Page:The Blacker the Berry - Thurman - 1929.djvu/100

 Why didn’t this man either shut up or get out?

“I told you what to do. Now please do one or the other. You've taken up enough of my time. The license bureau”

“You know I ain’t goin’ down there. I’d rather you keep the fee, if you think it will do you any good.”

“I only keep what belongs to me. I’ve found out that’s the best policy.”

Why should they want three people for reference? Where had she worked before? Lies. Los Angeles was far away.

“Then, if a job comes in you’ll give it to me?”

“That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you.”

“Awright.” And finally he went out.

Mrs. Blake grinned across the desk at Emma Lou. “Your folks won’t do, honey.”

“Do you have many like that?”

The card was made out. Mrs. Blake had it in her hand. Telephones ringing, both at once. Loud talking in the outer office. Lies. Los Angeles was far away. I can bluff. Mrs. Blake had finished reading over the card.

“Just came to New York, eh?”

“Yes.”

“Like it better than Los Angeles?”

The good-looking young man turned around and