“Application of guardianship for Honey Mary-Angeline Lovett is hereby granted,” the judge continued.
My eyes flew open.
“Anything more, Mr. Morgan?”
“No, Your Honor. Thank you.”
“Court’s adjourned,” the judge said, standing.
Mr. Morgan repeated, “Thank you, Your Honor.” He collected some paperwork from the clerk sitting below the judge, then came back to our table, smiling. “Congratulations,” he said to us.
“Thank you, sir. Mr. Morgan, when can I visit my parents?” I needed to see them, had to know how they were doing, let them know how I was doing.
He took out a sheet of paper and wrote on it, then handed it to me. “Here’s the addresses and the times for visitation, Honey. Make sure you leave all personal items outside the prison.”
“Yes, sir, thank you,” I said, wondering how I’d get a ride.
“You telephone if you need me.” He grabbed his briefcase and stood. “Oh, and one more thing, Honey…” He dug into his pants pocket, pulled out a shiny nickel, and dropped it on the table. “Buy that old Junia an apple on me.” He winked, then walked over to Mr. Greene and shook his hand.
Outside on the courthouse steps, Devil John and Martha Hannah were waiting. “Honey, you’re safe now,” the moonshiner declared.
“Safe.” The word rose in a breathless shudder, and all I could think about was seeing my folk to make sure they were too. “Devil John, is there someone I can hire to drive me to see Mama and Papa? Mr. Morgan says they’re up in Pewee Valley and La Grange. I have to see my folk.”
Devil John stroked his beard, thinking. Martha Hannah lit up. “That’d be Amara Ballard, the newest frontier nurse on Old Trace Road. She has herself a dependable automobile and is always travelin’ to Louisville and La Grange for medical supplies. She’s bringing serum to inoculate the gran’babes next week. I can ask her.”
“Thank you, ma’am,” I said.
Retta was tired, and we said our goodbyes to the Smiths.
I couldn’t wait to see Junia. “I’ll meet you back home, Retta.”
Retta held my hand, reluctant to let go. With teary eyes, she drew me into her embrace and said, “My prettiest petunia is finally coming home.”
Mr. Morgan and Mr. Greene strolled out of the courthouse together. My lawyer paused in front of me and whispered, “One last thing, Honey. Mr. Greene advised you’ll be under the watchful eye of the court until you turn eighteen. Don’t think I have to worry about this, but you and Miss Adams need to be model citizens and not break any laws. We don’t want to have the order rescinded. Don’t go getting into trouble, and you’ll be just fine.” He smiled and patted my shoulder before joining a watchful Mr. Greene.
Rescinded. I looked back at them worriedly, wondering just what Mr. Greene meant. How could I possibly break the law, much less, dear Retta? Don’t take much for a Blue… The words swirled around my mind, and like my folk, I knew to remain guarded and on the lookout for those who would harm our kind.
Ten
Alonzo brought quail over to Retta’s that he’d hunted last fall, and we dipped them in butter, wrapped the nine li’l birds in jowl bacon, and roasted them on a spit in the woodstove. I helped mix up chestnut corn bread and roast sweet potatoes.
Saying the blessing, her nephew thanked the Heavenly Father for the food and my safety and added a prayer to watch over my folk, tipsy after bringing in a bottle of liquor to sip from, but not forgetful of his Maker.
Retta scolded him with her eyes when he reached for his third drink.
“Auntie, it was a mighty fine spread tonight.” He belched loudly, accidentally knocking over his glass while going for his fourth.