisely. She’s revealing her motives. I say we give her a little more rope, and watch her hang herself.”
Tasha sat silently for a time. “She really wants you, Tim. I don’t think she’s going to back off.” she finally hazarded.
“
That’s too bad. She can’t have me.” he assured her quietly. “I’ve already given my heart away to another woman. It’s a done deal, Tasha.”
When she didn’t respond, he sighed. “Are you going to be all right?” he asked worriedly.
She didn’t answer.
“
Tasha, listen. Just lay low and don’t let this thing get you too upset. If anyone gets to you, just refuse comment. And Tasha, I am so sorry. Honey, I’d stop it if I could.”
“
I know. I’ll survive it.” she assured him tightly.
“
I love you, Tash.” he said softly.
Tasha gritted her teeth to hold back the tears. There was just so much pressure! The words stabbed their way into her heart. God, it hurt. She didn’t want to let him in there, anymore!
“
Honey, what can I do?” he asked carefully. “What will make this easier for you?”
Tasha shook her head and bit back a sob. “Where are you, Tim?” she asked, sounding sharp through the tears.
“
In the Amazon.”
“
The Amazon? Brazil?”
“
Yeah.” he answered flatly. “I’ll come home.”
She was touched and dismayed. “No. Tim, a lot of money and preparation went into this trip. You’ve got a job to do, and a whole team depending on you. There’s really nothing you could do here except hold my hand, anyway. I’m a big girl.”
Tim sighed. “This feels really helpless.” he admitted tiredly. “Okay, then, consider this. Maybe one of my buddies could come stay with you. I’ve got some very good PR men on my team.”
“
So does my father.” she assured him. “Tim, I’m not your responsibility. You don’t have to do anything to take care of me.”
“
Tasha; now please, don’t go breaking my heart. Listen to me,” he insisted tightly. “I have
every
reason. Don’t tell me there’s no reason – don’t do that. I know you’re hurting right now, but you have to realize that I’ve made myself vulnerable to you, too. If you back out on me, Tasha ... dear God, don’t do that. I can’t take it. Don’t back away from me.”
“
Tim, you’ve got to be realistic. I’m just someone you met at a ski resort. You really don’t even
know
me. We just spent a little bit of time together. There’s nothing holding us together. It’s ridiculous for you to put your entire ministry on the line. It’s not necessary, Tim, and it’s more important that you go on with your work. I really think it would be better if you just go on doing what you’re doing, and let this all blow over. Just forget about me, and save your ministry. It's far more important than I am. You know it’s better if I just say goodbye, and bow out.”
Tim didn’t respond. Tasha waited tensely for him to come unglued.
Tim set his jaw, and tried to deal with the pain. But there was wave after wave of it, cutting his heart open like a dull knife. He didn’t even realize that tears were spilling down his face.
“
You want me to leave you alone?” he asked finally. Tasha had to strain to hear him. “Is that really what you’re telling me?”
Tasha rolled her eyes, and sighed. “I don’t know. Tim, please.” she begged. “I don’t really know what to think, what to say, or what to do. I’m just ...”
“
Can you tell me in all honesty that you don’t love me, Tasha?” he asked brokenly. “Just tell me you don’t love me, and that will be the end of it.”
Silence met the challenge.
“
Then please, Tasha, you’ve got to stand by me.” he begged. “I know this has been impossible for you, but if we don’t stand together, she’ll tear us apart. Her only obsession is to destroy you. Not me, just you. She’d gladly destroy my ministry to get to me, but it’s you she wants out of the picture.”
"Let me stand between you and her; I'll do what I can to protect you, Tasha. I can’t stand it that I have to be away, and just do nothing. And trust me -- if you think you can get her to back off by dumping me, you’re sadly mistaken. She’s looking for blood, and she’ll make sure she’s got the jugular before she lets go.”
"She doesn’t want you to make a comeback, Tasha. You’ve got to stand with me now, darlin’. Once you’re alone in this, she’ll go in for the kill.”
Tasha laughed through her tears. “You take the cake. You really do. Don’t you know when to say Uncle?”
“
No. I’ll never give her the satisfaction. To give in now would allow her to win. Now you listen to me, Tasha. Do you remember in the Book of Ruth when she asked Boaz to spread his covering over her, and take her in?”