by Bobby Dennis
“You ain’t got to worry about that type of things with us.” Ransom said.
“Hell I know that. Y’all two different kinds of people. I ain’t heard nothing but good bout y’all. And I done worked for your uncle and he’s been more than fair. Shit he done lent me money and wouldn’t let me give him no extra or anything, so I know y’all are good folk!” Tigger said seriously.
The men hurried and put away their tools, then each headed home.
* * * * Mace struggled, as Lola finished tying his tie. “You tryin to strangle me before we get to the party, Lo?”
“Mace! Please zip it shut. I want you to be on your best behavior. Look at the benefits of being affiliated with them. It would open doors that thus far have been closed!”
“Don’t start acting like them Kanes are, the be all and end’ all.” said Mace sternly. “I ain’t gonna start nothing Lo, but if something gets started with me I plan to end it!
“Mace honey you can’t always just rush in. At times, it calls for more subtle tactics. Just be a gracious host. You ain’t got to kiss ass, so don’t even think I’m saying that, but I am saying be smart. Them Kanes are hard men.
“All right baby, I can see your point.” said Mace as Lola stepped back at arms length and looked him over.
He raised his hand up and stuck one of his big fingers between his neck and collar and ran it around his throat.
“Leave that tie alone!” said Lola sternly, but with a smile.
“Lo, I ain’t use to no tie and you know that.” Mace said sadly.
“Get used to them, cause you’re about to be a big man round here!” Lola said laughing.
He pulled her into his arms and kissed her with a gentleness you wouldn’t expect from a man with so gruff an exterior.
“Stop it,” she giggled as his hands glided down to the twin globes of her ass. “We’re the host baby, that means we got to be there first to greet the guest, so none of that alright?”
“So what, let’s be late.” he said snuggling up with her.
“No! We’re gonna be the first there and last to leave, so save your energy. If you got anything left we can do this later.” she said firmly breaking his embrace.
“Is this that important to you, pleasing them Kanes?” he asked angrily.
“You keep on with them Kanes this and them Kanes that, but not once have you mentioned Celia. That’s our only daughter and she’s marrying a fine man and upstanding citizen. We ain’t about to ruin it for her. It’s special, past important and we’ll do our duty to Celia, cause she don’t deserve anything less!” she said.
His face melted, as it dawned on him that he had clean counted Celia out of the equation. “I’m sorry Lo!” he said apologetically.
“That’s alright, let’s go, we got an engagement party to oversee!” Lola said taking his hand.
* * * * By 8:00 that night, everyone was on their way to the meeting hall where the party was to be held. Lola and Mace stood by the front door waiting for the first guest to arrive.
“I forgot to tell you how beautiful you look tonight Lo!” said Mace.
“You cut a pretty dashing figure yourself honey.”
said Lola pulling him closer. Mace preened like a man half
his age.
Blake was the first to arrive. He had as his date,
Laine Brown. A pretty brown skin woman, who was tall and
sort of on the slim side. She had a fantastic body, plus she was
slightly bowlegged.
Blake wore a black suit, white shirt, tie and highly
glossed walking boots. Laine wore a blue dress that fit her
perfectly. It showed her every curve.
Soon cars were pulling in and the place was filled to
the walls with dancing couples.
* * * * There was a knock at the door and Celia looked out and saw Tim standing there. He wore a tan two piece suit of Twill, a white silk waist coat, with tan, white and red cravat, and tan boots. In his hands, he held a white straw boater. He looked dapper as he tapped his foot, waiting. “Go on in the back for a minute Lucy.” said Celia.
Lucy walked back to her room, as Celia opened the door. Tim walked in, tipped his head, and said. “Aunt Celia.”
“My, my, Timmy, you’re looking sharp!” said Celia. “Lucy come on, your escort has arrived!”
Lucy walked form the hall into the front room and Tim just stared at the way the bright yellow dress clung to her young voluptuous figure. He squinted, to see what it was that covered the thrusting mounds of her breast. He looked at her big red legs, or what he could see of them. She wore white strap heel shoes and held a small white purse underneath her breast.
“Timmy, this is Lucy, Lucy this is Timmy.” Celia said making the introductions.
Tim took Lucy’s hand in his, brought it to his lips and kissed it gently, then looked in her eyes, and said. “I’m pleased to meet you, Ms. Lucy!”
Lucy giggled, then said. “You can just call me Lucy.”
“I’d like that.” he said.
Celia watched, as the two young people were lost in each others eyes.
Raven walked into the room in a hunter green, velvet double-breasted jacket, hunter green Calvary twill trousers, a white on white starched linen shirt, with a hunter green string tie and highly polished wing tips.
Celia wore a hunter green velvet dress that stopped at her knees and a pair of emerald colored shoes.
“Y’all kids can go on.” Raven said. “We’re the guest of honor and it wouldn’t do for us to come in before y’all!”
Tim took Lucy’s hand and they headed for the door. Lucy turned her head and looked at Celia, who winked, and said. “Have a good time, we’ll see y’all later!”
After they had left, Celia looked at Raven, and asked. “Are you sure you wanna go thru with this marriage honey?”
He walked to her and pulled her into his arms, then said. “Celia I ain’t sure about much ,but I’m sure I love you. I wanna do whatever it takes to make you happy. I was alright with things as they were, but if it’s your desire to wed then that’s my desire too. I’d do what I have to, to make you happy!”
She hugged him tight, then asked. “Think it’s time we headed to the party?”
“Why not, no need to keep them waiting to see the most beautiful woman in the world!” Raven said smiling.
They walked to the door and headed out.
* * * * When Raven and Celia stepped into the hall with Mace and Lola, it seemed that even the music stopped to stare. All eyes were on them. Raven looked over at Turk and his wife Rosita, and asked. “Did you bring the stuff for us?”
“Yes sir, I did.” Turk said smiling. “Come on Blake, Pat, Prince. Let’s go to my car.”
The four men left their women and walked outside. Pat had come with his long time girlfriend Loren, a small beautiful dark skinned woman. Price was with his wife Consuela.
“Congratulation Kane.” said Mace holding his hand out.
Raven took his hand, then said. “Thanks Mace. Kind of you to honor me and Celia this way. I hope you’ll let me repay you some day.”
“No need to repay me son.” said Mace acidly.
“Mace don’t you dare.” Lola whispered fiercely.
Raven laughed and clapped Mace on the back, then said. “We won’t have to use verbal digs every time were at a function together, will we dad?”
Mace’s jaws blew up as he set himself up to respond, but Lola stopped him with an ice cold voice. “If you do, I will never speak to you again. I’ll be damned if you’re gonna ruin my baby’s day, damn it!”
“I’m sorry Lo, I couldn’t help it.” Mace said guiltily.
Hawk, Fern and their beautiful daughter Lisa, walked up to the two older couples.
“Congratulations brother.” Hawk said punching Raven in the shoulders lightly.
Drake, who was always in the role of observer watched, but what really had his attention now was Lisa. She wore a pale orange
colored dress, her hair was plastered to her head in jet black silken waves. Her legs were bare from mild thigh and his gaze locked on her dimpled knees and the curve of her calves. He looked up at her face and it seemed he fell in the deep pools that were her dark slanted eyes.
Her gaze had traveled around the room, then she saw him. She knew he was Mace, because he had the look. He was a big, light skinned man, in a well tailored brown suit. He was slowly inching his way to where she stood frozen, her eyes locked on his.
Trace, on the other side of the room, had been watching Drake. He had come in contact with him from time to time and he seemed like an alright guy. There was something about him that Trace liked, but he couldn’t put his finger on it. He looked to see what the man was staring so intently at, and saw his sister Lisa. He watched, as they held each others gaze and Trace moved in. “Come on Myra.” he said to the beautiful red woman, who was built like a sex fiends dream whore. They walked toward where Lisa stood on the edge of the circle of older people.
Drake beat them there and he stood two feet away and just stared.
Lisa, lost in the big handsome man’s eyes, also stood there mute. It seemed that nothing existed for them but each other. The crowd was oblivious to what was taking place in their midst.
Trace walked up with Myra, and said. “Drake, this is my sister Lisa. Lisa, this is Aunt Celia’s brother Drake.
“How do you do?” Drake asked reaching out his hand.
“I… I’m fine,” Lisa stammered as she took his hand in hers. It seemed the two were jolted by electricity, as they touched. Lisa blinked her eyes from the shock of the attraction.
“Would you like to dance?” Drake asked.
Lisa turned towards her parents who were engrossed in the conversation they were involved with. “Oh alright,” she replied tentatively.
Blake walked up, as Drake and Lisa took to the dance floor. “Look like Lisa done got one sprung.” he said to Trace laughing.
“Yeah, if looks are any indication, I believe you’re right brother.” said Trace laughing. “Hey Laine, how you be?”
“Hey Trace. I been doing alright, just waitin on this rotten nigga to have a big shin dig for me!” Laine said pouting.
“Don’t start in on that again, Laine.” Blake said pleadingly.
Trace decided to stir the pot a little. “That sounds like a good idea Laine. Why don’t you just do that brother.”
Myra cut in then and Trace froze at her words. “Yeah Trace y’all can give us one together.” she said eyeing Trace who she knew would run.
“I’m just joking around.” he said. “When the time is right we’ll get hitched in high style!”
The group laughed, as Ransom and Emma Jean walked over.
“What up cousins?” Ransom said gaily. “Y’all enjoying yourselves?”
They all spoke to Ransom and his wife, then Ransom asked. “Isn’t that Drake Mace dancing with Lisa?”
“Yep, that’s Drake.” said Trace. “I think Lisa got him sprung!
“No shit?” Ransom asked.
“I shit you not.” Trace said. “If you had seen it, you would have thought it was one of them dramas I been hearing so much about.”
“So, how y’all feel about Lisa seeing a Mace?” Ransom asked.
“Drake the best man in the bunch. I ain’t really had no dealings with the man, but I believe he got sand!” Trace said. “He’s got a good reputation and despite what folks say about the others, he’s seen as a fair man. And a dangerous man if crossed. I’d ride with him!”
“Yeah so would I, cause I’ve heard the same things, and I’ve seen him around. Besides, Celia’s a Mace, so they ain’t all bad.” Ransom said. “Lola’s alright too, if you get to know her.
“I’m gonna encourage the relationship, Blake will too. I see it as a way of the two families having a working relationship.” said Trace.
“I could see it as a good will offering. It can’t hurt to let them see one of theirs, with one of ours.” Ransom said.
“Damn, I thought we came to have fun and not be on the job.” Blake said as Tim approached them with a beautiful young lady on his arm.
“Hey cousins.” Tim said smiling from ear to ear.
“Be careful Timmy, or you’re going to swallow your ears, that smile so big.”
“I’d like to introduce you all to Ms. Lucy Shores.” said Tim drawing her forward gently and gallantly presenting her to the group.
Ransom leaned into Emma and whispered. “That joker is something else. We better keep our eye on young Lucy, cause Tim’s gonna pluck that chicken. Look at her face, see how she’s hanging on his every word? She’s smitten.”
“Yeah that’s true, but look at his face, see the admiration there? This isn’t a conquest. I think the boy’s serious about her. He’s not introducing her as the girl y’all rescued, but by her name. The man is smooth, but he won’t hit that one and run. The girl ain’t never went far, but she’s smart, resourceful and to top that off she’s resilient. She’s bouncing back and strong!” Emma said smiling.
Ransom stepped thru the crowd tenderly pulling Emma with him, as he navigated to where his father and Mace stood laughing.
“Hey boy, where you been? I would’ve thought you would be the first one to find me and congratulate me.” said Raven smiling.
“Damn pa, what kind of jacket is that?” Ransom asked.
“This is velvet son and no you can’t have it. Do like Tim does and have Mamie make you some suits. That’s who does all of mine.” said Raven sternly.
Hawk looked at Raven, and asked. “Brother do you ever long for the old days? You know when we use to ride far and wide, sleeping under the stars?”
Raven smiled, then said. “Brother, I still see mamma’s smile. I see pa’s face and hear the words he spoke as he taught us. But those days are long gone, never to return except in dreams and memories. I see mamma’s smile when I took at Swallow. I hear poppa’s voice and see his face in you and yours. So there is no need to long for what has been. Look around you brother, for there lies our future.” said Raven. His eyes locked on Drake and Lisa, who stood to the side of the dance floor talking. “There is a need to forge ahead to the future. Always we’ve looked ahead and that we must continue to do if the clan is to survive!
Mace had listened at Raven’s words and knew that they were the words from his heart as well. If Raven was a part of his family, then he would look to the future for the survival of his clan, as Raven put it.
“Aw brother, your tongue still flows as smooth as a deep flowing stream! said Eagle laughing. “I’ve been letting you two circulate a little before I intruded.”
Raven laughed, then reached for willow and hugged her. “Sister, are you well?” he asked.
“I’m well brother.” said Willow. “Celia, I thought you were gonna stop by earlier.”
“Sister I was.” said Celia. “I got so tied up with this one here, that I couldn’t get away.
Falcon and Violet came up and soon Wolf, Swallow, Cougar and Conchita were all there.
Raven looked at the weathered faces of his brothers and sisters and was momentarily whisked back to the past. In a flash he saw the raiding parties they had went on and the many coup they had counted on their enemies. He saw it all in a flash, then he looked at his future. There was Tim and Lucy. Young Brook, who was turning out to be a Kane after the first breed. He looked at Celia’s stomach and there he saw his future.
Mace and Lola stood there and watched the Kanes, and the genuine love they had and showed for each other. They got along without force and Mace saw the ideal. He could learn from these people how to make his family strong.
They danced, drank and a good time was being had by all.
* CHAPTER # 16 *
Bull Parsons and the other members of the Klan were poised to attack the blacks this Saturday night. “I want havoc!” Bull shouted. “We got to show these coons who’s the boss. We don’t tolerate no niggers hangin a white man. Let’s go
boys, we got some nigger ass to beat!”
The men broke their horses into a gallop and in less than 5 minutes they were kicking in doors and dragging black men into the street and beating them. The Klan attacked them viciously and violently. They left broken and battered bodies in their wake. It was pure carnage. To fight back, was to get drug over the hard cobble-stoned street.
Bull and his men rode back to their staging area and loaded the horses up in trailers.
“That was a damn good piece of work there men.” Bull said. “I think that will get us the information that we need!”
“I do believe you’re right.” said Simon. “I think we should harass them all day and every three days or so, we can ride and bash some heads. These jigs would learn then, I bet.”
“I like that Simon.” said Oscar. “We can stomp the life out of these niggers. Kill thier spirits!”
“You boys got a plan, that’s for damn sure. I think we can give these niggers hell, while they’re coming and going to nigger church. See niggers got a different God than white folks, but they see the white man represented as God. They worship us and don’t know it.
All of the men laughed.
“What if them niggers were serious about striking back?” asked Anton.
“Them niggers ain’t gonna do shit. We whipped every able bodied man among them. Trust me, they ain’t in no shape to strike back.” said Shelby Parsons.
“You got that right Shel.” said Ronnie Bellamys. “I had a ball bustin nigger ass, so I know they ain’t gonna be strikin nothing!”
They all laughed, then started heading to their homes. Bull had deputized the entire Klavern and the men were drunk with the power they possessed.
* * * * The party was breaking up, when a Ford Sedan screeched to a halt in the front. Tyrus Biggers jumped out of the car, followed by Sonny Lumpkin. They rushed to the front of the club and Tyrus said. “I need to see Ransom Kane, it’s an emergency!”
