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Ninety Days Inside The Empire: A Novel by William Appleman Williams

Into the Dining Room

Page 66

"That's all good, but she's got to take care of that baby."

"I told her that and got laced right back that's between her and Abbey Mae."

Mitch shuffled his glass a moment.

"Now don't go into a power spin over this. It's a great idea, but can you actually do it?"

"Hell, Mitch, I don't know. Susan and I both did high school and college newspaper stuff, so we know the mechanics and how to write that style. What we got to have is the people who know the issues and can get other people to open up and talk. What we can do is give it a run. If we get a good sample issue by Friday it ought to bring people into it."

"Fair enough. I'll leave you alone. Marsh wants me to sit in with him and Griff and Wendell and maybe Clay every night till Friday. I won't see you till then. You want us to pick you up?"

"Thanks, but Run-Run's hot for this for some reason." He hesitated. "I don't mean that quite like it sounded. It's strange. He and his family were always very strong on equality and civil rights, but he's never been this determined to do something himself."

"Were you close enough to hear his answer about Zionism last night?"

"No. I was off with Marsh and some others, but Susan told me about it."

"Maybe America's his Israel."

"Jesus, I never thought of that one. Maybe you got it. Anyway, he's not about to sit and watch, and he mentioned he might have some connections with a couple of local businessmen."

"We need everyone we can find. And then some. Want a ride home?"

"No. I need a walk. I'll foot it up to the main gate and hitch a ride or catch a bus. See you Friday night."

"With a paper!"

"Sir."

Cat was greeted at home by an energetic but mysteriously cryptic Susan.

"Hurry up now, Cat. You wait for a drink. We got company comin' at eight sharp and I want the kitchen clear. How'd it go with the Admiral?"

Cat wanted other things.

-- Please, Susan, leave me have a nap.

"Well, I'm still in the Navy and I'm still flying. You don't sound too concerned."

She walked into him warm and soft, yet firm in special places.

"Oh, Cat, I know I'm goofy sometimes but I'm so excited. How was it really with the Admiral?"

"Well, we both got into a bit of a flat spin but we got out. I could have done without it but it wasn't so bad I can't file it and get on with other things. So what are you so excited about?"

"People are coming to talk about the paper."

-- There goes my nap.

"Who?"

"That's my secret."

"I got one, too."

"What?"

"That's my secret."

They relished and hugged each other and went into the kitchen to eat. Then he washed and she dried, finishing up in time to set out their modest supply of beer and booze. Through all of that Cat kept hoping that the incoming clouds would kill the sunset before the guests and the supplies arrived.

The visitors at church and his talk with the Admiral left him unsure about how many people were watching them. The thought nagged him to the point of embarrassment for having it, and he shivered a bit and frowned.

Susan saw it.