Sarah felt it like the roar of ten thousand bees. An anxious buzz filled the Diamond Club.

Predictions circulated the room as if carried by wings, drifting from one group to the next. From the bar to the bathroom, from the tables to the dance floor, everyone was talking about one thing.

Who's going to win Amateur Night?

At the judges table across the room, three officials debated with vehement expressions, their hands moving in emphatic gestures. Sarah wondered if that might be a bad sign. What if they didn't like her idea to sing the poem?

Henry collected Sarah's yellow sweater from the back of her chair and held it up, helping her into it. He looked ready to escort her home, but several young ladies bustled over, congratulating her for a marvelous performance.

Once those admirers moved on, Sarah put her arm around Henry's back. "We can't leave just yet. The winner of Amateur Night hasn't been announced."

"You're a winner in my book."

"If that's the case, I'd like to collect my prize."

Henry gave a grin. "What did you have in mind?"

"A glass of seltzer water! My throat's as dry as a cactus in the desert."

Henry chuckled. "You got it!" And he wandered over to the bar.

Sarah released a contented sigh and allowed her gaze to float around the room. Where was Mrs. Bell? They had chatted earlier, but not about the competition or writing poetry. Instead, they had talked about women's rights, or rather the lack thereof. Women still couldn't vote. In the workforce, they held low positions. Even when they performed the same duties as men, they received less pay. Despite all that, Mrs. Bell reminded Sarah that it was important to remain positive. And now, Sarah wanted to find the matriarch of the Bell Family and thank her for being such an inspiration to her.

Pivoting on her heels, Sarah had looked over the entire room when a looming figure stepped in front of her. She looked up.

Edward!

He stuck out his chin in a cocky expression. "Miss Sarah, I see that you and Henry Louis are back together."

Sarah couldn't believe it. "Look, we've been through this before. Who I choose to see is my business."

"Sweetheart, I'm only looking out for your best interests. This Henry character is a nobody, and you should send him packing. There are far better fish out there."

"What? Like you?" she said, fuming.

Edward stepped forward and grabbed Sarah's wrist. "Let's stop all this pretending. I can see right through your game. You used me so you could sing your poem here tonight and get your dear Henry back. Isn't that right?"

Sarah tried to pull away from his grip, but it felt like a steel vise. "Let me go!"

A moment later, Henry charged over. "Hey!" He slammed the glass of seltzer on the table, and the liquid spilled over the rim. Then he clapped a hand down on the back of Edward's shoulder. "Take your hand off the lady, or there's going to be a problem."

Edward whirled around. He released Sarah, and she darted over to Henry's side, massaging the soreness in her wrist. "And who's going to give me a problem? You? You were a no-good bum for the Rooks. And from the looks of things, you're an even bigger bum for the Pioneers."

Sarah looked at Henry, a vein pulsing on the side of his neck. He looked ready to pop Edward in the jaw. Sarah felt her own heart thumping against her chest. "Henry, it's not worth getting into a fight."

Edward cast a cruel grin. "Miss Sarah, I will say this, you sure was a good little kisser at the ballgame. When you're done with this chump, I'll be waiting for you."

"Why you!" Henry started forward, but Sarah grabbed his arm, holding him back.

"Henry! He's just trying to provoke you."

"Leave that girl alone!" That angry cry came from Linda Bell.

"What?" Edward winced.

Mrs. Bell marched over at a fast clip, despite the clingy white dress pressed against her legs. Her heels clacked against the checkered floor, resounding even over the murmurings of the crowd. She drew her blue shawl tight around her shoulders.

Several patrons cast their gazes over to the unfolding scene.

"Mrs. Bell," Edward said, his voice shaky. I appreciate your concern, but this is a private matter. I'll thank you to leave it to me."

Mrs. Bell huffed with anger. "I will do no such thing! You had no right to put your hand on this young lady. In fact, you have no right to put your hands on any woman who doesn't want your attention ... ever!"

Sarah looked away, trying to suppress a smile. The man was getting exactly what he deserved.

Mrs. Bell gave Sarah a compassionate look. "Sarah, is Mr. Benedict bothering you?"

Sarah nodded rapidly. "He's been bothering me since the last Amateur Night."

Edward raised his palms in innocence and frowned at Sarah. "Well, that's simply not true. I've done nothing but help you discover your talent as a poet."

Sarah crossed her arms. "You're so full of it."

Mrs. Bell narrowed her eyes at Edward. "I should never have trusted you."

"How can you say that?" Edward's eyes drooped, a sad dog of a look.

"I'm afraid I'm going to have to cancel all of our business arrangements."

Shock overtook Edward's expression. "Mrs. Bell, you can't be serious?"

But from the look on her face, Linda Bell was dead serious. "It's best that you leave us now."

Edward opened his mouth to speak, but he never got the chance.

"And if I ever hear about you harassing any other women, I'm going to have a conversation with the Hester police." Mrs. Bell flashed a don't-you-dare-me look.

"Fine!" Edward stepped up to Henry, glaring, and spoke in a low mean voice. "This isn't over yet."

Henry met Edward's glare, and there was something burning behind those coal-brown eyes that Henry would never forget. Rage!

Edward stormed off toward the back.

Sarah exhaled a sigh of relief. "Thank you, Mrs. Bell."

"I'm so mad. I wish I would have known sooner."

Henry wrapped his arm around Sarah, and drew her close. "It's a good thing you showed up when you did. Things were about to get out of hand."

"Sarah deserves the credit for that. She came to me earlier tonight and told me all about Mr. Benedict. I'm glad she did. I kept my eyes on that snake all night. What did you call me? Your backup plan?"

Sarah grinned. "More like my guardian angel." A few heartbeats later, she met Henry's eyes. "Let's go. I don't even care about the competition anymore."

Henry nodded.

"I'm leaving too," Mrs. Bell said. "I'm not staying another minute in an establishment where the owner thinks it's acceptable to man-handle the female patrons. Come on. I'll walk out with you."

Henry led the way, and the three of them made their way outside to the cool of the night.

Standing under the bright marquee, Sarah finally introduced Henry as her boyfriend, and Mrs. Bell beamed. The two of them shook hands, and it was then that Henry said, "Mrs. Bell, I'm sorry, but I have to ask. Are you any relation to Frank Bell?"

She rolled her eyes and gave a flippant wave of her hand. "Don't hold it against me. I'm only married to the man." Then she giggled.

Henry snickered, and Sarah couldn't stop herself from smiling. She could tell that Mrs. Bell held a great love for her husband. It was there in her soulful blue eyes, despite the lighthearted joke.

Surprise filled Henry's expression. "I can't believe it. The wife of Frank Bell was actually hanging out at a Negro club."

"Henry!" Sarah's eyes widened, embarrassment seizing her expression.

"It's okay." Mrs. Bell chuckled. "I actually appreciate the candor. Yes, Frank is a bit uncomfortable about what other people might think when I come here. He also doesn't understand why I'm so bent on finding a black poet for the paper."

Sarah smiled. It was nice to see a woman forging her own path, and not just letting her husband dictate her life. Sarah was growing to like Linda Bell more and more as a role model ... and as a friend.

Mrs. Bell continued. "Speaking of the paper! Sarah, I'd like you to stop by the Hester Gazette office on Monday. And bring all of your poetry samples with you. We need to discuss your new poetry column." She smiled and arched her eyebrows.

Sarah felt the electricity coursing through her body. She shared an excited look with Henry, and then met Linda Bell's eyes. "Thank you! Thank you so much."

"You're welcome, dear."

A moment later, a black convertible limousine pulled up to the curb.

"Here's my car," Mrs. Bell said. "Can I offer the two of you a ride home?"

Henry and Sarah exchanged glances.

Sarah smiled. "We appreciate the offer, but we'll be fine."

The limousine driver, a black-suited man with carob-brown skin, hustled around the back of the car and opened the rear door. Mrs. Bell settled into the rear seat and sent a warm look. "Oh Henry, good luck on the Pioneers. I'll be rooting for you."

"Thank you, ma'am."

Mrs. Bell waved as the limousine took off.

Henry took Sarah's hand into his, and they proceeded to walk along the sidewalk.

Sarah smiled on the inside. So many positive things had happened to her tonight.

She wouldn't have to deal with Edward Benedict's abusive behavior any more.

She would be starting her career as a poetry writer for the Hester Gazette.

And most important of all, Henry was back in her life for good.

Author's Note

For this week and the next couple weeks, I'm only going to release one chapter per week.

And no, nothing's wrong lol.

I want to spend that extra time looking over several future chapters that are still pretty rough and need some tender loving care.

The time spent now will allow me to return to a steady pace of 2 - 4 chapters per week. That's the plan!

Anyway, thanks again for all your reads and support!

Best Regards,
Tom