“Maybe I can help,” I offer weakly. “Maybe I can fix things.”
He laughs dryly, then coughs in pain. “You know why I wrote you those letters?”
I don’t answer so he continues.
“It was because I was pretending too. You were pretending to be normal, and I was pretending to be the person I was before, the person I was when you were here. Because that person was the best version of me—the best I’ve ever been. And I ain’t saying it’s your fault, God knows I made my choices. But I wanted to be the fella you remembered. Thing is, I ain’t. I’m a monster, Mas. I do terrible things and then I crawl into bed beside some cheap dame and sleep like an angel. Something broke in me. Not sure when or how or why, but it’s true. I wrote you those letters because I wanted to pretend that I could be better. Because you were always the best part of me.”
“If you’re better with me, then why push me away?” my voice trembles and I hate it. I don’t want to feel weak or sad or guilty. I want to be strong. Strong enough to hold onto him even as he pulls away.
“Because I can’t afford to be better. I need to be cruel and ruthless and broken. Because that’s what’s gonna keep Dutch and JD and you safe. That’s what’s gonna keep this empire strong. And I’m the only one who can do it.”
“This stupid business isn’t worth your live, Vinny. It’s not worth your soul.”
He blinks, staring up at me, “Of course it is.”
I rock back on the balls of my feet, “Tell me you don’t really believe that.”
His silence is answer enough.
“What if I asked you to come away with me?” I whisper, though deep down I already know what his answer will be.
He hesitates, licking the corner of his split lip. “You askin’?”
I sigh, standing. “No. But only because I know what you’ll say. You’ll say that you have to stay. But you don’t have to be my father’s lap dog, Vinny. You can be so much more than that.”
He sinks down into the water, submerging himself in the dirty pink water before bursting back through the surface, dripping everywhere. “Maybe, but I don’t deserve you.”
“Not your decision to make,” I snap, tossing the wet rag in the sink. I catch sight of myself in the oval mirror and I have to stop and stare. My face is streaked with blood, my beautiful beaded dress ruined with it. If I didn’t know better, I’d think I was the one who’d been attacked tonight. My eyes are puffy from crying and my face is impossibly pale.
“Sure it is, Mas. One of us has to,” he says and stands, dripping as he bends over and pulls the plug from the tub. He loses his balance and nearly falls, I rush to catch him, supporting him as he climbs out of the water.
“Not three days ago you were ready to take me to bed. What changed? Was that just… what? A mistake? Were you just pretending again?”
His shoulders stiffen at my accusation, his lips pressing together in a hard line. “It would have been a mistake, and you know it.”
“I hate you,” I say, leading him back toward his bedroom even though all I want to do is drop him on his smug face.
“No, you don’t. But you should. It’d be easier.”
I deposit him, soaking pants and all, on the edge of his bed, “Easier for who?”
A knock at the door draws my attention. He moves to stand, but wavers and falls back to the bed.
“Relax, it’s just your guard. I’ll deal with it. You take off your pants and get into bed.”
He shoots me a suggestive wink and I have to resist the urge to slap him in the face. “Don’t you dare flirt with me. Not ever again. This is it, Vinny. All or nothing. Last chance.”
He looks down, shaking his head gently, “My last chance came and went a long time ago, Mas. We just didn’t know it at the time.”
His words hit me so violently that I stagger back, through the door and into the hall. As soon as I’m out of the bedroom, it feels like I can breathe again. Anger, fear, sadness, all mixed up together, tangled in knots so tight that I might never be able to untie them. By the time I cross the room I’m so spent that I can barely muster the energy to open the door. Albert is there with another man I don’t recognize. I wave them in with a jerk of my head.
“This is Marco. He’s gonna be watching the apartment tonight,” Albert explains.
The other man removes his hat and bows at the neck, “Miss.”
“Great. Albert, you grab the gun you left,” I motion to where I’d abandoned it on the living room floor. “I’m going to say goodbye, I’ll just be a minute.”
Wandering back to the bedroom, I peek around the corner to find that Vinny is already in bed and under the blanket. His eyes are both closed, his breathing slow and strong. Grabbing the corner of the felt blanket, I tug it up to cover his battered shoulder.
Standing there, watching him sleep, I can’t help but wonder if he knows how close I came to loving him. How close we came to being something real.
And I can’t help but wonder if he cares.
It’s three days before I see Vinny again. Daddy managed to line up some big-shot canary to sing at the club and half the city was going to be in attendance. If he can sweet talk her into a regular contract, it might just be enough to save the club, and pay off his delinquent debts.
I decide to wear my best flapper dress, a short red number I’d purchased on Daddy’s credit account at Bergdorf the day before. It’s too short for polite society with red garnet beads that drip down like drops of blood from the hem. The top is scooped, the back draping down low. I add a strand of mother’s black pearls, stringing them twice around my neck and down my back. At my vanity mirror I add the final touches, a pair of ruby earrings, matching lipstick, and a feathered headband.
When JD knocks on my open door, he whistles.
“You trying to send a message with that dress?”
I glance at him over one shoulder. “I’m just doing as daddy instructed, keeping up appearances. I couldn’t care less what Vinny thinks.”
Though, if he happens to eat a little crow, all the better. I may not be weeping in my pillow at night, but I have to admit his rejection still stings. Maybe its ego, or the simple grieving of possibilities, but either way, he was right. I don’t want to be with a man like him—a man like my father. I’ve seen what that kind of relationship can do first hand. I watched it destroy my mother, and I’ll be damned if I’m going to let it do the same to me.
“You think tonight is going to go off the way Daddy hopes?” I ask as we load into the car, me first, followed by June and JD.
He shuts the door, pulling June into his lap. “I hope so. I know the Caroways—our biggest competitors--are scrambling, trying to sabotage it however they can. Yesterday we lost a whole truck of Gin and Bourbon to an unexpected raid.”
“And he couldn’t just pay them off?” June asks, as she adds a touch of powder to her nose in the reflection of her gold compact.
“Someone already had,” he mutters through gritted teeth. “Luckily we had enough in the warehouse to make up the difference. But as it is, we’re having to hire extra waiters and who knows how many of them will show and how many will be paid very handsomely to take the night off.”
I adjust the strap of my dress, “Well, I’ll serve drinks myself if I have to. Whatever it takes.”
He gives me a funny look.
“What?” I demand. “I care about this family as much as you do. The last thing I want is for you or daddy to end up like Vinny. Besides, it’s my only chance of convincing daddy to let me stay. If he doesn’t think it’s safe, I’m on the first train back to boarding school Monday.”
“I thought you liked school?”
“I do. I did. But it’s very clear that you two can’t get along without me,” I say, my tone joking but my words deadly serious. “I’d rather be here, at least for a while.”
He nods, finally understanding.
“Well, I’ll be glad to have another girl around,” June muses. “It gets so boring
when the boys are tied up with work.”
She smiles, and while it looks innocent on her round face with her wide, dark eyes, there’s a mischievous glint there. She doesn’t need a friend. She needs a partner in crime. And I have to admit, I could use one myself.
When we pull up to the club, a long red carpet has been rolled out across the sidewalk. Albert jumps out of the car and rounds it, opening the door on JD’s side. JD steps out to the flash of cameras. Holding out his hand, June slips out next, sliding one hand into the crook of his arm. He offers me the other hand and we pause together, arm in arm, to let the handful of press take photos before walking into the club.
I audibly gasp as we step inside. The brass chandeliers shine in the warm glow, the bar top shining black marble, it’s so much to take in that I just sweep the room over and over. Red velvet wallpaper, dark oak tables, everything polished and glittering gold and black. He’s hung ribbons from the ceiling, flickering candles in red glass jars on each table. Daddy is at a table in the back, but it’s full. A mayoral candidate on one side, a banker I’d met twice before on the other, each with a scantily clad giggle girl in their laps. The third seat was empty, and as I scan the crowd trying to guess at its occupant, I catch sight of Vinny, standing leaning against the door. His face is still all sorts of colorful, but he’s upright and looking strong. Catching sight of me he dips his chin, tipping his hat to me. I turn away, ignoring him.
We opt for a seat in the front of the club and the band kicks off almost as soon as I sit down, a jazzy number I’d heard before at the dance halls I’d often snuck off to while I was at school. Soon I’m shaking along to the sound as it bounces off the walls of the club. June drags JD to the dance floor and they lock hands, swinging to the sound. The song ends and the crowd claps and whistles. They hesitate, waiting for a signal from Daddy’s table before continuing. I follow their glance to see him wave one hand they take off again, this time even faster, louder, the thumping reverberating across the floor beneath my feet. Daddy says something to Vinny who nods and heads our direction.
Seeing him approach, JD steps off the floor and meets him at our table.
“She’s not coming,” Vinny says plainly.
The smile falls from JD’s face. “What do you mean she’s not coming?”
Vinny leans over, trying to whisper but he has to talk loud enough that I can still hear him over the crowd. “The Caroways got to her today. Got her to sing an exclusive contract to play at their place. She’s. Not. Coming.”
Leaning back, JD shoots a glance across the room to Daddy, where they exchange a stone-faced look.
“We’re going to be the laughing stock of the city tomorrow,” JD laments.
I stand, “Maybe not. I’ve got an idea.” Grabbing JD by the arm I lead him across the room, behind the beaded curtain to the left of the stage and into the hall leading to the dressing room and back alley stairs.
“After this song, go make an announcement that you have a special surprise guest singing tonight.”
He frowns, confused.
“Me, you lunk-head. I’ll sing.”
He hesitates, “We should run this by Dutch.”
I point to the packed dancefloor, “Daddy promised them a canary and if he doesn’t deliver, these people are going to riot. Just do it, JD. For once in your life forget about what Daddy might think and just do what needs to be done.” My voice is strained, and I instantly regret my tone.
But it works, he squares his shoulders, clenching his jaw. “Fine. What do you want the band to play?”
I give him my request and he runs off. I’m waiting anxiously for my introduction when Vinny pushes through the curtains.
“What’d ya got up your sleeve, there Masie?”
I pretend to straighten my hair, “I’m going to fill in for the canary tonight.”
He shakes his head, “That’s a bad idea. Some people know you’re Dutch’s daughter, but this just paints a target on your back.”
“And so I should what? Just let everything daddy and JD and you have worked for go up in flames? Or are you the only one who gets to sacrifice for the family?”
My words are a challenge and he instantly recoils. The war of emotions play out across his face in a way I’ve never seen before. Clearly torn between wanting to keep the business alive and wanting to protect me. If I ever had any doubt where I stood in his list of priorities, tonight is the test. Finally, slowly, he backs away, letting me through when JD introduces me.
“We have a special surprise for everyone tonight. My lovely sister Masie wanted to give Dutch a very special gift to celebrate the grand reopening of this speakeasy. So, without further ado, I’m pleased to present our own golden canary, Miss Masie Schultz.”
He claps and the crowd politely does the same, clearly not impressed by the notion of my ‘gift’. The band strikes up, a slow song, but one known to get the floor-flushers moving.
Sauntering across the stage, my hips moving with each beat, I take a spot in front of the microphone, the stand is just a bit taller than is comfortable, but still short enough to see over. My hands shake, so I rest them on my hips, hoping I look sassy and not terrified. Across the room Daddy and the other fellas at his table turn in their chairs, watching me with vague curiosity. His expression is harder, nearly menacing. The piano beings, followed by the squeal of the trumpets and the soft jangle of percussion. Closing my eyes, I take a breath and sing.
“It had to be you, it had to be you. I wandered around, and finally found, somebody who, could make me be true, could make me be blue. It had to be you.”
Closing my eyes, I let the song carry me away, losing myself in the soft, ebb and flow of melody. Before I know it, the song is over, and I open my eyes to see everyone staring, not in curiosity now, but in shock. Just as I’m sure they are about to laugh me off the stage, they erupt. Whistling, clapping, screaming. I exhale and dip into a flirty curtsy even though my knees feel like jelly.
Waving at the still cheering crowd, I turn to the band leader, “Got anything else?”
He nods, turning his back to me and directing them into another song. It’s pretty well known, thank heavens, and I’m able to jump right in.
We do two more songs before I take my final bow and make my way off the stage. Daddy hurries from his seat, meeting me halfway and pulling me into what to everyone else must look like a warm, fatherly hug. He kisses the side of my head, but whispers, “We’ll talk about this later.”
The men at his table clap, as he leads me over by the hand.
“That was the bee’s knees, Masie,” June giggles, joining JD at the table. “You’re like a real life Marion Harris.”
I force a smile, “Thanks.”
Daddy interrupts, motioning toward his associates. “Maise, this is Alistair Rothschild, I believe you’ve met.”
He stands, taking my hand in both of his and bringing it to his lips, “Where on earth has he been hiding you?”
“And this is Jimmy Walker, our next mayor,” Daddy adds, pouring himself a drink.
Jimmy doesn’t stand, but mostly because the red-haired giggle girl has affixed herself to his neck like a monkey. “That was magnificent, truly. A wonderful surprise I’m sure.”
“I’m glad you liked it,” I say, hiding my shaking hands behind my back.
JD kisses June on the temple and I watch daddy frown.
“I hope you liked it, Daddy,” I say meekly.
He smiles, “Of course dear. You have a lovely voice. Just like your mother.”
The night winds on and no one even seems to notice the missing headliner. The place is packed and hopping until dawn breaks and we finally have to begin pushing people out the door.
“I don’t think we’ve seen a night like that in…well, ever,” Alistair says, raising a toast to the few of us left after they lock the doors.
“Thank goodness,” I offer cheerfully. “I’m absolutely exhausted.”
“Well, we still have to finish up here,” JD
says. “Why don’t you head to the penthouse. June can ride with you, and I’ll see you both later?”
“Sure,” I say without hesitation. With any luck I could go home and get a few hours sleep before daddy laid into me for pulling that stunt. “You ready, June?”
Her gaze darts from JD to me and back again.
“Sure thing, let’s ankle.”
I’m out the door in a flash, not breathing again until I’m in the backseat of the car, June beside me, wheels moving.
“You were amazing tonight,” she says, tugging the beaded headband from her sleek raven hair. “I wish I could sing like that. I’d be raking in the bucks with a contract at one of the local clubs. You ever thought about singing full-time?”
Truth is, the idea never occurred to me. Sure, I had a decent voice. But singing in front of a crowd? “It was quite exhilarating; I admit. But I doubt Daddy will ever let it happen again. As a matter of fact, I’ll probably be shipped back off to school Monday—if not sooner.”
She shrugs, “Maybe. Maybe that’s better, all things considered.”
I take a deep breath. Mother had insulated me from the worst of daddy’s business, I suppose, but I know what people whisper. I guess I never thought Daddy would go this far, amass this much influence—or I never wanted to know, never wanted it to be true. But while I had my head stuck in the sand, he’d become one of the biggest names in town. Only to wind up teetering on the edge of ruin.
And I may have salvaged the night, but it was a small victory. He’d need more than one night to turn things around.
The penthouse is still dark when we arrive. We’d raced the sunrise and won, and I’m washed up and tucked into bed long before I hear daddy arrive home. I hear my door crack open, and I pretend to sleep, hoping for a temporary reprieve. The door closes and I exhale. Finally allowing myself to fall into a fitful slumber.
Morning comes far too soon, and I roll out of bed, comb my hair back into a scarf, and put on my silk kimono before heading to the terrace for breakfast. Daddy sits at the table, JD and June nowhere to be seen, I pause in the doorway. He looks up from his stack of newspapers and waves me in.
Glitter and Gold (The Canary Club Novels Book 1) Page 5
