The Boxcar Blues

by Jeff Egerton

  “Nope. I’m sleeping here tonight. We can practice when you get here in the morning.”

  “See ya’ then, Catwalk.”

  The next morning Billy Sue showed up an hour after sunrise. She handed Catwalk a plate covered with a napkin and said, “Here. I figured that diner wouldn’t serve you, so I brought you something.”

  Catwalk took the napkin off to find a plate of grits, toast and bacon. “I appreciate this Billy Sue. I hope everyone at your house has enough to eat.”

  “Yeah. My Mother works for the Katy Railroad, so she’s making enough money to buy groceries.”

  They sat down and discussed their routine while he ate. Billy Sue said, “I’ll have to bolt brackets on your king posts so I can fasten my straps to them. I can walk in any routine you got except snap rolls. If the wind sock is stiff, or if it’s raining, I don’t walk. Once we get used to working together we can work out a cable snatch routine.”

  Catwalk listened and then asked her about flying with a woman standing on top of his wing. Billy Sue explained, “As long as you stick to your pre-arranged routine, so I know what to expect, there’ll be little difference. You’ll get to the point that when you fly without me, you’ll miss having me on your wing.”

  “Great. Let’s get to work on your gear.”

  Catwalk then helped her install the brackets on the king posts. Once they finished, he took her up and let her go through her routine. He discovered that he had to concentrate more on his flying, because he had a tendency to watch her while she moved around on the wing. After a few practice sessions, she’d flash her signals and he’d go into the maneuver as if she wasn’t there. By the time he landed he felt comfortable flying with her on his wing, and Billy Sue complimented him on his smooth maneuvers. They spent that afternoon talking over improvements to their routine.

  At the air show the next day, Billy Sue seemed to draw energy from the crowd as she waved to them from the top of his wing. He went through the routine with no problems and even felt like he’d improved because she relied on his flying skill. On his final pass over the audience, he saw the crowd applauding enthusiastically and hoped they’d respond likewise when he passed the hat.

  On the ground, Billy Sue said, “Let me work the audience. I can talk them out of their gold fillings.”

  Catwalk agreed and she blended into the crowd. He watched as she passed the hat while talking with them about her performance. By the time she was finished the crowd was laughing like they were at a vaudeville show. From all appearances, she was perfect at working the audience and Catwalk was content to let her handle it.

  When they counted up the take, they’d earned eighteen dollars and forty cents; two weeks wages on the farm. With her usual exuberance, Billy Sue said, “This is nothing. At a fair in Dallas last year, Dan and I made ninety bucks for two shows.”

  They flew seven shows in the next few weeks and made expenses plus thirty dollars. Billy Sue had made a name for herself with her previous pilot, so the word began to spread and crowds began to grow. Catwalk was content to let her have all the notoriety, although she sang his praise when working the audiences. His reputation as a skilled but safe acrobatic pilot grew, and being accepted by the public pleased Catwalk immensely. This, plus their increased purses improved his outlook on the barnstorming profession, but deep down inside Catwalk wanted to fly airliners and he wouldn’t be truly content until he was back in the cockpit of the Boeing.

  When they spent the night outside, which was often because there weren’t many hotels that would allow blacks to rent rooms, Billy Sue had a tent and Catwalk slept under the wing of the Jenny. One night after a show in Abilene, Cat was laying under the wing during a rain storm. Billy Sue stuck her head out and yelled, “Cat, why don’t you come in here with me. It’s drier in here.”

  “I’m fine, Billy Sue. Thanks for the invite, but it’s not raining that hard.”

  “O.K. Suit yourself.”

  The next morning, Billy Sue asked him, “Cat, do you like me.”

  “Sure, I like you and I like working with you.”

  “Well, then why wouldn’t you come in the tent last night to get out of the rain?”

  “Actually I didn’t think it was proper, for you and me to be sleeping together.”

  “We would have been sleeping together in the same tent, but we wouldn’t have been sleeping together, not like married folk.” She hesitated, then asked, “It’s because of Sam, isn’t it? You still feel like you’re tied to her, don’t you?”

  “Yes, I kind of, do. I know it’s silly, with her being gone, but that’s the way it is.”

  “Well, it’s not my place to say this, but I think you should accept the fact that she’s dead and get on with your life. I’m sorry if that doesn’t sit well with you, but that’s my opinion.”

  Catwalk smiled, “Thanks for being honest with me, Billy Sue.” Then he thought, that is much easier said than done.

  Ten days later, they’d just finished a show in Albuquerque, when Catwalk said, “What would you think about taking a few days off?”

  “Sure, I’m game. Are you going somewhere?”

  “No, but I’ll take you over to the farm where I live. It’s not far from here and you can rest up. This will give me a chance to work on the Jenny too. She needs some attention.”

  As Billy Sue climbed into the rear cockpit, she said, “That sounds great. Maybe while we’re there we can work on a new routine.”

  Catwalk landed in the familiar field an hour and a half later. Julio waved as he spotted the Jenny and walked over to the plane. Catwalk climbed down and introduced Billy Sue who shook Julio’s hand, then walked over to the Boeing that was parked outside the hangar. “Damn, this is beautiful airplane.” She saw the name and said, “It’s her plane, Hunh?”

  “Yes, it is.”

  “What a gorgeous piece of machinery.”

  “God damn, if it ain’t the barnstormer!” Curly had come down from the house. He shook Catwalk’s hand and said, ”Who is this, Cat?”

  “Curly, this is my partner, Billy Sue Jenkins.”

  She stuck out her hand and said, “Pleased to meet you, Curly. Cat told me all about his best friend that flies the big airliners.”

  Curly blushed and said, “Aw, that ain’t nothin’. He’s a better pilot than I’ll ever be. Hey, you guys want a drink? We ought to celebrate your visit.”

  Catwalk declined, but Billy Sue was all smiles when she said, “Sure, Curly, I’ll have a drink. I’d like to hear all about airline flying.”

  As they walked away he heard Curly telling her, “There was this one time, when I was landing in Denver. It was pouring rain and I had an engine out….”

  Catwalk thought of their similar demeanors and how well suited they were for each other. He then wondered if he’d have to look for another wing walker soon. He retired to the shack he and Curly shared and lay down with a book. He couldn’t concentrate on the book because Billy Sue’s words kept coming back to him, “You should let her go and move on with your life.”

  Yes, he should.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  Curly and Billy Sue had gone out to the Bearcat Tavern after dinner. Although Catwalk had wanted to talk to Billy Sue, he welcomed the chance to stretch out and relax with a book. At two o’clock they came stumbling into the shack—drunk and in love.

  Curly bellowed, “Hey, Cat, guesh wha’?”

  Still half asleep, he answered, “What, Curly?”

  Billy Sue yelled, “We’re getting married.”

  Catwalk wanted to crawl under the covers, but sleepily he said, “Congratulations. When did you decide this?”

  “Tonight,” Curly said.

  “I mean did you decide to get married when you were sober, or after you got drunk?”

  Curly and Billy Sue were in a tight embrace, kissing each other with unbridled passion. When they split, Curly said, “Wha’d you say?”

  Cat said, “Congratulations. I’ll sleep in the barn, so you
can have your privacy.”

  Curly slurred, “Thanksh, Cat. Hey, -hic- will you be my besht man?”

  “Curly, I’d be honored.” With that Billy Sue gave him a big hug and said, “Cat, you’re wonderful, and you’re the best pilot I’ve ever worked for.”

  Catwalk went to the barn with the intention of sleeping, but the sounds of their love making came through the thin walls of the shack for a couple of hours. When dawn broke he walked up to the house to get a cup of coffee. He asked Julio, “Have you heard the news?”

  “No, but I heard the two drunks come home late last night. Christ, they were noisy.”

  “They’re getting married.”

  “Oh, really. You know, Cat, I think liquor causes as many marriages as it does divorces. I’m betting they’ll wake up this morning and call a truce; make a more sensible arrangement.”

  “I hope so.”

  “If she gets married, will she still fly with you?”

  “I wouldn’t want to work with another man’s wife; traveling around and all.”

  “Good thinking.”

  Catwalk had just finished breakfast when Curly walked into the kitchen. “Morning,” was all he said. He poured a cup of coffee, lit a cigarette and sat down.

  Catwalk asked, “So, when is the date?”

  “What do you mean? What date?”

  Catwalk chuckled, “The wedding date, Curly. Last night when you two came home, you said you were getting married, but you didn’t say when.”

  Curly looked at Catwalk with disbelief written all over his face. “Oh shit. Now I remember. Damn it, I wonder if Billy Sue remembers.”

  As if on cue, Billy Sue walked in, gave Curly a peck on the cheek and said, “Hi, Cat. Hi, honey. You don’t look too good this morning.”

  “Yeah, too much whiskey, I think. How do you feel?”

  “I feel wonderful. I haven’t danced like that in ages.” She twirled and danced around the kitchen, reliving her fantastic night of partying.

  Curly said, “I don’t remember too much of last night. Do you remember everything that we did, Billy Sue?”

  “I sure do.” She said with a grin.

  Curly looked at Catwalk, who raised his eyebrows. Then Curly asked, “Did we, ah, did we talk about getting married?”

  “We sure did, honey. You said we could get hitched right after you get your next pay raise. I’m so excited. What do you think, Cat?”

  “I think it’s wonderful, but I’ll have to find another wing walker.”

  “Why?” She asked with a hurt expression. “I can still work with you after I’m married.”

  Catwalk poured a cup of coffee, then said, “Billy Sue, I just don’t think it would be right to be traveling around with another man’s wife.”

  Curly said, “I don’t mind. If Billy Sue wants to keep working with you, I’m fine with that. If I can’t trust you, Cat, who can I trust?”

  Billy Sue said, “There. See. He don’t mind.”

  Catwalk shook his head. “Billy Sue, I like working with you, but it’s different now that you’re spoken for.”

  Curly, who wasn’t as excited about the upcoming nuptials, seized the opportunity. “Well, maybe we should postpone the wedding for a while so you can fly some more.”

  Billy Sue countered, emphatically, “No way, Buster!” She sat down and looked Curly in the eye. “Are you having second thoughts?”

  “No, Billy Sue, but….” He never got to finish.

  “But, what? Do you want to get married or not?”

  “Well, I do, Billy Sue. But, maybe we’re rushing into this.”

  “Oh, now I get it. Last night it was I love you, Billy Sue, and Billy Sue, I can’t live without you. But, today after you got laid, it’s a different story. Now that you’ve ridden the horse, you’re not so sure you want to buy it, right?”

  “No, Billy Sue, that’s not it at all.” He ran a hand through his curly red hair. “I just think we made a decision last night that should have been made when we were sober.”

  Billy Sue turned to Catwalk and said, “When is your next show?”

  “I’m going up to the Douglas County Fair in Colorado Springs, day after tomorrow.”

  Emphatically, Billy Sue said, “I’m going with you, and I’m not spoken for.”

  Catwalk looked at Curly who shrugged his shoulders. He said, “O.K. I’ve got to help Julio with some maintenance. I’m taking the Boeing up later if you want to go.”

  “Sure, Catwalk, I’ll go anywhere as long as he’s not flying.”

  On his way to the hangar, Catwalk thought about the scene he’d just witnessed. He liked Billy Sue, but she and Curly were two of a kind; wild and prone to making irresponsible decisions. He wondered if they’d end up together, even though she hated him now. Then he thought about Sam. Her questions used to catch him off guard, but she was easy to talk to, and he felt if they’d had the chance, they wouldn’t have gotten married until the time was right. It was times like this that he realized how right they had been for each other, and how much he still missed her.

  At the hangar Julio asked, “When is the date?”

  “Curly had second thoughts, then they had a fight and now the wedding is off.”

  “Was Billy Sue ready to go through with it?”

  “She was, but now she’s pretty upset.”

  Julio shook his head and said, “Curly gets into that booze and you never know what’s going to happen.”

  Catwalk didn’t want to belabor this, so he asked, “Do you want me change the plugs on the Boeing?”

  “Yes, on engines two and three. I did number one yesterday. Then we’ve got to clean the fuel filters and you can take her up for a test flight.”

  “Good, I miss flying her.”

  Julio asked, “Are you ever going back to Rocky Mountain, or are you going to keep barnstorming?”

  “I want to go back to flying for the airline, but not if it’s going to affect the passenger loads. I don’t want to be the cause of Barney going out of business.”

  Julio put down the hammer and wiped his hands on a rag. He looked at Cat and said, “Listen to me, son. Barney would rather go out of business with you flying for the airline, than stay in business with you doing something else. He wants you to be an airline pilot because he knows how much you want it. Personally, I think you should go back and don’t worry about the passengers. If they want to fly with you, fine. If they don’t, to hell with them. Over time people will accept colored pilots, but you can’t let the ignorant ones ruin your dreams.”

  “Thanks, Julio. I appreciate your support.”

  Three hours later Catwalk and Billy Sue went up for a test flight in the Boeing. Billy Sue didn’t say much, except that she thought it was the most magnificent airplane she’d ever been in. Catwalk kept up a running dialog about the Boeing because he didn’t want her to talk about her fight with Curly. Even so, she finally asked, “What do you think I should do, Cat?”

  “I don’t know, Billy Sue. It was you and him that decided to get married while you were in your cups, so you’ll have to work it out with him.”

  “Do you think he loves me?”

  “Well, he’s only known you for one day. Maybe Curly can fall in love in one day, I don’t know. If you want to work things out with him, you should do it when you’re sober.”

  “You must think I’m pretty daffy, but I had such a good time last night. I can’t tell you how long it’s been since I had that much fun; we did the Charleston and Black Bottom for hours. I guess that’s why Curly and I hit it off so well.”

  Catwalk didn’t comment and Billy Sue looked out the window until she asked, “Well, can I still fly with you?”

  “I think I’m only going to do two more shows, the one in Colorado Springs and then one in Garden City, Kansas. You can do those if you want to, but then I’m going to see if Barney will let me go back to fly with Rocky Mountain.”

  “O.K., I’ll do those with you and then maybe come back here and talk to Cu
rly. Maybe after he’s had some time to think things over, we can work things out.”

  Catwalk said, “I hope things work out for you, Billy Sue.” He was thinking, however, about his return to Rocky Mountain Airways. It was easy for everyone to say he should just ignore the passengers who didn’t want to fly with him, but they didn’t have to stand there and feel the revulsion, or look into their eyes and see the hatred, knowing their feelings had nothing to do with his flying ability.

  But, those passengers were standing between him and his dream and he resented it. So, now it was time to make everyone proud by stepping up and staring the problem in the face. It was time for him to show the world that he had the ability to become an airline pilot and there were no obstacles that he couldn’t overcome.

  He returned to the field and made a textbook three point landing that brought a compliment, “Nice grease job!” from Billy Sue. He told Julio the plane was ready to go back on the line and then wrote a six page letter to his Momma.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  Catwalk flew the two air shows with Billy Sue. They both paid well, which helped build his savings that had been dwindling due to parts he had to buy for the Jenny. After the last show he flew Billy Sue back to the farm, so she could talk to Curly. Not wanting to get in the middle of their squabble, he took off for Albuquerque, determined to shed the life of a barnstormer and resume the life of an airline pilot.

  When Barney saw him sitting in the operations office, he didn’t mince words. “I hope you’re here to work.”

  Catwalk stood up to shake his hand and said, “I am.”

  “Good. In two weeks I’m adding two trips daily to our schedule. I’ll be putting both birds in service and buying a third. I’m going to need a couple more pilots. I’m breaking in a new pilot for the next two days, but starting on Wednesday you can fly with me through the end of the week to get back in the swing of things?”

  “I’d like that, Barney.”

  “Good. In the mean time, you can help out on the ramp. I’ve ordered uniforms for all the employees. The ramp personnel will have tan coveralls with Rocky Mountain Airways on the back. The pilots will wear white shirts and a tan jacket with the airline symbol on the pocket. When we get everyone fitted out, I’ll hire a photographer to come out and take a group picture.”