Hanging Curve by Troy Soos

Author:Troy Soos
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corp.
Published: 2013-06-20T16:00:00+00:00

Bring the Kiddies!

Sponsored by Evansville Klan No. 1

“Jeez. They sure are open about it.”

“In Indiana, they can be,” Aubury said. “The Klan is well on its way to taking over this state.”

“ ‘Taking over’? You got to be exaggerating.”

“I wish I were. They’re as strong here as in any Southern state, and growing every day.”

I remembered that Evansville was where Buddy Vaughn had come from, and mentioned that fact to Aubury.

“Let’s hope that Vaughn doesn’t prove as successful in St. Louis as he has here.” He cleared his throat. “If you are willing, perhaps on the return trip, we can go back via Evansville—and you can go to this picnic.”

“I told you I won’t—”

He held up his hand. “I know: You won’t join the Klan. I am not asking you to do so. I only ask that you go to the picnic—it’s open to the public—and perhaps you’ll hear some things that might be helpful to know.”

Decoration Day was a week away, so it could fit into the schedule, I thought. As I considered the idea, I flipped the paper over and noticed it was an Evansville newspaper dated a week earlier. “You didn’t just find out about this, did you?” I said.

The lawyer looked guiltily down at the ground. “No, I’ve been aware of it for some time.”

“Is that the real reason you wanted to go on this trip—to talk me into going to a Klan picnic?”

“No, I do have people to meet with in Indianapolis. I simply thought the Evansville gathering would also be a useful means of acquiring information.”

“Why didn’t you ask me sooner?”

“I thought if I asked you to do something like this, you might change your mind about going to Indiana.”

“So you wait till I’m here, and then spring it on me.” I shook my head. “I don’t like being played.”

“I’m not twisting your arm,” Aubury replied. “I’m merely asking.”

“Then ask up front. Don’t play me.”

He nodded. “Understood. Sorry.”

“Okay.” I handed him back the newspaper. “Let me think about it.”

The whistle blew for us to board the train, bringing the conversation to an end.

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