Page 34 of Meet Me on Greenwood

C.J. cleared his voice. "I heard you were a graduate of Johns Hopkins. A negro doctor."

"She doesn’t remember everything," Lettie warned.

C.J. slapped his knee. "I believe her! It is the kind of thing these white institutions would do. Use her for her brain and quietly allow her to graduate. They will never admit to our genius. Tell me more about your research."

"I study brain waves—how they impact the psyche and how that can then be integrated into a computer."

That stopped C.J. "A what?"

I paused. I was so used to the what do you do for work conversation, I’d forgotten that my research wouldn’t make sense in this time. "It’s like a fancy typewriter."

"They have those at Johns Hopkins?"

"Well, sort of."

C.J. did not miss a beat. "I like you, Gema. What is your last name?"

"Cross."

He put the pen underneath his chin. "I don’t know too many Cross’ around here, but I’m sure your folks are looking for you. They must be well off. Do you think they live close?"

I couldn’t say yes exactly. "I’m not sure."

"Well, we will find them, wherever they are. Rita brought the camera so we can publish your picture."

"Is that wise?" Everyone turned to look at Houston who was leaning casually against the door frame like he’d been standing there for some time.

"How else are we going to find her folks?"

"Can’t you just write a description? It just seems like a dangerous time to be posting young women’s faces in the paper."

C.J. threw his hands up. "White people don’t read this paper. It has our news in it and the things we like to read about."

"Like organizing?" Houston asked. It wasn’t rude, but it was pointed.

"Nothing wrong with good folk coming together. You should join in. You’d be welcome."

"That would only endanger all of you. No."

"I know but I thought I would ask. In fact, I have asked Ms. Cross all my questions."

"Dr. Cross," Rita corrected.

"Apologies, doctor," he said quickly, turning back to Houston. "Could I bend your ear for a minute?"

15

Houston

Listen to Uncle Ben’s Advice

"Iwondered why you were keeping her up here all to yourself. She is a pretty one."

I looked around, making sure no one had overheard C.J.’s nonsense.

"It is very temporary, I assure you."

"Does your fiancé know she is here?"