Soulful Strut

by Emery, Lynn

  Lenore cleared her throat. “Listen, Monette. I missed a few classes and—”

  “Yeah, and you’ve been late for the one you did decide to attend,” Monette cut in.

  “Working and studying is hard. I don’t have time for much else,” Lenore complained.

  “Let me suggest you make this program a priority and get your man on board, too,” Monette threw back at her. She knew that Ramone’s influence was a factor.

  “I’ll do better,” Lenore replied sullenly. Her bottom lip jutted out as she sulked in silence.

  “As for you, Candi, start completing your assignments. Your first paper is due Thursday. Got it ready?” Monette pinned Candi with a hard stare.

  “Almost. I’m gonna work on it tonight after I get off from the café.” Candi gave her a nervous smile.

  “And Tyeisha.” Monette turned to her.

  “I didn’t do nothin’,” Tyeisha protested, her brown eyes wide with fear.

  “Exactly. You’re putting forth minimal effort in class. Get it together,” Monette commanded.

  “Yes, ma’am,” Tyeisha mumbled.

  “In a few weeks you are all due to be placed on work experience assignments to reinforce classroom training. I’m having second thoughts about that phase of the program. Straighten up or it won’t happen.”

  Monette looked around at the six women. The two participants who had been referred from other sources were quiet. They seemed to be taking in Monette’s warning so as to avoid being called out in a similar fashion. All nodded except Candi. She looked at Monette with resentment simmering in her dark eyes.

  “We’re all under pressure,” Danica put in, using a conciliatory tone. “Time management is a real challenge. I’ve had to juggle school and a job myself. Just remember your priorities. Some of the sponsoring employers could hire you. Maybe even after the program ends.”

  “Not at this rate, they won’t. I won’t let the good suffer with the bad, my sistahs. Believe that,” Monette said in a firm but now more composed voice. Her hot rage had reduced from a boil to a simmer.

  “Our doors are open. Come and talk to us if you have any concerns, issues or worries. If you need to modify your schedule, say so, and we’ll work with you,” Danica went on. “I think we can get back on track. Let’s go over the proposed schedules for on-the-job training.”

  As Danica took control of the meeting, Monette used the time to cool off. She glanced around the table at the women. Most paid close attention to Danica. Lenore looked down, as though embarrassed. When Danica wrapped up ten minutes later, the women filed out. Lenore looked at Monette briefly, and then followed the others out. Danica followed Monette back to her office.

  Monette let out a slow breath once Danica closed the door. “Damn, that pisses me off. If we get one more complaint I’m going to let them have it. They haven’t seen me really lose my temper yet.”

  “Don’t forget you’ve got to live with four of those women,” Danica said quietly.

  “Back at the halfway house we don’t sugarcoat the truth. When one of us is screwing up, she gets called on it. No dancing around the subject allowed.”

  “Yeah, guess I have to get used to—” Danica hesitated with a frown as she tried to find the right words.

  “Jailhouse culture.” Monette gave a short laugh.

  “One way to describe it,” Danica said with a grin.

  Monette’s amusement petered out in seconds, though. Nothing about what they were going through so early into the program felt like a joke. She dropped down into the comfortable chair behind her desk. More like the hot seat Danica had a good point She did not need to fight with them here and at the halfway house. Like it or not New Beginnings was home for them temporarily. They were forced to cooperate and live together. Monette had made up her mind to go back in and talk with the women again when there was a knock on the door. Candi stuck her head in.

  “Can we talk to you a minute?” She looked at Monette.

  “Okay.” Monette sat straight and propped her elbows on the top of her desk.

  Danica watched as Lenore, Tyeisha and Candi filed in. She cleared her throat and started out “Uh, I’ll be in my office.”

  “No, you stay,” Lenore said quickly.

  “Alright.” Danica hovered near the door, as though she wanted a clear escape route. She glanced at Monette, and then clasped her hands together in front of her.

  “Look, we owe you both an apology. We’re going to get it together and act right.” Tyeisha nodded.

  “Yeah,” Lenore said. “You didn’t have to put yourself on the line for us. Especially you, Monette.”

  “Right,” Tyeisha agreed. “I’m embarrassed to say much in class. I think everybody is looking at me, talking about my past. I know y’all didn’t say anything to the other students, but word gets around.”

  “A couple of kids she went to high school with are in the college. They saw Tyeisha a week ago. A few people have made comments to us.” Lenore shrugged when Tyeisha scowled at her for going into details.

  “I say forget this school stuff. Just get us some decent-paying jobs. We’re all grown-ass women,” Candi put in. “We don’t have to take crap off some know-nothin’ snot-noses.”

  “We don’t get to skip steps like rich kids with connections. You want to work any kind of job these days you gotta have skills. Math, good English to express yourself and writing skills.” Monette ticked off each on a finger.

  “Get me one of those maintenance jobs at a plant. Don’t need all that to swing a mop.” Candi put on a smirk that faded when Danica shook her head. “What?”

  “Those maintenance jobs aren’t just mopping up. You’ll be expected to help with cleanup in case of a plant accident, ensure labs are free of contaminants and a lot more,” Danica said.

  “You think they’re going to pay you fifteen dollars an hour to dust and sweep the floors? Please,” Monette added.

  “Ah, hell. Everything has a catch to it.” Candi frowned.

  “No, everything comes with a price. You spent time learning how to peddle drugs, steal and then sell hot goods. Put in the effort to learn something that won’t get you sent back to prison,” Monette said bluntly.

  “A unique motivational speech.” Danica blinked rapidly.

  Monette’s anger cooled when she saw Tyeisha’s bottom lip trembling. “Hold your head up high. Be proud you’re making a change in your life,” Monette reassured her.

  “Sometimes people close to you don’t understand.” Lenore had the skittish look she always wore when Ramone was involved.

  “Then you have a harder choice to make. Some of us have friends, family or lovers who don’t want to be left behind. Ask them to come along or say goodbye.” Monette gazed at Lenore.

  Lenore blinked rapidly. “I hear what you’re saying.”

  Tyeisha accepted a tissue from Danica and dabbed her eyes. “I didn’t even like those fools back at Glen Oaks High. Don’t know why I’m getting upset about what they think now.”

  “I think it brought back the pain of feeling like an outcast. We can talk about it at our next group meeting.” Danica patted her on the back as Tyeisha nodded.

  “Like I said, we’re gonna do better,” Lenore said and stared hard at Candi.

  “Right. Guess I need to stop looking for shortcuts,” Candi finally said. She smiled at Monette. “No more attitude.”

  Monette squinted at Candi. The smile seemed bogus. For some reason she sensed an undercover agenda beneath the mask of good humor. Not to mention the fact that she wasn’t sure at all that Lenore could shake Ramone’s influence. Still, Monette wanted them to succeed. The others looked to her for a sign.

  “Hopefully future Wrap Sessions will be celebrations,” Monette said.

  “Right. Now we’re gonna get out of your way and let you ladies take care of business.” Tyeisha grinned at Monette.

  “Thanks, Monette. You won’t have to worry about us no more,” Lenore said before Tyeisha shooed her to get mo
ving.

  “Back up, youngster,” Candi muttered when Tyeisha started to put a hand on her elbow. She glared at the younger woman before she left.

  Once the door closed, Danica let out the breath she was holding in. She looked relieved no blood had been shed. “Things should smooth out now.”

  “Let’s hope so. Just to be sure, I’ll meet with Chancellor Ketchum face-to-face.” Monette stared out the window. She still worried that the community college administration might end their participation. One more tricky situation she did not need.

  Chapter 16

  The next two weeks flew by in activity that kept Monette’s mind off the hearing. When she wasn’t at work or New Beginnings, Monette spent time with Jayson. By the morning of the pardon hearing, Monette’s nerves seemed all bunched up in her stomach. Lenore and Tyeisha fussed over her that morning as she got ready. Lenore did her hair in an attractive, yet conservative, style, a modified French twist. Tyeisha helped Monette rehearse her presentation. Monette felt certain the board members would only see her past. The perfect grooming or slick performance wouldn’t matter. Still, she dressed in the same neat suit she’d worn on her first day out of prison.

  “Okay, go over the part about how you’ve fashioned a new life out of the bits and pieces of hard lessons learned,” Tyeisha coached from her perch on Monette’s twin bed.

  “That’s good. Poetic, even.” Lenore nodded approval. She sat on Candi’s bed on the other side of the room.

  Monette squared her shoulders and composed herself. “I’ve made a lot of mistakes. Although I was not guilty of drug trafficking, I have to own up to those mistakes I did make. I believe that I have fashioned a new life out of hard lessons earned. I mean— Oh, hell.” She tapped a fist against her forehead as she walked in a circle.

  “Here, just use the index cards. Don’t forget to look up so they can see you’re sincere.” Tyeisha handed her the cards once Monette stopped pacing.

  “Right, right. God, let this be over soon,” Monette said, looking up at the ceiling.

  Candi came in. “So this is the big day, huh? Got your girls in here with ya, as usual.”

  “Don’t start,” Tyeisha snapped. “She’s under enough pressure without one of your moods.”

  “Yeah, it’s not about you today,” Lenore added, her accent softening the words. “Monette needs a calm environment. Okay?”

  “So sorry to interrupt your session with Oprah and Iyanla Vanzant. But this is my room, too. Okay?” Candi glared at them.

  “We can go to my bedroom, Monette.” Tyeisha stared back at Candi as she stomped by her. Lenore followed her out.

  “I’ll be there in a minute. Y’all go on.” Monette stuffed a compact, comb and lip gloss into her shoulder purse. “Not today, Candi. I’ve got too much on my mind.”

  “I know. Just irritates me the way those two act like teacher’s pet around you all the time. Anyway, good luck with the pardon hearing.” Candi stood with both hands stuffed into the pockets of her blue jeans.

  “Luck, prayers and everything else you can think of would help.” Monette checked her navy blue skirt once more for lint. She looked at the clock, and then started out.

  “Hey, Monette. No matter what happens, we’re still girls. Right?” Candi walked toward her.

  “Sure. You know that. Look, I gotta go. Lucy should be here any minute.” Monette slapped Candi on the forearm, then left.

  “Hey, Monette. Your ride is here,” Janet shouted from downstairs.

  Lenore and Tyeisha rushed out into the hallway. They each gave Monette a quick hug. Lenore smoothed her hair one last time.

  “Now remember, you got right on your side,” Lenore said.

  “Yeah, remind them. But don’t rub their noses in it.” Tyeisha pointed at Monette to make sure she understood.

  “Thanks, y’all. Here I go.”

  Monette waved to them all. Several residents wished her luck on her way through the hall to the front door. Lucy sat in the driveway. Her sleek, pearl-gray Honda Accord V8 gleamed in the sunlight. A whish of cool air came out when Monette opened the passenger door.

  “Ready for the big day? Shoot, I know the answer.” Lucy grinned at her as she shifted into reverse when Monette closed the door.

  “I just hope my breakfast doesn’t come up.” Monette closed her eyes.

  “Not on my upholstery. Just stick your head in this if you feel sick.” Lucy handed her a plastic grocery bag.

  “You have sick bags in your car?” Monette snatched them from her and tossed them in the backseat. “Please.”

  “Hey, I’ve got three nieces that I babysit; ten, seven and five years old. I’m ready for anything. Need a moist wipe?” Lucy opened a compartment beneath the armrest between them.

  “Maybe later. So Jim is going to meet us there.” Monette tapped a foot nervously.

  “Yes. But you’re the star. They don’t want to hear from us. They have the reports from your parole officer, Trudy Sherman and the three statements of support.” Lucy wheeled the car around a slow-moving sedan.

  “And?” Monette heard something in Lucy’s voice that told her there was more.

  “The warden wrote a letter. Let’s just say it doesn’t ring with enthusiasm,” Lucy said.

  “Bitch.”

  “What did you do to that woman, kick her puppy or something?” Lucy pulled to a red light and glanced at Monette.

  “Maybe the warden is Winn’s new girlfriend. Maybe a little bird told her I’m not truly reformed. Who knows? Prison is full of nut balls, and then there are the inmates to worry about.”

  Monette looked up at the tall buildings downtown. She considered the speculation she’d thrown out sarcastically. The first one was far-fetched. The second just might be true. Yarva, maybe even Candi, might be talking to inmates back on the cellblock. Monette shook her head to clear out the wild conspiracy theories swirling around in her brain.

  “Well, the warden’s wrong.” Lucy glanced at the digital clock in the dashboard. “We’ll be there in plenty of time, twenty minutes early at least.”

  “Good. I’ll have time to go over my notes.” Monette dug through her purse. “Damn!”

  “What?” Lucy hit the brakes and a car horn behind them blasted.

  “I must have left my index cards on the dresser. We got to go back.” Monette dumped everything out into her lap to be sure.

  “No way. If we’re late they’ll move on to the next application. You could wait three to six more months.” Lucy shook her head. “Look, just calm down and collect your thoughts.”

  “I can’t do this today.” Monette felt panic push up from her chest into her throat. Items slid from her lap to the floor of the car.

  “Yes, you can. I’ve seen you face reporters and talk on national television. You can do this.” Lucy spoke fast and with fervor as she drove onto the parking lot of an impressive building.

  Monette stared up at the massive stone walls of the building housing the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. A wide set of steps in two sections led to six glass doors. “Sure. No problem. I just won’t think about how much the rest of my life depends on this.”

  “Breathe in and out. Real deep in, slow cleansing puffs out. You’ll do fine.” Lucy looked around as though she hoped to see Jim.

  “Let’s put it off,” Monette said as she blew out more air. “This isn’t working.”

  “Breathe,” Lucy commanded. She hopped out of the car and sprinted around to the passenger side. She picked up Monette’s things from the car floor and stuffed them back into the purse.

  “Hello. Uh, what are you two doing?” Jim calmly watched them with a hand in one pants pocket He looked cool despite the already sticky heat.

  “Breathing,” Monette hissed and inhaled again.

  “She’s just a little nervous because she left her notes at the halfway house. Here.” Lucy jammed the purse into Jim’s chest, and he grabbed it in reflex. She gingerly helped Monette out of the car. “Visua
lize something calm, pleasant.”

  “Remember how you talked me into at least checking out your story? You can be very persuasive,” Jim said.

  “Morning, Jim. Nice fashion statement.” A tall man with a bald head and gray beard grinned at Jim.

  Jim handed the purse back to Monette. “Hi, guys. I was just being chivalrous. Lucy, Monette, this is David Harris and his law partner, Brad Singleton. They’re two of the best attorneys in this state.”

  Singleton nodded in gratitude. “The same is true about Jim.”

  “So, you’re here for the Department of Environmental Quality hearing, I’ll bet. These guys represent a multinational chemical company in Louisiana,” Jim explained.

  “I will be,” Singleton said. He started off with a wave. “Speaking of which, I’d better go in. Judge Polozola has a particular distaste for tardy lead attorneys. My junior partner will not be good enough.”

  “See you later,” Jim said, then looked at Harris expectantly.

  “Ahem, I’ll see you inside at the Pardon Board hearing,” Harris said.

  “Really? Harris, Singleton and Associates only represent high-profile, wealthy folks. Don’t tell me one of your white-collar convictions is trying to clear his name.”

  Harris shot a glance at Monette. “I’m representing Winn Barron.”

  Before they could recover, Harris had put distance between them with a long-legged stride toward the courthouse. As if on cue, a tan Lexus SUV pulled up to the curb. Winn stepped out of the passenger side, and then the SUV pulled away smoothly. Looking sun baked and fit, Winn was dressed in a light gray, thousand-dollar suit. Monette was sure of the price tag because she knew his tastes. Harris and Winn shook hands. Both wore determined expressions as they climbed the steps.

  “Crap.” Lucy’s succinct description summed up the way Monette felt perfectly.

  Jim turned to them both. “Look, Barron can’t say too much. I’m sure David has told him showing up here is a bad idea.”

  “Winn thinks he’s bulletproof. So far seems like he’s been right.” Monette felt sweat rolling down her back. The fabric of her blouse stuck to her skin. She squeezed her eyes shut, then opened them again. “Damn. I was hoping to wake up from this nightmare.”