When Jimmy heard the key in the lock he glanced at his watch and put down his newspaper. Bearing groceries, Eula burst into the room, then plumped them on the table and crossed to kiss her husband. “A long day,” she groaned. “Too long. And then I remembered we didn’t have the makin’s for supper. We have some cold beer on ice, which would be helpful.” She dropped on to the deep sofa and smiled for the first time. “Go make your woman happy.”
Jimmy crossed to the fridge and brought two frosty bottles, settling next to Eula. “You’re late, baby. I was beginning to get worried. Glad you’re home. I don’t cotton your hanging around Parchman a minute longer than you have to.”
“I know that. I’m sorry, darlin’, I just couldn’t get away a minute sooner. It’s been a real crazy day.”
He glanced at his wife. “Crazy how?” He grinned. “Somebody tryin’ to bust out of Parchman? That’s not new.”
“Nope.” She returned his smile. “Somebody tryin’ to bust in! An old friend of yours from the bad old days.”
“Say what? Who?”
She shifted so she could face him “Lucas Claybourne. I kid you not. Luke! He wants the guard job and I think I’m going to hire him.”
He stared, speechless. After finding his voice he exploded, “You are what? You’re going to hire that racist bastard? As what? Executioner?”
She burst out laughing. “Jimmy! Times change. This is not Shiloh in ’64. There’s a whole lot of history with me and the Claybournes.” She rose and walked toward the kitchen, picking up the groceries as she went. “We can talk about it at dinner, or it’ll be midnight by the time we eat. Executioner!” Her chuckle lingered in the room as he followed her, leaning against the door frame.
“Don’t humor me. I’d rather talk about Mr. Charlie and your long history with the Claybourne family.” His sarcasm made her turn.
“Jimmy! What in the world—?”
“You floor me, Eula! How can you even consider hiring a man who treated you like a house nigger?”
“Stop that!” Her eyes were bright with anger, and her smile had gone. “That’s not fair.” Her words were level. “It wasn’t like that. I’m a woman that a lot of men tried to take advantage of. I know how to handle a Luke Claybourne. When I had to, I damn well did!”
“Come on, baby. He never tried to get you in bed with some help on the college tuition?” The words were biting, “How close did Mr. Charlie get? I’ve often—”
Eula raised her hand and closed her eyes tight. “Jimmy, stop right now.”
But Luke’s words cascaded, unable to cease: “Wondered what would have happened if Miss Willy hadn’t come home.”
“What do you mean, what would have happened? How dare you?”
He stepped closer, his eyes fastened on hers. “How dare I? Listen, Eula, lots of women—”
Furious, she slapped his face, and then stepped back, appalled. But the words poured out. “Damn you! After all our years together, you’re still wondering?” Jimmy could only stare at his enraged wife. “I’m not lots of women. And if you don’t know that by now, you never will.”
“You think that’s an easy question for a man to have to ask his wife? For me to ask you? It’s heart-breaking.” He shook his head, trying to shake a scene he had never anticipated. “Too damn many scars . . . too many nightmares.” His voice was desolate. He began to leave the room, then turned to face her. “Baby, I never should have asked. I’m sorry.” He opened his arms and tried to embrace her. “I love you, and I trust you beyond anything.”
Eula angrily pushed him away. “No, you shouldn’t have. You sure as hell should apologize.”
“I do. From the bottom of my heart, I do.”
She leaned back, her elbows resting on the stove. “It’s time you get over it, lover.” Her voice was steady. “If you don’t know me better than that, maybe it’s time to rethink the whole thing.”
Shocked, Jimmy stared at her. “Don’t ever say that, baby.”
“Scars and nightmares,” her voice faltered, “on both sides of the bed, Jimmy.” She held out her hand.