“You know you’re not going back to work today.”
She laughed. “Yep. Told Bernadine exactly that when I talked to her.”
They grinned. She cuddled up against his side and he draped his arm around her possessively. As the Temptations sang “My Girl” on the CD, neither Trent nor Lily could imagine life being any better.
At lunchtime, the kids left the classroom and trooped outside to eat. The beautiful May day was a harbinger of the summer to come and the sun’s warmth felt good. Preston and Amari were discussing their parade plans and the response of Mr. James to the project.
Preston said, “Mr. James giving us extra credit for doing this is great.”
“Yeah,” Amari said distantly.
“What’s the matter?”
“Worried about this Spirit Quest thing this weekend.”
“When do you leave?”
“Friday after school.”
“Do you know where Tamar’s taking you?”
“No.” Amari sighed. “It’s not so much the where, but the what if I don’t get a sign?”
“Your dad already said it won’t matter.”
“But it’ll matter to me.” Amari wanted to be a July in every way. Sure the original Tamar had come to him in a dream, but everybody in the July family had been given a sign and he wouldn’t feel complete without one of his own.
“It’ll be okay, man. You’ll see.”
Amari hoped he was right.
Crystal and Eli came over and sat next to them.
“Hey,” she said, and pulled a drawing pad out of the big purple tote she carried to school instead of a backpack. “Are these sketches okay for your flags?”
Amari looked at the drawings. There were four flags. One per page.
Crystal continued, “I talked to Tamar and she looked through the old pictures and gave me the ideas. One’s the American flag of course, and that one is Liberia and this one, Haiti. Why the Dusters had flags for them, I don’t know.”
Amari said to Preston, “Add that to your list. We need to know the answer because you know somebody’s going to ask.”
“Check.”
“Now this last one,” she said, turning the page to the final sketch, “is the original Henry Adams township flag. Not sure about the colors, so I had to guess.”
The flag was blue, and in the center was a golden sun with rays leading to the four corners. One ray had a plow, one a set of chains, the third corner had a silhouette of a family, and the last one had what appeared to be an open Bible.
Eli said to Crystal, “You did these sketches?”
“Yes. Haven’t you been listening?”
“These are fresh.”
“Thanks.”
“I didn’t know you could draw.”
“Why do you think I was the one setting up the art room Saturday morning?”
He shrugged. “I don’t know.”
She rolled her eyes and turned her attention back to Amari. “So are these okay?”
“Perfect. Thank you. I owe you big time.”
“Not necessary. I owed you anyway for that ride in the O.G.’s truck last summer.”
“True.”
“So we’re even now, correct?”
“Correct.”
“Okay. I’m going to have Ms. Lily see if she can find somebody to do these on silkscreen and that way if we want to use the flags again, we can.”
Preston said, “Great idea, Crystal.”
“That’s why I’m the best.”
Mr. James appeared by the door and waved them back inside, so the four kids gathered up their things and walked back to the building.
“I sculpt, you know,” Eli told her on the way.
“As in clay?”
“Yeah.”
“You any good?”
“Good enough to win a bunch of awards back at my other school.”
“Did you bring any of your pieces with you when you moved here?”
“No, broke everything after my mom died.”
She stared aghast. “Why?”
“Seemed like a good idea at the time.”
She sighed and shook her head. She knew from talking with Ms. Bernadine that people grieved differently, but she couldn’t imagine destroying her art.
He said, “Pretty dumb, huh?”
“That’s up to you.”
He decided that it had been.
On the ride home with his dad after school, Eli asked, “Did you know Crystal was an artist?”
“Marie Jefferson included it in her profile, yeah.”
“She’s good too.” He told him about the flags for the parade.
“I’m looking forward to seeing them. I’m pretty impressed by Amari too. Not many kids his age willingly take on a project like this.”
“So you knew he was a car thief too?”
“Yep.”
“This town is a different kind of place.”
“What do you mean?”
“Everybody sticks together.”
“Noticed that.”
“You don’t think that’s different?”
“I do. Different and wonderful at the same time.”
Eli thought that over. “I don’t feel so Goth anymore.”
“You’ve been through a lot, feeling dark inside’s pretty normal. Been feeling pretty Goth myself. Being here’s been good though.”
“You know, this is probably the longest, nonyelling conversation we’ve had since Mom died.”
“True.” And it was.
“Crystal told me that Preston and his dad are trying to learn how to be father and son. Think maybe we could do that?”
Jack could feel water forming in his eyes, emotion filling his throat, “You want to?”
“Yeah.”
“What should we do to start?”
“Think you could order me some clay?”
“Yeah, son. Just let me know what kind and we’ll jump online soon as we get home.”
“Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.”
As they continued the drive Eli lapsed into silence but for Jack it was okay. He sent up a prayer and a thank-you to Eva for directing them to this wonderful place, because he knew she had.
On her breakneck drive across the Pelican State, Eustasia Pennymaker received two speeding tickets, each a hundred miles apart courtesy of Louisiana Highway Patrol, but she didn’t care. She had enough money to pay a dozen tickets so she kept the Hummer rolling at ninety as she and the big truck behind her trailering a large hog carrier burned up the road to fetch Chocolate and bring her home. She’d hired a lawyer for Riley, but had no intentions of getting involved any deeper. All she wanted was to make sure her baby was okay and head back to Texas.
However, when she got to the small town where they were all being held, she took one look at Riley languishing in the cell in his orange jumpsuit, and her heart melted. “Hey, Riley,” she said.
His face brightened. “Hi, Stasia.” Then he turned glum again. “Sorry about taking Chocolate, but Cletus wouldn’t leave without her. You know how he is.”
“I do. They treating you okay here?”
“Well as can be expected, I guess. How are you?”
“Better now that I’ve seen Chocolate and know she’s all right.”
“I suppose by now you know all about why Cletus and I were running from the police and what happened back up in Kansas.”
“Yes, but I’d like to hear your side.”
So he gave her his side, and mostly told the truth. He left out the parts about why Genevieve left him and Cletus running roughshod over him and the house. “Cletus was just protecting us. He sat on Prell out of self-defense.”
“Hogs can be that way.”
“I didn’t think the county would believe me and would put Cletus down, so we hotfooted it out of there.”
“And then you met me in the parking lot that day.”
“Yep. And you and Chocolate were so nice to us. Sorry I had to lie to you
and run off without telling you good-bye like I did.”
“I understand why you thought you had to.”
“Thanks for the lawyer too. Court’s gonna appoint me a new one once the extradition papers get signed and I’m sent back. Been nice knowing you, Stasia.”
“Hold up, pardner. You’re not getting rid of me that quickly. I’m going to hire the best defense team since O.J. and we’re going to get you and Cletus out of this mess.”
Riley stared, “You mean that?”
“Have I ever said anything I didn’t back up?”
“But Stasia, why?”
“Because you’re my man, Riley Curry, and a woman always stands by her man. Once this is all settled, we’re going to plan another wedding, but this time, it’ll be me and you.”
It occurred to Riley that he’d never mentioned a word to her about Genevieve. “Got something else you need to know.”
She didn’t let him finish. “About your wife, Genevieve? I know all about her. Divorcing her shouldn’t be hard.”
“Divorce? I was raised Catholic, Stasia. I don’t know if I can do that to Genevieve.”
“Apparently, Genevieve isn’t Catholic. I talked to the prosecutor’s office up in Graham County. Genevieve’s already filed for divorce.”
“What! Why that ungrateful—”
“Let’s just forget about her for now. We need to concentrate on seeing if my legals can get you out on bond. If not, I’ll meet you in Graham County and be there until this ends.”
“You sure?”
“Positive.”
He smiled. “I feel a lot better knowing you’re in this with me.”
“Wouldn’t have it any other way.”
CHAPTER 19
Ray got paid Friday morning, and after lunch he and Siz headed over to Franklin to cash their checks. Once that was accomplished they got back in Siz’s rust bucket and Ray asked, “Do you know if there’s a flower shop around here?”
“There’s one on Main. Who are you buying flowers for?”
“Ms. Brown and Ms. Rock.”
“You trying to hit on them?”
“Not that it’s any of your business but I just want to show them my appreciation.”
“You know Ms. Brown is Mr. July’s lady, right?”
“Don’t mean I can’t buy her flowers.”
“No, but I don’t want you to get it twisted.”
“You just drive and stay out of grown folks’ business.”
Siz shook his head and drove back to Henry Adams.
“Drop me at the Power Plant,” Ray told him. “I’ll walk back to the Dog.”
Siz let him out and Ray went inside.
Although he’d been in town only a few days, he’d decided it was time to test the waters. If he couldn’t get Brown to bite on his charms, he’d get to her through Crystal. From what he’d seen of their relationship, the two seemed very close. His question was how many dollars did that closeness equate to. Ray had no morals, and if he had to snatch Crystal in order to get paid, so be it.
“Ms. Brown?”
Bernadine looked up from her desk. “Hey, Otis. How are you?”
“Doing good. Just wanted to give you these.”
Her mouth dropped. Taking the wrapped roses, she studied them for a moment before turning her attention on him. “They’re lovely. What did I do to deserve them?”
“My way of saying thanks for helping me get back on my feet. Got some for Rocky too. Do you like them?”
“I do.” She set them on her desk. “I’m going to put these in a vase ASAP.”
“You know, you’re a real classy lady. Never met anybody like you before. Sure would like to get to know you better.”
He watched her eyes evaluate him for a moment before asking with a smile, “Are you hitting on me, Otis?”
He gave her his famous grin. “Trying to.”
“That’s so sweet, but I’m in a real good relationship with your boss. I am flattered though.”
“Okay. I recognize no when I hear it.”
“No hard feelings?”
“None.”
“Good, because I understand you’re doing a great job over at the Dog and at the school. Even though you’ve only been here a few days, I’m hoping you’ll stay and become a member of the community.”
“I’m thinking about it. I like it here. Kinda slow, though.”
“I agree, but once you get used to it, it’s not that bad.”
“Gonna take your word for it.” He paused and checked her out in her suit and gold. “Sure I don’t have a chance with you?”
She laughed. “Go back to work, Otis. Thanks for the beautiful roses.”
“Can’t fault a man for trying. You have a good day, Ms. Brown.”
“You too.”
Walking back to the Dog, Ray had to give it to her. She’d handled him like the class act that she was. She hadn’t gotten offended or cussed him out for trying to hit on her, but he got the sense that she would trust him a little bit more after this, so that was good. Now, to work on Crystal.
Mal swung by Bernadine’s office to make sure they were still on for dinner that evening. The roses on her desk were impossible to miss. “Where’d you get the roses?”
“From Otis of all people. Aren’t they gorgeous.”
“Why’s he giving you flowers?”
She studied his face for a moment. “Just to say thanks for the job and helping him out. He did try and hit on me but that was beside the point.”
“Hit on you?”
“It was harmless. I wasn’t offended, and he was very sweet about it when I told him I was in a committed relationship with you.”
“I’m going to kick his ass.”
“No, you are not.”
“Yes, I am.”
“No, you are not. What will that prove?”
“That Otis needs to get his own woman.”
“You’re jealous?” she asked, sounding surprised.
“Damn straight.”
He saw her trying to hide her smile as she said, “He gave Rocky roses too. You going to kick his behind twice now that you know that? He was just saying thanks, Mal.”
“Yeah, right. I’ll be talking to him.”
“This is not anything for you to be all bent out of shape about. He’s been doing a nice job and I don’t need you going Neanderthal over a bunch of roses.”
Mal stared off.
“Stop tripping. The only man I care about is you.”
He met her eyes.
“Promise,” she added, then sighed. “Didn’t know you were the jealous type.”
“I didn’t either. Never felt this way about a woman before, Bernadine, and frankly, it’s scaring me to death.”
She chuckled. “Why’s that?”
“Not used to thinking about a woman all day, wanting to see that woman all day. Not usually in that deep. If she doesn’t call, fine. If she kicks me to the curb for someone else, I’m okay with it because another one will come along, but you, you’re different. You got me going in circles. Remember that old Friends of Distinction tune?”
“I do.”
“That’s me,” and he sang the chorus, “Round and round and round.”
“Nice voice.”
He nodded, then said seriously, “I guess what I’m saying is that I want what we have going between us to work out.”
“As do I, Mal, so you have nothing to fear from the town handyman.”
He sighed. “Pretty silly, huh?”
“I think it’s kinda cute. Never had a man get all worked up over me this way.”
“Well, I’m worked up in more ways than one. Just so you’ll know.”
“Noted,” she said. “We’re not going there just yet, but we’ll revisit the subject at the appropriate time.”
Both of their faces shone with the affection they felt for each other. “So are we still on for dinner tonight?” she asked.
“Yeah, call me when you get home.”
 
; “I will, and Mal?”
“Yeah?”
“Thanks for letting me know how much you care.”
“No problem.”
Mal left the Power Plant and went directly back to the Dog. He found Otis at the apartment.
“What’s wrong?”
“You bought my lady flowers.”
“Yeah. Just a thank-you. Nothing more.”
“Next time, use words.”
“Hey, I’m sorry. Didn’t know you were going to trip.”
“Now you do. Don’t do it again.”
“Damn. You that insecure?”
Mal’s jaw tightened. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Hey, if you and Ms. Brown are as tight as you say you are, a bunch of flowers from me shouldn’t make you flip out.”
“I’m not flipping out. I’m just letting you know what time it is.”
“Okay, okay.”
“Soon as Jack moves into his house, you’re outta here. You can live in the trailer next to Rocky.”
“The flowers were just a thank-you, man. That’s all.”
“I heard you the first time. Just make sure you heard me. Stay away from Bernadine.”
“Okay.”
Mal slammed the door on his way out.
As the reverberation faded away, Ray smiled. Who knew that playing Satan in July’s Garden of Eden would be so much fun.
Mal was still fuming as he drove away and headed out to Clay and Bing’s to check on their sick milk cow. He knew he was way over the top on this roses thing with Otis but he couldn’t seem to help himself. Bernadine Brown had him turned inside out. If he thought he was in uncharted territory last summer when he first began having feelings for her, he was so far off the map now, he might as well have been circling Saturn. This was a mess. Up until that afternoon, he would have said he didn’t have a jealous bone in his body. Liar. He wanted to smack Otis into next week for even looking at Bernadine, let alone buying her roses. He fought to remember whether he’d taken his blood pressure meds that morning. Being with her was going to give him a heart attack.
After school, Trent drove Amari to Tamar’s. As they parked and then walked around to the back of the truck to remove the tent, hatchet, and an overnight bag holding his toiletries and changes of clothing, Amari began feeling anxious.