THIRTEEN FOR DINNER

Thirty one

THIRTY-ONE

       James Faulkner’s study would rival the oval office. I’ve never seen anything like it. He is a rice tycoon that’s for certain. The man is wealthy, acquiring the latest and best life has to offer. I try not to act too impressed seeing I am the granddaughter of Allen T. Griffin and according to everyone he is rumored to be filthy rich so for all intents and purposes I should be used to rooms like this.

            James points to a lovely sitting area just a few yards away from his gargantuan hand carved desk. I’m relieved. I would hate to think he would sit behind his desk being superior cold and aloof when his daughter needed him.

            Emily and I take our seats on a maroon velvet sofa, carved out of dark wood. It’s not that comfortable but then again I don’t think I can relax anyway. James sits across from us in a high back leather chair but pours himself a glass if brandy before he does.

            Sighing he rubs his eyebrows and then looks at Emily straight on.

            “You have to stop working the railroad Emily. You did some good there for a while but now it’s too dangerous. If you drop your activity now I don’t think you can be implicated in any wrong doing.”

            Emily is stunned to silence and so am I.

            “Daddy…” she begins but he interrupts her.

            “I’ve known for a while and honestly I am proud of you. Your mother doesn’t know mind you, so I wouldn’t be talking about it in front of her.”

            “I don’t know what to say.” Emily sounds relieved and suddenly I feel jealous. How easy was that? Miss Emily does have absolutely everything. Favor from above must shower down on her every day of her life, and suddenly I despise my own daddy even more.

            “You’ve got a heart of gold honey,” he piles it on; “I’ve actually followed you from time to time, making sure you were safe.”

            Oh how the tide turns. His statement drips with accusation and I feel Emily shift her position on the small couch. If James Faulkner has trailed behind on some of her nightly escapades, undetected, then he must also know of her involvement with Lunar. I can feel the warmth radiating off her face from where I’m sitting. I shift in my seat too. It’s getting really uncomfortable so I place my hands in my dress pockets to keep from twisting my fingers in anxiousness. Talk about favor, I feel a cold round object hidden deep within the fabric. James Faulkner’s wedding ring! I bite my lip to keep from smiling. They day of reckoning has come and the truth will set Emily free.

            “Emily there are some things I will close a blind eye to, other things I will not,” Mr. Faulkner is speaking in his disciplinary tone. “Allowing my daughter to be with a Negro is unacceptable.”

            “Daddy,” Emily is quick on the defense, “Lunar is more than a Negro. He’s a person, a human being with feelings and we love each other.”

            “Enough!” James cuts her off. “You are going to end it right here, right now. No more railroad, no more Lunar. I’m selling him off right after harvest. I have a buyer up in North Carolina that will be here first of October to take him away”

            Emily gasps and stands to her feet trembling. “Daddy don’t you dare!”

            “It’s already in the works Emily, I’ve made up my mind. Believe me I’m doing what’s best for the both of you. What kind of life do you think you can have loving a Negro?”