Soulful Strut

by Emery, Lynn

  “Working it like a pro, girl. I’ve a commercial to record before my show. Keep it goin’ strong, sista. Much love.” With that Nikki winked at her and shot off like a brown rocket.

  “Is everybody listening to a different show or something? I’m barely coherent up in here,” Monette said with a grimace.

  “No way. The proof is right there. Our phone lines are lit up with callers.” Irvin nodded at the large numbered buttons in front of Monette. “We’re going back in a minute.” He went back to the control room.

  “They’re right, Monette. You’re being too hard on yourself.”

  The tightness in her chest eased a bit Jim and the others were right. Beating up on herself wasn’t going to make things easier, and she had to stop. “Okay. Time to stop feeling sorry for myself and do the damn thing.”

  Just then lively music for the last commercial came on. A male voice urged listeners to take their cars to Quality Car Care Centers. The announcer went on to list all the benefits of Jayson’s repair shops. Monette wondered if Jayson was listening. For some reason that thought made her nervous again. She had so much to prove.

  “When it comes to your car repair and maintenance needs, make the quality choice. Take your car to Quality Care Auto Centers, with two convenient locations to serve you.”

  When Irvin nodded and pointed to Monette, she inhaled and exhaled quickly. Then she flipped the switch that turned on the two microphones. “Welcome back to the show. This is Monette Victor, and you’re listening to Hot Topic. Since this is my first show I’m just getting acquainted with everybody. My guest today is Jim Rand, director and founder of The Justice Project Jim is also my lawyer. More than anyone else, this guy is the reason I’m sitting here right now. Tell us about The Justice Project Jim.”

  “Sure. We’re part of the Tulane Law School in New Orleans, or at least we were before the hurricane.” Jim shook his head sadly. In Louisiana everyone knew he meant Hurricane Katrina, the 2005 storm that had changed everything for that city.

  “I want to add quickly that Jim and other dedicated folks have worked hard to bring that school and city back since then,” Monette cut in.

  “Thanks, Monette. Anyway, the project was started back in 1997. We modeled it after the fine work of Barry Scheck’s Innocence Project. Some might remember him as a member of O. J. Simpson’s legal dream team.” Jim nodded at Monette.

  “Who can forget that trial? Wish I’d had the late great Johnnie Cochran repping me at my first trial instead of a green public defender,” Monette replied with a nod back.

  “I hear ya. The Justice Project carefully reviews the cases of those inmates who apply to be represented by one of our three attorneys. We only work on appeals. Our specialty is death row cases and those serving mandatory sentences of ten years or more. Some of the brightest law students in the country help us investigate. We’re very selective of the cases we take on.”

  “Thank the Lord I was one of those cases. Now tell these people the truth, Jim. You didn’t believe me at first, did you?” Monette grinned when Jim’s eyes went wide. She loved putting him on the spot.

  “Okay, if you want to go there. You’re right. I didn’t believe you. Let’s face it, your story sounded fantastic. Why would a respected DA frame a woman for no apparent reason? We receive dozens of letters each month, protestations of innocence from inmates who swear they were framed. I’d have to say that at least ninety percent of those are stories that should start with ‘Once upon a time’—pure fairy tales made up by guilty people looking for a free get-out-of-jail ticket.”

  “And folks, that’s not what Jim and his people are about. They are not looking to put a lot of thugs back out on the street just because,” Monette added.

  “No, but the system can go terribly wrong, as it did in your case,” Jim said with fervor.

  “For those of you who may have been on the moon or someplace else far, far away I’ll hit the highlights of my story. More like low lights actually. Anyway, I partied too hard the wrong way and with the wrong people. I won’t talk about all my mistakes, especially the men because ladies, I’m planning a whole show on that subject. But back to my tale of injustice. In one more stupid decision I had an affair with Winn Barron, the district attorney for Pointe Coupee Parish, where I lived at the time. Fast forward through a lot of expensive gifts and trips. I finally moved on to another no-good man. Winn wasn’t happy about that He used two of my shady so-called friends to frame me. When they were arrested on some heavy-duty drug charges, those chumps copped a plea and offered me up in exchange for lighter sentences. Yeah, they lied. Big time. Winn made it clear they’d better or he would make sure they got life without parole. I tried to tell folks it wasn’t true. Naturally my past exploits didn’t make me credible. Like Jim said, why would the DA want to frame me? I was convicted, got a mandatory sentence of ten to twenty-five years.” Monette paused to let Jim take over.

  “Mandatory sentences mean certain federal and state drug charges leave the judge no choice. If a defendant is convicted, the law mandates certain very harsh sentences. This is an example of a good intent that has had very negative results. The problem is plea deals are routinely offered to some of the worst offenders, who then lie in order to get less jail time. The result is they point the finger at others who may not have committed the crime at all. That’s what happened in Monette’s case.” Jim scowled as though he were back in court arguing before judges.

  “Okay, so that brings us back to our topic. What’s the answer? We don’t want innocent folks in prison, but the drug problem is ripping apart families and communities. Our callers have been very patient. Let’s hit the phones.” Monette pressed one of the phone buttons. “Caller, what have you got to say?”

  For the next few minutes Monette and Jim answered questions from the audience. To Monette’s great relief a lot of people called to voice opinions or ask questions. A few of them even talked about relatives serving time and wanted Jim to take their cases. Monette reluctantly took another commercial break. She was actually beginning to enjoy herself. Based on this start, Monette began to see her show as more than just a PR gimmick to sell her books. Hot Topic could make a difference, maybe even change lives. When Irvin pointed to the large digital clock on the wall, Monette hated to stop.

  “Well, y’all, my producer is telling me I have to go. I want to thank my guest, Jim Rand, of The Justice Project And thanks to the listeners. You made my first day on the job a real pleasure. Time in to Hot Topic every Monday at nine a.m. Make it a great day.” Monette talked very fast to keep on schedule for the next show. Nikki and Irvin had stressed how important that was, especially if she didn’t want the other on-air personalities to complain.

  “Wow. I’m impressed. Anyone would think you’ve been doing this for a long time,” Jim said when she turned off the microphones. He stood and smoothed down his tie.

  “Please. There’s gotta be a puddle of sweat under this chair. My nerves are shot” Monette laughed.

  “I don’t believe a word of it. You had fire in your eyes. I have a feeling this show is going to mean a whole lot to you.” Jim spoke as though he saw right into Monette. He studied her for a few moments, the way he had when he’d first interviewed her in prison.

  “Yeah, well maybe this big mouth can be put to some good use,” Monette joked. She gathered up a jumble of notes written in preparation for the interview.

  “I’d say very good use. You were great, Monette. You really struck a chord with those folks listening. I could tell from the calls we got Outstanding debut” Jim smiled at her and patted Monette’s shoulder.

  “Thanks, Jim. Maybe I’ll show up next Monday after all.” Monette grinned back at him.Despite her joking attitude, Jim’s compliment really boosted her self-confidence. She respected his opinion because he was as genuine as he was brilliant. Jim wouldn’t hold back if he had doubts about the show.

  “I’ll be listening along with the rest of Baton Rouge,” Jim said as he followed her
out into the hallway. “Gotta go. Meetings the rest of the morning.”

  “See ya. And thanks again for helping me look good. Sound good is more like it,” she called after him. Jim merely smiled as he hurried off. He was already checking his BlackBerry for messages.

  Chaz strode toward Monette wearing a big smile. He opened his arms. “You did it, Monette. I loved the first show. Now about next week.”

  “Next week.” Monette remembered her big talk about the next show. The reality hit that she was committed to pulling more rabbits out of her hat, more precisely at nine o’clock every Monday.

  “Yeah. That one should be fantastic. You’re right on the money. Not just another tired relationship gab fest, but why women choose the wrong man.” Chaz walked with her and talked with his hands as they went to her office. “I’m telling you men and women will be weighing in on that one.”

  “Yeah.” Monette tried to figure out just when she’d come up with that brilliant idea. Now she had to figure out how to execute it.

  “I know you probably already have your guest lined up, but if you don’t mind me making a suggestion.” Chaz stopped when they reached the door to the communal office. He seemed to study her reaction.

  Since Monette had no clue about what to do for a guest, she could afford to be generous. “No, please, suggest away. I mean, you’re the boss.”

  “I’m not a micromanaging control freak. Hot Topic is all yours. I trust your judgment If you want me to butt out, just say the word.” Chaz held up both hands palms out, as though surrendering to her wishes already.

  “I’d like to think I’m flexible enough to listen to anyone on the KTQL team.” Especially since she was probably out of her league trying to do a talk show in the first place.

  “That’s right Teamwork,” Chaz replied with enthusiasm and put an arm around her shoulder as he walked her into the office. He waved at Nikki, who was on the phone. “There’s this psychology professor at Southern University. She’s written a book on relationships, so she might have some insights. We could expand our demographic. Right now we mostly pull in a female audience.”

  “I’ll be happy to talk to her.” Monette grinned at him, feeling a tremendous wave of relief.

  “Fantastic. She has called me several times about appearing on one of our shows, but we didn’t have the right talk venue to accommodate her. Here’s her card. I’ll have my secretary bring you a copy of the book. Can you stick around until Layle brings it?” Chaz headed for the door as he spoke.

  “Sure. Happy to do it Chaz.” Monette nodded as though she had done him a favor.

  “Excellent.” Chaz was already striding down the hallway before Monette finished talking.

  “Girl, it’s all about you. Chaz has me writing up a promo spot for your next show. I don’t think you need my help.” Nikki winked at her as she hung up the phone.

  “No, no. I definitely need all the help I can get. Now all I need to do is get up the nerve to talk to this professor.” Monette looked at the card Chaz had handed her. “Patricia Ray Carter, PhD,” she read.

  “Don’t worry. The lady is trying to sell books. She’ll be thrilled to hear from you. Read the book this weekend and come up with a list of questions. The callers will do the rest.”

  “Yeah.” Monette started to think of angles to make the show really pop. “Thanks for the tips.”

  “You’re welcome. I’ll be tuning in to that one for sure. I could talk for hours about the bad choices in men I’ve made. But I’ve got to be on the air.” Nikki broke off when she glanced at the wall clock. “Oh hell, in two minutes. Bye.”

  “See ya later.”

  Monette shook her head as she watched the young woman dash down the hallway. She felt like the only person moving at a normal speed around there. Monette sat down at the desk she’d chosen just as Chaz’s secretary came in. She handed Monette the book with a smile.

  “I started reading it. Kinda dry if you ask me.” The woman shrugged and left

  “Shoulda known it wouldn’t be that easy.” Monette groaned at the pages and pages of small print.

  Chapter 4

  The next day Monette sat at the desk in her bedroom, hissing in exasperation. She balled up one more sheet of paper and tossed it into the small trash can at her feet. When it bounced onto the floor from the already high pile, Monette let out a string of curse words. Lenore pushed the door open and poked her head in.

  “How’s it coming?” Lenore grinned when Monette squinted at her. “You need to take a break. Come on downstairs with me and let’s have lunch. We’ve got the place to ourselves for once. Everybody is at work, Trudy went to some meeting, and Sherrial is locked up in her office doing paperwork.”

  “Damn, it’s almost twelve-thirty already?” Monette glanced at the clock in surprise. Then she shook her head in disgust. “I’ve been at this for two hours and nothing. I shouldn’t have agreed to a two-book contract.”

  “Let it go for now. You might be trying too hard. Come on.” Lenore pushed the door all the way open and beckoned for her to follow.

  Monette tossed the yellow legal pad onto the table. “Might as well. My way sure isn’t working.”

  They went down to the kitchen. The quiet of the house seemed strange. Monette had been so engrossed in trying to write that she hadn’t noticed. For once neither the television nor sound system was going. Lenore’s fuzzy, oversized slippers scuffed across the hardwood floor.

  “I’m like that way sometimes. When I get stuck writing a poem or something I get away from it. You know, focus on something else,” Lenore said over her shoulder as they entered the large kitchen. She went straight to the refrigerator.

  “Let’s hope it helps.” Monette perched on a barstool at the long counter. “The first book was easy. I wrote about my life and how I landed in prison.”

  “By the way, thanks for giving me a signed copy. Roast beef, turkey or ham?” She held up a plastic zip and lock bag in each hand.

  “Glad to do it. Got any bologna in there? Yeah, now that’s good stuff,” Monette said when Lenore showed her a package of the meat.

  “I can’t believe you eat this mystery meat.” Lenore wrinkled her nose. “All we got is Swiss cheese.”

  “Fine. Anyway, now I’ve got to come up with something else.” Monette ran her fingers through her long hair. She snagged a gray strand. “Oh, God, time really doesn’t wait for anybody. I’m going to the beauty salon this week for a rinse.”

  “Why not write about life here at New Beginnings,” Lenore suggested. She found a loaf of Italian bread, sliced it, and made the sandwiches.

  “Because the book is due in five months. I need to know how the story ends. That could be book three, though. If I manage to get another contract, since I can’t come up with book number two.” Monette groaned and covered her eyes.

  “Wish I had your problem. I’d love to see my name on a book. I’ve got so many ideas my notebooks are stuffed in two suitcases in the attic.” Lenore shook her head as she spread mustard, then mayo, on the bread.

  “You’ve got talent. Me? I just had a soap opera life,” Monette retorted.

  “Who in this place hasn’t had a soap opera life?” Lenore tossed back with a dry laugh.

  Monette smiled for the first time that day. “You got a good point there.”

  “I like the way you talk about stuff right in the headlines. Then your callers— What?” Lenore broke off when Monette snapped her fingers in excitement

  “That’s it! I had a caller the other day that had been in prison around the same time I was. I’ll do a complete book on women in prison with life lessons they’ve learned.” Monette grabbed the notepad they used to write out the shopping lists and started scribbling.

  “An advice book from women who screwed up their lives?” Lenore grimaced with skepticism.

  “Some of the smartest women I know were in my cell block, including a couple of lawyers, an accountant and a former med school student” Monette held up a hand to fo
restall another comment from Lenore. She wrote for five minutes, and then sighed with satisfaction.

  “Told ya coming down here would help.” Lenore put two plates on the counter. She put ice in glasses and poured from a pitcher of lemonade from the refrigerator.

  “You were right. I’ll get it,” Monette said when there was a knock at the back door. She looked through the peephole. She recognized Jayson and opened the door. “Hello again.”

  “Hi. How have you been?” Jayson said as he came inside.

  Monette enjoyed the deep bass in his voice, and then recalled his reaction to her a few days before. She let a little ice creep into her tone. “Pretty good.”

  “Hey, Jayson.” Lenore grinned and licked mustard from her thumb.

  “Hi, Lenore.” Jayson glanced at her with a smile for a second, and then looked at Monette.

  Lenore raised a dark eyebrow. “Umm, did you stop by just to say hello?”

  Jayson cleared his throat. “Huh? Oh, right. I brought the van back. I need to leave the keys and invoice with Miss Sherman.”

  “Trudy ain’t here right now. I’ll let the secretary know. Either she or Sherrial will sign the invoice and take the keys.” Lenore left for the small office.

  Jayson gave Monette another one of his shy smiles. Monette pretended to find her notepad more interesting than his handsome face. When his back was turned, Monette looked up in time to see him walk over to the window and look out. She admired his long-legged stride. He had the powerful build of a man used to lifting heavy objects. His sleeves were only rolled up to his forearms. Still, one portion of a tattoo was visible. Monette tried but failed to read the words. Probably the name of some woman, she mused. A few minutes later Lenore came back.

  “They’re both tied up right now. Can you wait a little bit? Sherrial promised not to take too long,” Lenore said.

  “Sure.” Jayson smiled at her.

  Lenore hurried off when the hall phone rang. “I’ll get it. Probably for me. My mama knows I’m off on Tuesdays.”