by Lynn Emery
“I was a fool to go along with these low-classed ideas,” he said. He glanced at his siblings, Marian and Hollis like a grade school teacher scolding his class.
“Take it easy, son,” Hollis drawled.
“You didn’t object because you hoped it would work,” Kate threw back at him. Still she seemed to lack her usual take charge fire.
“We don’t know it didn’t work. Those hags might still throw in the towel.” Ted wore a malicious grin. “The boys did some damage before they got caught.”
“You imbecile!” Clinton seemed barely able to control himself. “If they do talk, I vote we let you go to jail!”
Ted shrugged. “It would never happen.”
Hollis gazed at him, his heavy gray brows drawn together. “We’ve got more than that to be concerned about.”
“More serious than criminal charges linked to our company? I doubt it. Do you know how close I am to signing a deal with one of the biggest highway contractors in this country?” Clinton’s face was flushed a deep red.
“Yes, I know.” Hollis let out a long breath.
“The president of Tri-Star will bolt at the first whiff of controversy,” Clinton went on. His hands sliced through the air. “Word would spread to the most influential hitters in the business.”
“Unless we have the land with gravel and stone to provide him the raw materials, that deal won’t happen anyway,” Kate put in with a frown.
“Which is why we need to slam the hammer down on those Sterlings,” Ted added with fervor. “We’ve come too far to back off. The authorities are with us.”
“Sheriff Tyson is still in a shaky position, Ted. We can’t ask too much of him.” Hollis rubbed his chin.
“And I’m not so sure that Sykes will be on our side. He’s got an independent streak.” Kate tapped a foot in nervous energy.
“Right, your famous southern belle charm didn’t impress him. He gave you a ticket for speeding three years ago. Even though he knew Tyson would take care of it,” Ted teased.
“I don’t trust the man,” Kate snapped. Her irritation made them all look at her.
“Tsk, tsk, our feminine ego has been bruised.” Ted snickered. “Jessie ignored you even in high school.”
“Unbelievable.” Clinton shook his head. “We’re talking about losing a multi-million dollar opportunity and you two act like teenagers.” Ted and Kate began talking at once while Hollis tried to make his points.
“Be quiet all of you!” Marian’s deep contralto voice silenced them. “None of you have any idea what is at stake.”
“Marian, I....” Hollis let his voice trail off at the icy look she gave him.
“I’m going to meet with Neva Sterling.” Marian appeared to dare anyone to object.
Kate cleared her throat. “Mother, Desiree is in charge,” she said in a careful, respectful tone.
“She’s got as much business sense as Ted.” Marian waved a hand at her youngest child. “Neva Sterling will take back control.”
“But what makes you think that?” Clinton said with a puzzled frown.
“She made that place turn a profit in months and she’s still standing up to Desiree according to Hollis.” Marian picked up her Etienne Aigner purse. “Clinton, make the arrangements.”
“But, Mother,” Kate said. She was obviously trying to maintain a calm, reasoned approach. “Won’t this just muddy the waters? I really don’t think you should get involved.”
“Kate, I’ve given you much latitude over the years. But never forget, I’ve been the real brains behind Bellows-Claiborne for thirty years.” Marian stared at her until Kate looked away. “Clinton, have that secretary of yours call me.”
“Yes, Mother,” Clinton said quietly.
***
Neva held the menu before her eyes without seeing it before putting it down. A dense fog clouded her brain making every decision a tough one. It had been three weeks since she and Chandler parted. Lonely, sad weeks for her. Neva had thrown herself into what she saw as an approaching battle with Desiree and Marian Bellows. Though she would never have admitted it to anyone, having other problems to tackle was a welcome distraction. She buried herself in details and mounds of paperwork. Everyone was impressed by the way she marshaled her forces. Everyone except Lainie. Yet Lainie never confronted her. True to form, her cousin was there when she needed her to listen and quiet when words were too much for Neva to bear. Neva sent up a silent prayer of thanks once again for the cousin who was more a sister.
Her thoughts turned to Chandler. Neva imagined him with Alise. There were nights when even a twelve hour day did not bring exhausted sleep. The image of him holding his ex-wife close played in her head like a movie. I won’t think about it. I’ll just have to move on. She shook her head to clear Chandler out completely.
In place of that, she thought of the phone call from the Bellows-Claiborne secretary. A thin voice, faintly superior informing her that Marian Bellows wanted to meet with her. She wondered once again what they were up to.
“Uh, did you have a question about the new menu?” Kenia stared at her curiously.
“No, it looks fine.” Neva started with guilt. She tried to remember where she’d put it.
“You’ve been reading it for a good twenty minutes now. Must be fascinating stuff,” Kenia teased. Her smile faded at the look on Neva’s face.
“I’m sorry.” Neva searched until she found the menu on a shelf behind the counter. She handed it to her and walked back toward the office. “I can’t seem to do anything right today.”
Kenia followed her. “Hey, everybody has an off day. And you’re certainly due after the way you’ve worked hard.”
“Thanks,” Neva said without enthusiasm.
“It’s true. You’re my role model. Because of you, I’m not just another welfare statistic.” Kenia touched her arm gently.
Neva gazed at the young woman. Here she was feeling sorry for herself and Kenia had faced mountains in comparison. “Don’t forget you came up with the ideas that made out deli such a hit. I should be thanking you.”
Kenia blushed with pleasure. “Sitting around with nothing to do but daydream finally came in handy. I always wanted to have my own little sandwich shop.”
“Folks around here can’t stop talking about your catfish po-boys.”
“An old family recipe.” Kenia chuckled.
“Hmm?” Neva stared at some point out the window.
“Oh right. Your mother.” I can’t seem to focus.
Neva went behind the counter and sat down on the stool. She gazed around. The pleasure she’d felt only a few days ago at being here seemed a distant memory. Now she plodded through each hour. Neva was actually grateful when they had no customers. Smiling and engaging in bright chatter was taxing.
Kenia started to go back to the deli then stopped. “Uh, can I say something?”
“Sure.”
“It’s none of my business and I won’t be insulted if you tell me so.” Kenia bobbed her head.
“Don’t be silly. Tell me.” Neva arranged a small bucket of souvenirs near the cash register.
“It’s not about the store.” Kenia wore a look of caution.
“Oh?”
“It’s just I’ve had my share of trouble with men. Sometimes what hurts in the short run is better in the long run, if ya know what I mean,” Kenia said in a rush of words then held her breath.
Neva kept her attention on the little rubber alligators and key chains shaped like Louisiana. “Yeah, I know what you mean.
Desiree strolled into the store with a look of a monarch inspecting part of her kingdom. She nodded to Kenia and exchanged a few words with her. The young woman wrinkled her nose when Desiree turned her back. Lainie’s son Jeroyd was stocking shelves with canned vegetables. Desiree watched him with a critical eye.
“You might want to put those in a pyramid shape to attract customer attention.”
“But Mama told me to–”
“Jeroyd, just do it
,” Lainie called from behind the counter. “Lord have mercy on us all,” she muttered under her breath.
“Hi, Desiree. You can come on back.” Neva went to the office.
“I know. Lainie,” Desiree said as her only greeting to her.
Lainie bowed. “Your grand highness,”
“One day I might appreciate your sense of humor. This isn’t it,” Desire shot back. She gave her a venomous look before she walked past Neva into the office.
Neva glanced at Lainie. “Do you have to bait her every time she comes here?” she whispered.
“Yes.” Lainie gave a sharp nod. “That’s my job.”
“You– Oh, never mind.” Neva tried to look annoyed but barely managed to hide a smile. She affected a serious expression before joining Desiree.
“I heard about your little scene with Marian Bellows. Not wise.” Desiree spoke curtly before Neva had a chance to sit down.
Neva had grown used to these interrogation style starts to their meetings. She now faced Desiree head on. “I’ll be the judge of that.”
“You’re not a good judge of what’s best for this business.” Desiree sat down in Neva’s chair and leaned both elbows on her desk.
“Can’t tell it by the sales figures.” Neva picked up a report prepared by Lainie and the accountant. She tossed it in front of Desiree.
“I’m talking real money,” Desiree said. “Long term growth, not selling bugs and greasy sandwiches.”
“I’ve lined up financing for us in Baton Rouge.” Neva sat down across from her.
“Your plans for a gift shop added on to the store.” Desiree did not seem at all impressed or even interested.
“That’s right.”
“You think we can increase tourist dollars for other small black businesses in Solitude.”
Neva nodded. “Definitely. Mr. Dorsey has his boat launch at Bayou Sarah. More fishermen and canoe enthusiasts will build his business. Not to mention the gas station, Miss Minnie’s antique shop–”
“Junk shop, dear.” Desiree flipped her manicured fingertips in the air. “It doesn’t matter.”
“Economic development will pump money into Solitude. Then Mr. Jenkins will fall over himself trying to give black entrepreneurs loans from that bank.” Neva had looked beyond their business interests to those of the entire community.
“Yes, yes.” Desiree wore a bored expression.
“It will only add to our bottom line. I can’t believe you don’t see that.” Neva’s patience had worn paper thin. “You pride yourself on being a forward thinker.”
Desiree leaned back in the chair with a look of supreme satisfaction. “I am. I also see the big picture. Which is why I’m selling some property to Bellows-Claiborne, Inc.”
“You’re what!” Neva shouted as she jumped to her feet.
“Including the portion this store sits on,” Desiree said without raising her voice.
“Mama Jo would never agree to it.” Neva felt dizzy as the enormity of Desiree’s scheme hit her. “You can’t.”
“She won’t stop me, so don’t get your hopes up.” Desiree watched Neva with a gleam of wicked delight in her eyes.
“Yes she will. We made this place successful and all you’ve done is try to tear it down.” Neva pointed a finger at her. “Not this time.”
Desiree clapped her hands. “Fine performance. But it won’t change a thing.”
“Since we were kids you’ve seen us as competitors. It’s ridiculous!”
“It’s always been ‘Neva this and Neva did that’.” Desiree grimaced with old grievances recalled. “Mama Jo gave you all the best presents, all the attention. We had to hear about Rose’s girl until we were nauseous.”
“Grow up and stop looking for insults that never happened.”
“Well you and your precious mother aren’t all you’re cracked up to be. Mama Jo had to admit it for the first time.” Desiree looked triumphant. “Now she doesn’t brag on the fabulous Rose I’ll bet.”
“This is so stupid, Desiree. Stupid and petty.”
“Don’t call me stupid! Neither one of you hit it big.” Desiree sat forward. “She just slid down further than you. As far as we know that is.”
“What are you saying about my mother?” Neva stood still. She clenched her fists to keep from striking her.
“Just that she didn’t do anything so grand, that’s all.” Desiree backed down from her full force counter-attack.
Neva looked deep into Desiree’s words and the emotion she’d put into them. “No, there’s more to it.”
Desiree tossed her head and let her glance slide sideways. “I only meant you can’t look down your nose at me now. Or order me around.”
“You’re lying, as usual,” Neva said. Her voice cracked through the air between them.
Lainie came into the office wearing a tight frown. She glanced at Neva then turned to Desiree. “What are you up to now?”
“Mama Jo would never sell one inch of land to those people.” Neva walked in a circle, unable to stand still she was so agitated.
“It’s not her decision or yours, so get over it.” Desiree did not bother to acknowledge Lainie’s presence.
Neva went to Lainie. “Desiree intends to sell off a chunk of our property, including the store, to Marian Bellows.”
Lainie pushed passed Neva to place both hands flat on the desk in front of Desiree. “So this has been your plan all along. Well forget it. The family would never agree, especially Mama Jo.”
“Oh didn’t I mention she gave me power of attorney? Must have slipped my mind.” Desiree stood up and smoothed down the slim short skirt of her chocolate brown suit.
“You won’t get away with this,” Lainie said.
“Watch me, sugar. Bye for now.” Desiree picked up a stack of spreadsheets. “Thanks, Lainie. These came in handy negotiating with Hollis Claiborne. For that you’ll get a generous severance package.” She laughed and strolled out.
“What are we going to do?” Lainie threw out both arms. “She’s a real witch. I’d like to–”
“Be cool.” Neva concentrated.
“And why didn’t you blast that she-devil! After we bust our butts–”
“Will you collect yourself, cuz? We’ve got to have clear heads.” Neva grabbed her by both shoulders. “Now listen. Marian Bellows wants to meet with me.”
“What’s that got to do with....” Lainie’s voice faded. She blinked rapidly, deep in thought. “Why would she set up a meeting with you when Desiree is supposed to be in control?”
“Right, why?” Neva raised an eyebrow at her.
“Maybe....”
“Yes?” Neva let go of her and sat on the edge of her desk.
“Maybe she doesn’t trust Desiree or maybe she doesn’t know Desiree is in control.” Now Lainie paced. “Or just maybe–” She stopped and looked at Neva.
“Desiree isn’t telling us the whole truth. I don’t think Mama Jo has given her power of attorney yet.” Neva wore a shrewd look. “Our dear cousin forgot something. I know they won’t meet until Thursday. This is Tuesday.”
“But she’s convinced Mama Jo to do her evil bidding and the Bellows still want to buy. Two things not likely to change by then.” Lainie’s look of defeat came back. “We’re doomed.”
Neva found her car keys. She patted her back jeans pocket to make sure her driver’s license was still there. “I’m going home.”
Lainie put a hand on her arm. “Why?”
Neva had a compelling need to confront her grandmother yet felt a dread. “Desiree is holding something over Mama Jo’s head. I intend to find out what it is today.”
“Call if you need me.” Lainie sounded somber, as though she was sending Neva off to a funeral.
Neva felt it, too. She arrived home without remembering the short drive down the winding road. What could Desiree know that would frighten their grandmother? The question played in her head at least in dozen times. Sunshine and birdsong did not match her state of mind.
Their home seemed part of a post card for tourist with the background of old oak trees draped with Spanish moss. Neva paused for a few seconds to gaze around at the woods she loved so. Desiree’s smug announcement came back to her like a siren jarring the picturesque surroundings. With a quick turn of the key, Neva opened the front door. Tranice came toward her in the foyer.
“Hi, Neva. We just got back from the store.”
“Hey. Where’s Mama Jo?” Neva was all ready looking past the home health aide for her grandmother.
“In the living room having a glass of lemonade.” Tranice stared at Neva’s tense face. “What’s happened?”
“Nothing, listen I need to talk to my grandmother. So if anybody calls, take a message.” Neva return her gaze. “Understand?”
“Got it,” Tranice said with a nod. “I’ll make sure y’all aren’t disturbed.” She glanced over her shoulder once as she went off to the den.
Mama Jo pressed the button on the remote control a couple of times. “Shoot, nothing but those silly talk shows. Tranice, I– What you doin’ home?” She watched Neva come in and sit down across from her.
“I wanted to talk to you.”
“My show is comin’ on soon.” Mama Jo glanced down. “I don’t feel like talkin’. Sides you oughta be at the store.”
Neva immediately felt the urge to run away. Would it be better to just give in? Had Chandler been right when he’d told her to let Desiree have it all? The raw fear in her grandmother’s eyes was catching. I could just walk away from whatever skeleton is buried here. Yet Neva remembered her pledge the day she came home. She could not turn back now. Too much had changed, including her.
“Desiree plans to sell. Did you know that?” Neva brushed aside Mama Jo’s efforts to escape.
“She said something about how much money we could get,” Mama Jo mumbled.
“Money? You’d sell out Papa Dub’s dream, your dream, for money?” Neva spoke in a quiet voice that carried more impact than if she’d shouted. “I don’t believe it.”
“We went into business to make money, child.” Mama Jo gave a grunt. “Don’t think we didn’t. Now Desiree says it would make more money for Sterling Enterprises if we sold. We could finance a modern business.”