She opened her closet and rifled through the numerous jackets. Her fingers landed on the soft black leather of her favorite jacket, and she quickly tugged it off the hanger and tossed it in the bag. She pulled a chair over to the window and stood on it. She pulled the curtain rod down and stepped off the chair. She unscrewed the finial on the end. She smiled at the roll of hundred-dollar bills stuffed inside.
She’d saved as much money as she could for months now. She didn’t understand her compulsion at the time, but now it made perfect sense. Long before she accepted the fact she was leaving, she was making her escape.
She laughed as she dug out the roll. She quickly counted the money on the floor. When she was done it was close to three thousand dollars.
Not much. But more than enough to get her through until she found another job. A respectable job.
Hope swelled in her chest and crested. She was on her path to a new life. She was getting her do-over. She was getting it with Lucien.
She grabbed the money, wrapped it in a rubber band and tossed it in her bag.
She glanced at the time.
Mrs. Willis.
She needed to go see Mrs. Willis before she left. She didn’t want the old woman to think she’d abandoned her.
Setting her duffle by the door, she grabbed her keys and checked the time. She’d make a quick trip to say goodbye to Mrs. Willis and then come back and wait for Lucien.
Then she was going to start living.
She hurried out the door and made her way downstairs. As she stepped outside she inhaled deep. A sense of hope for the future settle around her. Smiling she took off in the direction of Mrs. Willis’s house.
As she got closer, Catty kept to the shadows so she wouldn’t draw attention to herself. It was after ten and people were hanging out on the street and front porches.
Mrs. Willis’s house came into view. She waited until the men on the porch next door finished their cigarette and headed inside before running over to Mrs. Willis’s house.
Her heart banged in her chest as she knocked on the front door.
After a few moments, Mrs. Willis called out. “Who is it?”
“It’s Catty, Mrs. Willis. Can I come inside?” She pressed her hand to the door as she spoke. One of the men next door had come back outside and was watching her with interest.
“Catty?” Mrs. Willis fiddled with the locks before throwing the door open. “Dear, is everything okay?”
“Yes ma’am.” She stepped inside and shut the door behind her.
“It’s late. You shouldn’t be over here this late at night.” Mrs. Willis chided.
“I know, but this couldn’t wait until morning.”
“Well, come on into the living room.” She led the way, tapping her cane against the hardwood floors.
“I don’t have much time. I just wanted …” Catty’s voice trailed off when her gaze landed on Shelly sitting on the couch. The girl looked up and shot her a glare.
“Shelly dropped by for a visit as well.” Mrs. Willis smiled.
“I see.” Catty forced herself to smile at the girl. “Hello, Shelly.”
Shelly arched her brow as she silently studied Catty.
“Shelly brought a friend over. He must have gone to the bathroom.” Mrs. Willis smiled. “Would you like some coffee, dear?”
“No, I’m fine. Listen, I just wanted to come over and tell you I’m leaving.” The hurried words came out in a rush of excitement.
“You are?” Mrs. Willis seemed taken aback. “But what about your job?”
“Yeah, Catty. What about your job?” Big Mike walked out of the kitchen and into the living room. Shelly stood up and wrapped her arms around his waist as she nuzzled him close.
Catty’s heart nearly stopped in her chest. Big Mike.
“What are you doing here?” She murmured. He’d heard everything. She wrapped her arms around herself to keep Big Mike from seeing her tremble.
“Catty, this is Shelly’s friend, Michael.” Mrs. Willis’s smiled faded. “Now tell me more about you leaving, Catty.”
“Mrs. Willis, I had no idea you knew my friend Catty,” Big Mike said. He kept his focus on her, searing her with a glare. “Why, me and Catty go way back.”
“Is that so? It’s a small world.” Mrs. Willis eased into her chair. “Tell me, Catty, where are you moving to?”
“Probably to some little town no one’s ever heard of,” Shelly murmured.
“I don’t…” Her heart thundered in her chest as Big Mike lifted his shirt revealing a large gun on his side. Her mouth went dry and she couldn’t find the words to speak.
“I think this calls for a celebration. I’m gonna take Catty out for her last meal… here in New Orleans.” He looked down at Shelly. “Shelley go ahead and start the car. We’ll be out in a minute.”