Then Sings My Soul Read online

  "Is it all folks say it is? You know, wall-to-wall people, bright lights, no body sleeps? Tell me what life is like in New York?"

  "I don't live there no more," I said. I wanted to hear more about Sadie but I was afraid to ask. I watched her cut up some meat and toss it into the pot. After a while I asked, "Did you hear anymore from her?"

  "Who? Oh, my sister? Yeah, last time she called, she said she believed somebody put a spell on her."

  I gasped. "A spell?"

  "Yeah, you know, hoo doo. Sadie was always into something. I don't believe in none of that stuff, but she did. She said she'd hadn't been able to eat, her appetite was gone."

  "What made her think somebody put a spell on her?"

  "I don't know, a feeling, I guess. I use to be into that stuff, but not any more."

  She went on and on, but I wasn't listening. All those dreadful memories came flooding back, Willie Joe and Sadie. Just then I heard Melvin and Hazel hollering at each other. Hazel came running into the kitchen. Her eyes filled with tears.

  "Melvin hit me!"

  I held her in my arms and wiped away her tears with my handkerchief. Then I went outside. "Melvin," I called looking around the dusty yard. I found him sitting behind the barn.

  "Why'd you hit your sister? You too old for that and she's just a baby."

  "She ain't no baby," he pouted. "I hit her because she was taunting me, calling me names and saying she was gonna turn me into a goat."

  "Turn you into a goat? Where did that come from?"

  "Tyreshia told her to do it."

  "Tyreshia," I said. "Who's she?"

  I looked around for Hazel and spotted her standing beside another girl I hadn't noticed before. About the same age as Hazel, but she was much thinner than my daughter, her complexion darker. She wore a faded yellow dress that looked too small and came up to the top of her thighs. She didn't have no shoes on and her hair looked like it hadn't been combed in quite a while. Both of them standing there reminded me of Sadie and myself when we were that age. As I drew closer to them, I stopped. Something about Tyreshia struck me, something in her eyes made me step back.

  "Mama, this is Tyreshia, Miss Edna Mae's daughter," Hazel said.

  I nodded to her, then turning my attention to Hazel, I stood between them. "Why were you taunting your brother? What's this about turning him into a goat?"

  "We was only playing. He's so serious. He didn't have to hit me." She stuck her tongue out at Melvin.

  "Sorry, Ma'am," Tyreshia said. "We was only playing. We won't do it again."

  I barely glanced at her. I went back into the house and soon forgot all about what happened.

  I didn't have to get back to work for another week and school was out for the summer, so me and the children stayed with Mama. Edna Mae was glad to get a vacation. I cooked, cleaned, and took care of Mama. Since Edna had shopped and the pantry was stocked with fruits and vegetables that Mama had canned before she got sick, I didn't need to go into town. Except for one day towards the end of our stay, I decided to take the children to the carnival. Melvin begged me so hard I had to give in. One of Mama's church members came over to look after her while we were gone.

  It was a hot summer evening when we walked over to the carnival. Melvin and Hazel were getting along for a change. As we got closer to town, some friends Melvin knew joined us. Hazel walked beside me.

  The carnival, in the field across from the canning factory, had transformed the place into a festive atmosphere. The Ferris wheel lit up the evening sky with its bright lights. There was bumper cars, a small roller coaster, all sorts of sideshows and stalls where you could eat your fill of hot dogs, cotton candy and Pepsi or lemonade. Melvin and his friends disappeared. Hazel's eyes were wide with amazement. They didn't have carnivals like this back in Philadelphia. This was her first carnival and I could feel her excitement. She wanted me to get on the Ferris wheel with her. Having a fear of heights, I wasn't too sure about that.

  "I'll just sit here and watch you. Now you go on. I'll be right here when you get back." Disappointment showed on her face.

  Suddenly, it seemed like out of nowhere, Tyreshia appeared. We hadn't seen her since the day Hazel and Melvin got into that argument. I assumed her mother had taken her with her on vacation. Hazel's face brightened as she ran over to her.

  Grabbing her by the hand, Hazel pulled her over to where I sat.

  "Tyreshia wants to go on the rides with me, but she don't have no money."

  For a moment I didn't know what to say. I peered up at the girl who had on the same dirty dress she wore a week ago, hair uncombed, her skinny legs covered with dried mud and she was barefoot. I still couldn't believe she was Edna Mae's daughter and that her mother would let her go running around looking like that.

  "Please," Hazel begged. "We won't go far."

  "Well, go ahead." Feeling sorry for her, I gave them both a dime and off they ran. I watched them run over to the ticket booth, get tickets and head towards the Ferris wheel.

  "Why it can't be. Is that you Sarah?" I turned around and there was Sug, looking just the same as when I saw her those many years ago at the factory, a little older and she'd put on some weight, otherwise she looked the same. I stood up and we hugged.

  "Whatchu doing here, girl? I heard you was in town. Why haven't you come around to see me?"

  I told her about my marriage and John's passing. "I'm just here to look after my mother. We're leaving on Monday."

  I wanted to ask her about Fred, Hazel's father. But I didn't. She told me she was still working at the factory. She said the only thing changed was that some Civil Rights workers had come into town and were trying to get the Negroes to register and vote.

  "This done stirred up the Klan. Some of them crackers been trying to scare us, riding through our neighborhood at night with their white sheets and burning crosses on people's lawns. But we fixed them. We showed them we wasn't scared. This is a new day."

  Before she could finish, Hazel and Tyreshia came running back. I introduced my daughter to Sug.

  "Nice to meet you, Ma'am" Hazel said politely, like I taught her. I gave her and Tyreshia another dime to ride the bumper cars. They took off skipping, holding hands and giggling.

  "She sure is cute," Sug said after they'd gone. "Looks just like you. Got your nose and such a pretty smile. Her eyes, though, reminds me of somebody. I just can't think. And was that Tyreshia, Edna Mae's daughter with her? Girl, whatchu letting your baby hang around with her for? Don't you know?"

  "Don't I know what?" I felt my stomach tighten.

  "That girl's trouble. Takes after her aunt. The one that's dead, Sadie."

  "What do you mean, takes after?'"

  "You know… into all that strange stuff. The whole family's into it."

  "Not Edna Mae?"

  "No, I think she's the only sane one in the family. The rest of them is crazy. I wouldn't let my children around them."

  Over Sug's shoulder, I watched Hazel and Tyreshia on the bumper cars. They were two eleven -year olds having fun as they rode around the rink slamming into each other and others. Come Monday, we'll be gone, thank goodness, I thought.

  I found myself watching Hazel closely after that. Watching to see what, I don't know. The weekend passed quickly and before long, it was time to go home. Mama had rallied a little. Edna Mae had come back and I had to be back at work on Tuesday. While I hated to leave Mama, especially knowing it might be the last time I'd see her alive, I was glad to be getting out of Farmville, away from painful memories, and most grateful to get Hazel away from Tyreshia and all that hoo doo nonsense.

  Chapter 41 - Hazel

  Hazel sat at her desk shuffling through her papers but her mind was on the book and all she'd been through and what she'd learned. Mr. Frazier had told her that one of the numbers on the paper she'd given him was indeed a post office box number and that it belonged to the Titus Corporation. And she'd gotten the license plate number of the men who'd attacked her the night before. F
rom a friend of Kevin's who worked for DMV, she found out the LADELUK belonged to a Manfield Jones who lived in Compton.

  She reached for the telephone book to look up the address for the Titus Corporation. It was located in Century City, too far for her to go on her lunch hour. She'd have to wait until she got off. Hazel copied down the address and phone number and stuffed the paper into her purse. What she planned to do with the information, she didn't know.

  "Hazel, Do you have that Strickland file ready?" Mr. Levine peered down at her. Startled, she almost jumped.

  "Yes, it's nearly finished," she answered, glancing down at the pile of papers on her desk.

  "Bring it into my office as soon as it's complete." He turned away.

  She sighed as she searched through the disorganized pile for the Strickland account. When she found it, she began leafing through the file for the accounts payable page. As she tallied the figures, she was suddenly aware of Diane standing over her.

  "You look like you could use some help. I could have one of the new temps take some of the load off your shoulders."

  Hazel looked up and smiled. "Thanks, but I've got it together." Her eyes lingered on Diane as she watched her saunter down the aisle to another desk, peering over shoulders and issuing orders. Diane had moved up to supervisor and everyone knew how she got that position. Monica who had been there longer and knew more about the job than any of them had gotten her pink slip.

  Even though Diane had been hired the same time as Hazel, she had secured her position and gone one better. If you can't beat them, join them, she'd said many times. She knew how to get what she wanted and more importantly, she knew the bosses. Despite the tinge of envy Hazel felt whenever she observed Diane, she liked her because she hadn't lost any of her down-to-earth qualities.

  A good sense of humor, generous and a willingness to help, she didn't act like she was better than her peers.

  After leaving Mr. Levine's office, Hazel passed Diane's desk. She hesitated. Deciding to take a chance, she sat down and waited for Diane to get off the phone.

  "Have you ever heard of the Titus Corporation?" she asked.

  "No, can't say that I have. Why?" Diane said.

  "I came across their name and was wondering about the company, that's all."

  "Hazel, you know you don't have to worry about getting laid off. I told you I'd look out for you." Diane took out her compact, smoothed her hair and refreshed her makeup.

  "No, it's not that. I was just curious since I'd never heard of them before."

  "I haven't either so I can't help you. It's almost lunchtime. Want to go out to lunch?" she asked. "There's a new Greek restaurant on Grand that I've been dying to try but I don't want to go alone."

  "Maybe next time," Hazel said. "I brought my lunch."

  The phone rang and as Diane reached across to answer, Hazel returned to her desk.

  The rest of the day went by as usual with no more thoughts of the Titus Corporation or the LADILUK license plate. Just as Hazel prepared to leave for the day, Diane came rushing over.

  "I got so busy I almost forgot to give you this." She handed Hazel a stack of papers. "It's what I could find about the Titus Corporation. Hope it's what you're looking for. You missed a great meal. Next time you have nothing to do at lunch, I'll treat you. " She turned to go. "I got a hot date tonight with Joe McKinney. See you tomorrow."

  "Joe McKinney. Isn't he the sales manager?"

  Diane winked and headed for the door along with the first wave of departing employees. Hazel glanced through the material on the Titus Corporation her colleague had given her. Nothing unusual. But what did she know? She glanced at the names of the board members and their pictures. A collection of suits and smiles including a few women.

  Hazel closed the report and gathered her things. Deciding to call it a day, she headed for the elevator. In the parking lot, as she sat in her car, she reached under the seat and withdrew the black book. She leafed through the pages of numbers that meant nothing to her. As she turned on the freeway to head home, she passed her exit and kept going. When she realized it, she was near Century City.Titus Corporation Building was on the corner of Washington Blvd. and Sutter, a huge imposing structure surrounded by glass. Curiously, she pulled into the parking lot, got out of her car, and went into the lobby suddenly feeling the urge to use the restroom. "I should have gone before I left work," she chided herself.

  Most of the flow of human traffic in the lobby was heading for the exit door. It was after five. Glancing around the huge lobby, she saw a uniformed man sitting at a circular desk at the far end. As she hurried toward him, another man dressed in a business suit and carrying a briefcase stopped by the desk and said something to the security guard, which made him laugh. As Hazel approached them she heard them engaged in an animated conversation about baseball. "Bet you two tickets to the game if the Dodgers win tonight," the man in the suit said.

  Hazel stood beside the desk and waited for them to notice her.

  "You're on. And if they lose, what will I get?" the security guard responded.

  Hazel could wait no longer. Interrupting their banter, she asked where the restrooms were. The security guard glanced at her and pointed to the elevators at the other end.

  "Just beyond that bank of elevators, turn right and you can't miss it." He turned back to the man in the suit.

  She walked quickly towards the elevators, following his directions; however, just as she located the doors marked "Women's Restroom," her eyes fell upon a man coming towards her. He was pushing a large trashcan. Every few feet, he stopped to empty the receptacles lining the hall. Instantly she recognized him. It was one of the men who attacked her. Though it had been dark, his bulky frame, thick neck and broad shoulders were imprinted on her memory. What confirmed it was the way he moved; slightly rocking from side to side on bowed legs. She was sure he'd recognize her if he saw her.

  She dashed into the nearest door, which happened to be a small service closet. Cracking the door, she watched him pass. Despite her bursting bladder, she followed him. Fortunately, the flow of people in the lobby had ebbed somewhat yet it was still possible to tail him without being spotted. He stopped to speak to the security guard; then he went down another corridor and through a door marked "Employees Only."

  Hazel hesitated. After counting to twenty-five she eased the door open and saw a flight of stairs. Cautiously making her way down the steps, she listened for sounds. Facing her were several doors. She listened at each one. Behind the door marked "Locker Room" she heard voices and laughter. She waited, her heart beating fast, her bladder nearly bursting.

  "See you folks tomorrow," she heard someone say and then the sound of a time clock being punched.

  "Don't come in with another hangover, Manny."

  "Fuck you," she heard him reply.

  The door opened and out walked the man Hazel was following. Quickly she ducked into a niche, hugging the wall and praying he didn't see her. Now dressed in street clothes, plaid shirt, brown pants, he took the steps two at a time, reaching the top before Hazel could pull herself together to follow.

  By the time she got to the door, she saw him through the plate glass window, striding towards the parking lot.

  "Can I help you, Miss? The building will be closing in fifteen minutes." She whirled around and saw the guard who had directed her to the restroom earlier. Unable to ignore her bladder any longer, she said, "Excuse me, I forgot something," and before he could reply, she dashed off to the restroom. Giving up on being able to continue her sleuthing for the day, she drove home. There's always tomorrow, she thought.

  Chapter 42 - Ma’dear

  Mama didn't live more than a few weeks after we got home. I was able to get two days off from my job and leaving the children with a neighbor, I went down to the funeral. Life began to return to normal and for a while, my spirits picked up and I began to believe everything would be all right. No more thoughts of Sadie, Farmville, or the past. The year went by too quickly. Th
en one day, I got a call from Edna saying she was in Philly for a few days and wanted to drop by. I really didn't want her to but I couldn't say no. Still, when she showed up at my door a few hours later, I was happy to see her smiling face until I saw stepping out from behind her, Tyreshia, her daughter.

  "Give your aunt a hug, Tyreshia," Edna said.

  Seeing the surprised look on my face, she explained. "You don't mind if she calls you aunt?"

  Tyreshia, looking a lot cleaner than the last time I saw her, hugged me and kissed me on the cheek. She'd grown a bit, her body filled out in the gingham dress she wore. Her hair parted down the center with two braids pinned to the top of her head. She looked almost innocent except when you looked into her eyes. There was something devilish there. I stepped back.

  "How's the children?" Edna asked.

  "Melvin went to the movies. Hazel's at her friend's house."

  "I was hoping to see them while we was here."

  When I heard Edna was coming, I sent Hazel to play at her friend's house hoping she'd be away until she left.

  "Child, you got a nice looking place here," Edna said, walking around the room, peering into the kitchen. "You got an eye for decorating. I can tell." She settled down on the sofa. Tyreshia sat down near the window.

  "I know you wondering why I'm here. I got a cousin who don't live too far from here and we had some time to kill before the bus leaves and I wanted to bring this to you. It's a letter from Sadie. Don't make no sense to me but since she mentions you, I thought you might understand it."

  She handed me an envelope that looked like it had been stuffed somewhere for a long time. It was crumbled, stained, and tore open roughly. It was addressed to Edna and postmarked some fifteen years earlier. My hand shook as I opened it.

  "My dear sister," it read in Sadie's neat scrawl. I had always admired how she wrote, how the letters slanted just right and she had a way of making her "g's" and "y's" stand out in a fancy way. As I read through the three pages, I was struck by the affection Sadie had for her little sister. Then I got to the part about me. I held my breath as I read,