“Robbie.” I put a lilt in my voice. “Could you do me a favor?”
“I’m sorry, I’ve been talking too much.”
“No, that’s not it.”
“Good,” he replies softly. “What do you need?”
“That gentleman over there, next to the stone statue. He’s the center of attention in his group. I’d really love an introduction.”
“That statue is the work of Augusta Savage,” Robbie says, as if I need to know that before he gets to the important part of my request.
“Augusta Savage, right. Got it. Now, how about that introduction?” I almost point but manage to lower my hand just in time. It would be too bold a gesture and wouldn’t suit the girl I’m supposed to be. I touch his elbow. “You mentioned you knew everyone.”
“Oh, oh, yes. I do.”
“You did say that, didn’t you?” I bat my eyelashes and glance up at him.
“Of course I know him.” Robbie puffs out his chest. “That’s Major Leonard Thomas. He heads the scholarship program that’s putting me through college.”
“I already know his name,” I let slip, but I might as well keep going. “He owns the Bronzeville Federal Savings and Loan, the only colored-owned financial institution in Chicago since Mr. Binga’s bank went belly up after the stock market crashed.” I recite every word Tony said about him from memory. “But I’ve never met him.”
“Then, of course, I’ll introduce you.”
Robbie holds my hand, keeping me close as he pushes through the group of men. He stops in the center of the circle.
“Major Thomas, it’s a pleasure to see you here,” he says.
My mark doesn’t flinch at the interruption. Instead, he welcomes Robbie with open arms. “Mr. Barnes, how are you?” They shake hands vigorously. “And who’s this young lady?”
“Sir, this is a young woman I’d like to introduce you to.” Robbie grins. “Frankly, she insisted that I introduce you.”
Major Thomas frowns. “Insisted? And why is it so critical for her to meet me?” His direct, slightly gruff manner might rattle some, but not me.
“Doesn’t everyone want to meet you, sir?” His circle of associates,admirers, and friends—or whatever these men are to him—burst into laughter.
“She already knows who I am, Robbie,” the major replies. “So why don’t you pick up where you left off and tell me this young lady’s name?”
“Yes, sir. This is Othella Montgomery, a friend who hopes to join me at the university.” Robbie, the geek, has skillfully told a lie. I could almost hug him for catching me by surprise.
“Major Thomas, I’m thrilled to meet you.”
He looks at me with skepticism. “Why did you want to meet me?” His bluntness is unexpected, but I can handle it.
“I’m very interested in the scholarship program your Building and Loan offers.”
As he ponders a response, the major adjusts his suit jacket, tucking his thumbs into his waistcoat pockets. That’s when I notice the diamond-encrusted pocket watch I’m supposed to steal is missing. Instead, he’s wearing a Rolex Oyster wristwatch. Although likely a decade old and worth taking, it’s not why I’m here.
Where is the damn pocket watch?
My chest feels tight, my stomach is in knots, and my head aches as if it’s being crushed between two doors. Did I really make this trip for biscuits?
While I suffer, Major Thomas talks about botany and asks me silly questions about my “area of study.” I stammer out some of the nonsense Robbie mentioned about tropical plants and ecology. But nothing can soothe my growing panic.
I need that pocket watch.
A striking young woman steps into the group and approaches Major Thomas. Tall and slender, she resembles a reed, with cheekbones so sharp they could be carved with a scalpel. There is something else about her that leaves me slack-jawed. When I figure it out, I feel as if I’ve been trampled by a motorcar. It’s her eyes: dark brown, deep-set, slightly sad, and eager to be elsewhere. They remind me of Perry.
I also love her dress, a stunning mint-green chiffon gown with a cloth rose corsage. I can’t help but imagine how incredible I would look in that dress. Perry once said that when I wore that shade of green, I brought springtime into his life.
