“I remember, but I’m stalling. I invited our newest protégé to meet us.”
She isn’t speaking about Robbie Barnes. Tully invited him to meet the Black Yankees. “Othella?”
“Your father caught me off guard by adding two extra assistants to the expedition,” Katherine confesses. “I won’t have time for them. They’ll be your responsibility, and I’ll have my hands full getting acquainted with the locals. I plan to stay in Accompong for a month, not a whole year.”
“I am sorry about my father. He has a way of getting in the way.”
“Or getting his way. Honestly, they both seem nice enough, but that’s not the point.”
I feel compelled to add, “Robbie Barnes is an up-and-coming scientist. His work in tropical botany is supposedly stellar.”
“We’ll see about that, or I should sayyou’ll seeabout that. I don’t want them near me.”
“Then why’d you invite Othella to join us—”
“Miss Katherine.” Othella rushes into the lounge, out of breath. “I’ve been waiting for you in the lobby.”
“Oh, sorry, dear,” Katherine says. “Vivian Jean pulled me into the lounge and I forgot to mention I invited you to join us.”
I give Katherine a side eye. “It’s wonderful to see you,” I say to Othella. “So, you’re going to join us for shopping and dinner.”
“I am?”
“Yes, you are,” Katherine chimes in. “We’re having dinner with my friend Edna Guy, who dances with the New Negro Art Theater Dance Group. She’s elevating the Negro in modern dance in the style of Ruth St. Denis. We’re supposed to meet them at the Harlem Lafayette Theatre before dinner.”
Othella appears excited as Katherine rambles on about dance and dancers.
“We’ll chat, enjoy some wine, and feast on a platter of fried catfish.”
“That sounds divine.” Othella’s smile beams with happiness.
“Let’s start our shopping spree at Ray’s Department Store.” Katherine stands. “It sells the right gear for our expedition.”
Rising to my feet, I glance at Maxi’s list. “Right, we need shoes, thick socks, and hiking boots.”
“It’s located on 125th Street, but we can enter from around the corner on Eighth Avenue.”
Othella frowns. “What’s the matter?”
“Major Thomas has only given us a small budget for personal items, and Robbie, who keeps track of our funds, is quite stingy.”
“Stingy, huh? Well, don’t worry.” I place my hand on her shoulder. “I’ve got plenty of cash, so this shopping spree is on me.”
“Oh my, ma’am, I really need some new clothes because I only have this dress, one other, my Oxfords, two pairs of pumps, and two ball gowns. I don’t know how long they’d last in the jungle.”
The walk to Ray’s is quick, and as soon as the three of us step inside, the shopping frenzy begins.
“We need wide-brimmed hats for sun protection,” Katherine explains after walking around the store for almost an hour. “A pith helmet or a broad-brimmed straw hat wouldwork, too. If we can’t find them here, we’ll surely be able to pick them up at the market in Kingston.”
“We’ll also want lightweight, long-sleeved blouses, cotton calf-length skirts, and riding pants,” I mention.
“That’s a good start, but I don’t need a list. It feels like I’ve been preparing for this expedition for years.” Katherine smiles. “There’s plenty of rocky terrain that requires sturdy hiking shoes with thick soles and cotton socks to help reduce the risk of blisters or insect bites.”
“What kind of insects?” Othella asks. “Like cockroaches, flies, or mosquitoes?”
“Mr. Barnes should be able to specify the types of insects we’re likely to encounter in Jamaica. But Maxi mentioned doctor flies or horseflies.
“Because they’re as big as horses?”
