Reverend Reggie and the Set Up

Reverend Reggie was not a Reverend, though it was his goal to become one. We didn't call him Reverend Reggie either. We just called him "Rev."

He was a very Christian, young, yet mature black man and I no longer remember what his crime was.

He was a bit of an odd duck in the environment we were in. He was distinctly black in his skin color, use of language and other stereotypical traits. However, his demeanor was rather middle of the road white guy. So he didn't quite fit in.

Everybody liked him though. We just messed with him a lot in a humorous fashion. At least it was humorous to us. May not have been for him, though he seemed to be laughing with us.

Reggie was a tall somewhat nerdy guy with glasses so that didn't help his cause. But he was as nice, honest and sincere as a guy could be. His conviction to his faith was never questioned. Nobody thought it was a typical game which gets played from time to time.

Reggie was real and it was reflected in the way he lived, even in the less than desirable environment within which he found himself.

Reggie was well liked, got a long with everybody and took the teasing like a champ.

Reggie was a co-worker at a job.

Reggie was happy and full of love and forgiveness.

Until Reggie made a decision to tell on some people for some activities that were against the regulations of the fine establishment.

Reggie was happy and full of love and forgiveness.

Until we set Reggie up.

It was a horrible thing and I was probably the most involved. I haven't thought about this incident in many, many years but I did today and I wish I could get a hold of Reggie to apologize. Maybe crack some jokes at each other's expense.

But I can't even remember Rev.'s last name.

Even with the advanced technology of the day and my adeptness in it's use, without remembering his last name, there's no way I could track him down.

I don't remember what the illicit activity that Reggie reported was either. I remember it was a member of a particular group of guys that I generally associated with, and I remember it being early in my stay and I guess it had a lot to do with trying to be a stand up guy and show I was worthy of the company.

In a situation like that any company that comes in numbers is good.

So Reggie told and it was found out. Whispers everywhere till it was confirmed.

Reggie had a good job as it goes. Reggie got regular visits from his wife and family. Reggie never once got in trouble, not even a warning for an improperly made bed.

Reggie was ready to move out of the current residence and into something a bit less restrictive.

Someone melted a razor blade into a toothbrush.

I spent several days arguing with Reggie. Starting a confrontation every time I could until he was heard by reliable witnesses, threatening me.

A few days later the homemade weapon was found deep inside his mattress.

Everything that Reggie worked for was gone.

I felt horrible then, I feel horrible now.

No, he shouldn't have been sticking his nose in other peoples business.

But he didn't deserve that either.

My sincere apologies Rev.

I pray that what I heard and/or dreamed later is not true.

I hope your free and the Pastor of a well attended and loved church.

I hope you have forgiven us.