HONOREE
No sooner than Honoree had confirmed Polka Dots and Finger Waves would tell the same story, four people walked through the swinging doors into the kitchen.
A dark-skinned man in a double-breasted suit led the way, along with two police officers and Zelda, who didn’t look as stately in her green taffeta as the night before in red.
“I’m William Buttons, the owner of the Dreamland Cafe,” said the man in the suit. “We had a terrible thing happen this morning. George ‘Houdini’ Mills, one of our barkeeps for the past four years, was shot to death in the dance hall.”
A loud gasp shot through the room, the expected reaction to the wordsshot to death. Even if, like Honoree, they knew about the killing.
“Let’s bow our heads for a brief prayer for the dearly departed, Houdini. A jovial young man who loved to share his passion for whiskey and good food.” Mr. Buttons smiled. “His Sunday cookouts made us family, and his gumbo will be remembered for many years to come.”
That got a chuckle from the crowd, but Zelda waved a firm hand, and the room silenced. “May the Lord bless and keep George in his loving arms,” she said.
Heads bowed. A chorus ofamens rang through the kitchen. Mr. Buttons’s benediction was the loudest and the last. “These two police officers of the Race are investigating the murder and need our help,” he said, without showing the slightest concern about cops in a hooch-serving nightclub like the Dreamland. “This is Officer Joseph MacDonald and Officer Carter Weatherspoon from the Second Ward Precinct.”
Officer MacDonald stepped forward. “We’re here to ask you questions about the shooting this morning.” The shorter of the two coppers had a dimpled chin, giving him the appearance of a kinder man, even when he frowned. “We’ll begin interviews right off.”
Honoree removed her cigarettes from her purse. A puff or two would loosen the knot in her chest.
“Most of you didn’t leave the cafe until late, according to Mr. Buttons and Mrs. Hunter,” said Officer MacDonald. “You may have seen or heard something—you might not even realize its importance, but it could help our investigation.”
Then his tone changed. “Until further notice, while we investigate Mr. Mills’s murder, the Dreamland Cafe has been closed by the commissioner of police. I trust you all will be forthcoming. The longer it takes to find Houdini’s killer, the longer the Dreamland will remain closed.”
Shut down. Closed. Honoree took hold of Colethea’s arm to keep her balance. If not for the room full of people, she would’ve dropped to her knees and wept.
The officer continued. “Understand that everything said during these interviews will be held in confidence until the court date.” He pointed around the room. “I assure you. No one will learn about what you say to us today. Retaliation will not be a concern. You will be safe.”
Colethea nudged Honoree and whispered, “If not a concern, why mention it?”
Honoree agreed. “Colored people don’t retaliate. They take care of business right on the spot.”
“I can’t believe they closed the Dreamland Cafe,” Colethea said.
Hazel patted her on the back. “A man was just killed in Mr. Buttons’s establishment. He can’t go back to selling hooch and having half-naked chorus girls prancing about. Wouldn’t be respectful. Just wait and see. The cafe will open back up in a few days.”
“It better.” Colethea sighed. “I have a baby to feed and a man to keep from gambling away the rent money.”
“You girls hush up. We ain’t finished.” Zelda shot hard eyes in their direction.
Mr. Buttons thanked the officers and gave instructions to those gathered. He and the taller officer would lead the musicians and waiters to the dining hall.
Honoree followed Colethea and Hazel.
Seconds later, they lined up behind Zelda and Officer MacDonald in front of Zelda’s office.
“Y’all will meet with the copper in my office, one at a time,” Zelda said. “The rest of you will wait in the hallway until I call you.”
MacDonald opened the office door and gestured for Zelda to lead the way. Then he closed the door behind him.
A dozen girls lined the hall outside Zelda’s office. Honoree, Colethea, and Hazel stayed near the top of the staircase.
“I thought the cop wanted to get started in a hurry.” Colethea held Honoree’s hand. “What are they doing in there?”
“Hold your horses.” Hazel leaned into her hip. “Can’t rush a copper. Learned that from one of my sugar daddies.”
Colethea poked her in the shoulder. “Why you make a joke out of everything? The barkeep was shot a few minutes after we left. We were awful close to getting killed ourselves.”
“Hush your mouth,” Honoree said in a hard whisper, looking around. “Remember, we were long gone by the time Houdini was killed. Don’t forget. Long gone.”
