Chapter 59
“Then lead the way.”
I
t was about 10:20 when Johnnie came out of the Savoy. Benny spotted her and ducked, hoping she wouldn't look in his direction. She would certainly recognize his car. In her haste, Johnnie didn't see him, even though she looked right at him. She got into the Oldsmobile and pulled off. Benny took a swallow from the bottle of beer he purchased in Trudy's and patiently waited for Earl to exit the building.
Ten minutes later, he saw a white man coming out of the same door Johnnie had just exited. Assuming it was Earl, Benny got out of the two-toned Monterey and approached the man walking in his direction. Benny leaned against the car and waited until the man was close enough to see his face. After seeing him at his mother's house many times, he recognized Earl immediately. He was a little older and a little heavier, but it was still the Earl Shamus he knew years earlier.
“Hi, Mr. Shamus,” Benny said, remembering that was what he liked to be called.
Earl stopped in his tracks. His eyes narrowed as they strained to see the man's dark face in the moonlight. The man looked very familiar for some reason, but he couldn't quite put the face and the name together. As he got closer, Earl slowly began to recognize the man.
“Benny?” he said hesitantly.
“That's right. It's me, Mr. Shamus. Benny.”
Suddenly, hundreds of images flooded Earl's mind. He remembered Marguerite sending the young man outside with his little sister on many occasions. He also recalled the profound loathing he'd seen in his eyes as he left their home. He didn't think much of it at the time, but now, in a quiet, dark parking lot with no Whites around, Earl was terrified. He could see the same unabated hatred in the young man's eyes.
The glare on Benny's face caused Earl's stomach to churn as fear overwhelmed him. Benny continued looking into Earl's eyes, waiting for just the right moment to begin the assault, waiting for that moment when a man knows he's overmatched and there's nothing he can do about it. He wanted Earl to know before the actual beating began that he was going to beat him senseless. Then it came, the moment of inescapable truth; the moment of impending doom; the moment when a man's life flashes before his eyes. Suddenly, without warning, Benny threw a vicious left hook to Earl's flabby body that dropped him to one knee.
“Did that hurt, Mr. Shamus?” Benny asked, taunting him. “That musta hurt. That's the kinda body shot that'll break a muthafucka's ribs.”
Still on one knee, gasping for air, Earl tried to talk, but couldn't say anything because the wind was knocked out of him.
“Oh, you need some air, huh?” Benny asked, pulling him up. “Didn't you know I would find out what you did to my sister?”
Benny hit him in the stomach again. Surprisingly, Earl didn't go down this time. Instead, he doubled over and grabbed his stomach. He turned to try to run away but he didn't have the energy. Benny lifted his right leg and shoved him head first into his Cadillac. There was a loud thud when his head hit the passenger door. Disoriented, Earl crumbled to the ground like a house of cards. Benny went over to finish the beating, but Earl started whimpering like a wounded animal.
“What's wrong, Mr. Shamus? Lost your nerve? It's different dealing with a man, ain't it?”
“What do you want, Benny?” Earl finally asked, gasping.
“When you say your prayers tonight, be sure and thank God you're white. That's the only reason I don't kill yo' good for nothin' ass. I got a wife and son now that need me. But if I find out you hurt my sister in any way, I'll be back. And being white ain't gon' save yo' ass. You understand?”
Earl, nodded. Benny stood Earl up, brushed the dirt off his suit and straightened his lapels. “There you are, Mr. Shamus. All nice and pretty again,” Benny said in a butler's tone. “Which one of these cars is yours?”
“This Cadillac.”
Benny laughed a little and said, “So, I was parked right next to you, huh?” He grabbed Shamus by the arm, escorted him to the driver's side of the car and opened the door. He waited for him to get in, then he closed the door.
Benny looked into the car. “You have a good evening now, Mr. Shamus. And don't forget our little talk. I know I won't.”
Shamus nodded his head and drove off.
Unknown to Benny, Sadie arrived at the hotel and parked. She'd seen the whole thing between Benny and Shamus. She got out of the car and walked over to him.
“I saw what you did to Earl, Benny.”
“You did, huh?”
He could tell by the twinkle in her eye that what she'd seen was a tremendous turn on. He put his arms around her waist and pulled her forward, then he kissed her forcefully.
Sadie found the strength of his embrace intoxicating. It had been so long since she was able to feel this good from an embrace. She liked Santino and he took care of her and their children, but she needed to be out with a man, if only to a hotel. Benny put his powerful hands around her small waist and lifted her onto the hood of his car. He kissed her again. Sadie could feel herself slipping deeper and deeper into the moment of their carnality. Having reached her point of surrender, she pulled away and said, “So, did you get a room?”
“Yeah, baby. I got a room.”
“Then lead the way.”
Chapter 60
“Amateur Night”
L
ucas was eyeing the front door of the club all evening. The anticipation of seeing Johnnie had him fidgeting and on the edge of his seat. He had so much to tell her. Lucas had money in his pockets, new clothes on his back and a new job. In his mind, these were the necessary ingredients to get her to leave Earl, who was the only thing in the way of Lucas having Johnnie to himself. Soon, Earl would be out of the way too. Lucas looked at his new watch for about the hundredth time, then at the entrance again. Finally, she arrived. A broad smile flashed across his youthful face. He practically ran over to meet her. She was wearing a low-cut powder blue dress which showed off her hourglass shape, a pair of powder blue shoes with a matching purse and earrings.
“Hi, baby. I thought you'd never get here,” Lucas said.
“I got here as quick as I could,” Johnnie said. “You sure do look nice tonight. Is that a new suit?”
“Yeah. Just got it today.”
“Where'd you get the money?”
“I got a job here. I'm working for Napoleon now.”
“The owner?”
“Yeah. He's been tryin' to get me to work for him for awhile. I refused until now.”
“Why now?”
“Because I have you now, Johnnie. I gotta make some money or I'll lose you.”
“Lucas, you don't have to ever worry about that. I'm yours. You have all of me.”
“I do?”
“Yes. Don't you know that?”
“No, I don't know that. And I won't know that until Earl is outta yo' life for good.”
“Now, Lucas, we discussed this already. You said you would trust me.”
“And I do. But I don't want Earl around no longer than he has to be. You understand, don't you, baby?”
“Yes, I do.”
“Well, listen, it's amateur night. I got us seats right up front so you can see everything.”
“Oh, that's so sweet of you,” Johnnie said and kissed him on the cheek.
The emcee of amateur night was a man called Fort Knox. His real name was Simon Young but nobody called him that. He lost most of his thirty-two teeth in barroom brawls. The rest rotted out.
Lucas grabbed Johnnie by the hand and led her to their table in front of the stage. As they approached their seats, Fort Knox saw Johnnie and nearly lost his mind.
“Oooooooh weeeeeeee,” he said, his mouth glittering with gold. “We sho' do have a fine black woman comin' toward the stage tonight!”
Lucas, filled with pride, couldn't help smiling. Now, when Napoleon heard Fort Knox praising Johnnie, he looked toward the stage to see who the fresh meat was.
“Hey, house man,” Fort Knox continued, “put the spotlight on her so the whole house can see the crown of God's creation.”
When the light hit her, Johnnie's bright smile lit up the room. Napoleon took one look at her and lust surged through his mind; his tool hardened and throbbed. He saw Lucas and remembered that he invited his girlfriend, who was only sixteen.
Bubbles, Napoleon's main enforcer, saw the look in his eyes. He'd seen it a hundred times in the years he'd known him. Bubbles knew that look could only lead to trouble.
“Boss, don't do this,” Bubbles urged. His voice was like that of a deep bass singer.
“Don't do what?” Napoleon asked innocently.
“The kid is only seventeen and in love. What's gonna happen when he finds out you fucked his girl? I'll tell you what's gonna happen. He's gonna feel compelled to get even. Maybe try to kill you. In which case I will certainly have to kill him. If worse comes to worse and Chicago finds out that it was all over some sixteen-year-old kid, they'll come down here and take everybody out. Either scenario means trouble we don't need. And for what? Some pussy you can get anytime, anywhere? Besides, I like the kid. I'd hate to have to kill 'im over some stupid shit like this.”
“You're right, old friend,” Napoleon conceded. “It ain't worth it. Sho' would be nice, though.”
“What's yo' name, young lady?” Fort Knox asked.
“Johnnie Wise.”
“Well, Johnnie, this is amateur night. Can you sing?”
“Yes, I can.”
“Well, come on up here and sing for us.”
Johnnie was reluctant to go on stage, but Lucas encouraged her. She couldn't believe that her dream of singing in front of a live crowd was actually coming true.
“Go ahead and try, baby,” Lucas said. “You never know. This could be your big break.”
“You really think so?”
“Yeah, I do.”
Nervously, Johnnie walked up the steps to the stage. It seemed like it was taking forever to get to the spot where Fort Knox was standing.
“Let's give her a warm Napoleon's Bayou welcome, y'all,” Fort Knox said. “What are you going to sing for us?”
“Billie Holiday's âGod Bless the Child.' ”
Fort Knox hugged her and whispered, “Knock 'em dead, kid.”
Johnnie was nervous and exhilarated at the same time. There she was standing on stage, about to sing a song that a woman she admired had sung so sweetly. When she looked out into the audience, she saw only darkness. The room was quietly anticipating the sound of her voice. The music began and she opened her mouth to sing.
When Napoleon heard her voice, he knew then that no matter how wise it was to listen to Bubbles, he was going to have Johnnie, whatever the cost.
Chapter 61
“Let's finish this conversation in my office.”
A
fter being showered with thunderous applause, Johnnie was hooked. She dreamed of this moment all of her short life, but this was so unexpected. Now, it was happening. As she returned to her seat, Johnnie wondered what her chances were of winning the competition.
Lucas hugged her and held on tight. He kissed her and said, “You were the best, baby. I think you're going to win.”
“Lucas, my man, aren't you going to introduce me to your girl?” Napoleon interrupted.
Both Lucas and Johnnie turned toward Napoleon. His handsome face, his physique and his manner of dress immediately impressed Johnnie. Napoleon could tell that she found him attractive and started formulating his strategy for the future conquest.
“I'm sorry, Napoleon,” Lucas said. “I got so excited when she arrived, I forgot all about introducing you.”
“I can see how any man would forget such a miniscule task when dating a beautiful creature like you,” Napoleon said, kissing Johnnie's hand while looking into her eyes for any sign of prurience.
“Thank you,” Johnnie said politely, showing no desire for him.
“It's going to take some time to figure out who won, but I think I can safely say you will be tonight's winner, and the patrons of Napoleon's Bayou are the richer for it. Thanks for coming tonight.”
“You're welcome,” Johnnie said. “And thanks for letting me sing. Maybe I can sing again sometime.”
“Anytime.” Napoleon smiled.
“Oh yeah, Johnnie,” Lucas began. “Napoleon told me he can help us find out who killed your mother. Didn't you, Napoleon?”
“Yes, I did,” Napoleon said, realizing that would be the best way to seduce her. “Shall we sit down and discuss it?”
“Yes,” Johnnie said, suddenly serious. “I already know who did it.”
“You do?” Lucas asked, surprised she hadn't told him sooner.
“I sure do.”
“Who?” Napoleon asked.
“It was Richard Goode.”
“The Klan leader?” Napoleon frowned.
“That's right, and Sheriff Tate knows all about it,” Johnnie said. “He told us that no jury in the parish would convict him. He's so weak! I guess I can't blame him, though. Even if Sheriff Tate arrested him, they would let him get away with it.”
As he listened, Napoleon didn't realize it, but he looked like the cat who swallowed the canary.
She likes strong men, huh? Well, baby, they don't come any stronger than me. It wouldn't be anything for me to kill a racist dog like him.
“Sheriff Tate told you he knew Goode did it?” Napoleon asked.
“Not in so many words, but he knows they were seeing each other.”
“Hold it,” Napoleon said. “Let's finish this conversation in my office.” He raised his hand for Bubbles to come over to the table.
Bubbles approached with a menacing stare in his eyes. He was angry because Napoleon had completely disregarded his advice. Now he was calling him over for an elaborate display of power that was specifically designed to win favor with Johnnie.
“Yeah, boss,” Bubbles grumbled.
“Have Sheriff Tate meet me in my office in half an hour.”