“I’ve been worried about my husband, Jackson. There’s a polio outbreak in the men’s prison.”
“Last year was sure a bad one for it. I lost six patrons. Yet people don’t seem to be paying any mind to the epidemicthisyear.” She kissed her teeth. “We’ll keep an eye on the newspapers and an ear glued to the broadcasts for more about the prison.” She shot me a sympathetic smile.
I wanted to tell her about the baby, my fears, but two teen girls slipped up behind us, carrying armloads of books and sporting colorful swing skirts and loafers with shiny new pennies, their laughter skittling up the steps, caramel-blond ponytails rising in rhythm.
“Morning, Mrs. Claxton,” the girls called out in passing.
“Morn’, Becky and Sandra. My, aren’t you young ladies up early,” she replied.
“It’s nickel day at Fontaine Ferry!” One teen turned back and smiled. “Mama said we had to return the books that are due before we can go.”
“Enjoy your day at the amusement park, and be careful on that old deviled roller-coaster ride,” the librarian called after them, huffing as she took another step.
I tapped her shoulder. “Ma’am, could you add me?”
She stopped. “Done did, Cussy. Added you to the prayer circle at Sunday service the day you landed here. And I’ll be sure to add your Jackson and Honey too.”
Inside, Lillian rushed over to meet us, her black pumps snapping across the buffed floors. “Come look what came in this morning, Mrs. Claxton.”
We followed her down the hall.
Stacks of tablets and tracing papers awaited us inside the big meeting room.
I hurried over to the table. “There’s hundreds. With these, they’ll learn fast.”
“Only if they come.” Mrs. Claxton turned to her librarian. “Lillian, I need you to run over to Reverend’s church and collect a few Bibles off his pews.”
At noon, Warden called and checked in with Mrs. Claxton. The librarian brushed her off, excited for our big night.
I lingered among the rows of books, savoring the charm of the library. Just a mere four days to get the program going. The time would go quick, and then I would be sent back to the horrors that awaited me.
Thirty-One
Tuesday evening, we huddled together at the door, waiting with anxious hearts.
At 6:00 p.m., two of Johnna’s women, Otilia and Frankie, filed in, both looking like living dolls that belonged on a toy store’s shelf rather than a library one.
Soon, an older man strolled in, followed closely by a woman. We seated them at the long table and passed out tracing paper and pencils. Several librarians helped, and we wrote down each name, instructing the excited new patrons to trace the letters and then practice on a sheet of paper. When I glanced up a few minutes later, I saw Patty standing at the threshold.
She hugged a spent pocketbook close to her chest. When Patty saw Johnna’s girls, she hurried over to us.
“Effie Claxton,” she said, “what’s the meaning of you drawing us into a meeting full of harlots? Did you hire her”—she scowled toward me—“to bring this sordid idea and filthy heathens into our community building? Shameful. I expected better from you. I will have you both fired for promoting indecency in our public library.”
“Now, Patty, everyone has a right to use the library.” Mrs. Claxton pulled her aside. “The mayor approves. Just have a seat, and you’ll enjoy your free public library even more after tonight.”
I went over to stand by Mrs. Claxton. “Please stay, Miss Patty.”
Her eyes flashed, a crawl of anger lit across, and for a second I thought she would strike me or lash out with her vinegar tongue. Mrs. Claxton stepped in between us, and Patty turned in a huff and stormed out, nearly knocking over a hesitant Steven in the doorway.
Mrs. Claxton leaned into my ear. “You’ll find darkness in all kinds, chile. The devil’s fiery licks don’t pick and choose.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Steven searching the room.
When one of Johnna’s girls saw the paperboy, she rushed over. “Come sit by me, Steven.” Otilia grabbed his arm.
The young man scratched his head and shyly grinned.
Mrs. Claxton gently removed the girl’s hand off Steven. “Take your seat, chile. We’re here for different lessons tonight.”
