An article in the Wednesday morning newspaper reported that Cliff Walker and Judd Willoughby would appear that afternoon at the Watertown book store for a signing ceremony for their new book, The Human Side of Virginia’s Early History. It was announced that Cliff’s brother, Lew Walker, a celebrated Broadway actor, would be in attendance. Much to Cliff’s displeasure, the two brothers were depicted as “local boys who made good.” Judd was described as a prominent history professor on leave from the University of Kentucky. Also mentioned in the article were “Arthur, Matthias, and Frank Walker, well-known Watertown businessmen and brothers of the author.”
Cliff hands the newspaper to Marie and says, “What a bunch of crap.”
“That’s the price of fame, Tiger. At least they spelled your name right, although they did call poor Matthew Mathias.”
“To hell with Matt. I would have been happier if Lew and I had been described as sons of longtime Watertown resident, Martha Walker. “
“But then they would have had to mention Captain Jack.”
“That would have made the old man rise from his grave.”
“Think of the crowd that would have attracted to the book signing.”
Cliff laughs. “Thanks, Sweetheart. On that bright note I just might get through the day.”
“Good--then we’d better be on our way to face your admiring public.”
In the line of people waiting at the book store was a tall black man who approached Cliff and introduced himself as Dr. Howard Jefferson.
“Glad to meet you Doctor Jefferson,” says Cliff. “Have we met before? You look familiar.”
“Jolly was my older brother.”
“Jolly? My god! Now I see the resemblance. You’ve got to meet Lew.”
“But first I’d like to meet this lovely lady.”
“Of course. Dr. Howard Jefferson meet my wife Marie.”
The doctor shakes her hand and says, “A pleasure, ma’am.”
“Thanks, Doctor. Cliff always speaks fondly of growing up with Jolly.”
“Your husband and his brother Lew were the only real friends that Jolly had in the early days--before he was strung up by those Alabama rednecks.”
“Doctor, come with me. You’ve got to meet Lew.”
“I’ve been waiting to do that for many years.”
Cliff leads the Doctor to Lew, who is standing alone by the checkout counter.
“Prepare yourself, Lew. This is Jolly’s brother Dr. Howard Jefferson.”
As Lew embraces the Doctor, there is a hint of tears in his eyes. The two men stare at each other for a moment before Lew says, “Jolly never told me he had a brother.”
“Well, he told me all about you,” says Doctor Jefferson. “He would not have had the courage to participate in that Civil Rights march in Alabama if you had not gone along.”
“It was reckless of us to go down there. If we had stayed here to fight the battle in Watertown, Jolly would still be alive today.”
“I wonder,” says Cliff.
“Yes, those were dangerous times for the black man no matter where he took his stand. I was arrested on several occasions for participating in sit-ins at the local dime store lunch counter.”
“I should have been here,” says Lew.
“No, it was enough that you put your life on the line in Alabama. That took a lot of guts.”
“Still, there should have been someone here to support your cause.”
“Oh, there were a few,” says the Doctor. “It may surprise you to know that on one occasion when I was arrested, your father bailed me out.”
“Captain Jack?” Lew and Cliff were astonished.
“Yes. He said he didn’t believe in the Civil Rights movement, but he almost lost you and didn’t want to see me wind up like Jolly.”
“That’s quite a surprise to me, Doctor. The old man always thought that Cliff and me were weaklings, mama’s boys. He never got over the fact that we were not meant to be farmers.”
“I guess there was more to Captain Jack than we realized,” says Cliff.
“Well, he was no champion of civil rights,“ says the Doctor. “He didn’t want to see Watertown wind up in riots and bloodshed. He told me to stay in my own part of town and live with the way things were. He said that all the marching and sit-ins would not change the fact that this is a white man’s world.”
“That sounds like the old man,” says Lew.
“He must have done something right to produce two fine sons like you and Cliff.”
“That was Mother’s doing,” says Cliff.”
“Anyway,” says Doctor Jefferson. “I took his advice, minded my own business, and let the other folks do the marching. I hit the books hard and eventually, I got a scholarship to Howard University in Washington, DC , where I graduated near the top of my class. That helped me get the financial aid I needed to go to med school.”
“You’ve got my admiration, Doctor,” says Lew.
“And you two have mine.”
“Thanks,” says Cliff. “After this book signing, we’re having a luncheon down at The Blue Crab, and you’re welcome to join us.”
“I’d like to.” says the Doctor.
“Good. We’ll finish up here as soon as I’ve sold enough books to pay for the lunch.”
He turns to Lew. “Come along, little brother, and autograph a few books.”
By midafternoon the crowd has trickled down to a few young women who seemed to be more interested in Lew than the book. Ms Johnson, the store manager, is delighted with the signing and is busily arranging a group of photographs that she could use in promoting the book. That accomplished, Cliff suggests she close the store for a few hours and join the family for a late luncheon at the Blue Crab. This too delights her.
At the luncheon, Cliff makes a point of introducing Doctor Howard Jefferson to all members of the family. The introductions go well except for Matt who whispers to Cliff that he feels it is out of place to invite a black man to a family gathering.
“Fuck you,” says Cliff. “If you’re uncomfortable, leave. “
“That’s a lousy way to speak to a brother. Why is he here anyway?”
“Because I consider him a member of the family. I’m just sorry that Jolly can’t be here.”
“Isn’t he the one who almost got Lew killed in Alanama?”
“If you’re smart, Matt, you won’t talk like that in front of Lew.”
“And if I were you, I’d keep an eye on Frank, who’s trying to make time with your wife.”
“Go get a drink, Matt. Marie can take care of herself.”
“I guess you don’t know Frank as well as I do.”
“You’re right, but I know Marie. Besides, they’re probably discussing the marketing plan we’ve developed for Frank’s farm market.”
“If you say so,” says Matt and walks away to the bar.”
As Cliff starts to join Frank and Marie, he is stopped by Sally.
“It’s been a great afternoon, Dad. I wish Grandmother could have been here.”
“Me too, Sal. It would have made the affair worthwhile. At least, I dedicated the book to her. I hope Judd didn’t mind.”
“Of course not. He’s happy that so many people attended the signing. By last count there were more than seventy. When I told Lew, he said he was surprised to know that so many people in the old town could read.”
“I’m sure that most of them came to see Lew.”
“Don’t sell yourself short, Dad. The people I talked to said they were proud that such a famous author was born here in Watertown.”
“The word famous hardly applies to a guy who has co-authored just one book.”
“And that’s only the beginning. Remember that you promised me once that you would write an autobiographical novel.”
“Was I drinking at the time?”
“Be serious, Dad. You said you owed it to your mother. Which reminds me. Did you know that Lew, when he was taking his curtain calls following the play, said that he accepted the applause on behalf of his mother who made it all possible?”
“Thanks for telling me, Sal. You can’t imagine how happy that makes me.”
“Yes, I can. And I can imagine how pleased she would be to read your dedication to her in your book. You should be glad to know that all of the hopes she had for you and Lew have been realized--or will be as soon as you finish your novel.”
“You don’t give up, do you Sal?”
“No, and neither should you.”
Cliff kisses his daughter lightly on the lips and holds her very close.
“How touching,” says a voice behind him.
Cliff turns to face young Jack, with a wide grin on his face.
“Sal, do you have a kiss for me? It’s been a long time.”
“Jack!” When did you arrive?” She kisses him on the cheek.
“I appreciate that, Sally, but the person I really want to thank is Uncle Cliff for finding a way to get me out of jail. Pop told me about your idea of setting me up in an advertising agency.”
“It a family project, Jack. Can you handle it?”
“Yes, I won’t let you down.”
“What you should say is, you won’t let Uncle Frank down. He’s counting on you.”
“I know, and I’m ready to go to work.”
“Oh, Jack,” says Sally. “That’s wonderful.”
“Yes,” says Cliff. “You can get started this weekend when your uncle stages his first Farmer Frank Hoedown. In the meantime, familiarize yourself with the rest of the plan. You’ll need to create a series of radio and tv commercials. Can you handle that?”
“You bet, Uncle Cliff. This is young Jack you’re talking to.”
“I know.”
“I think I’ll circulate and say hello to the rest of the family. Then I’ll get something to eat. It’s been a long time since I’ve had a decent meal. Want to join me, Sally?”
“Not now. I promised Judd I’d get him a drink.”
“Bring me one too.”
“Is it ok, Dad?”
“Why ask him?”
“Because as you said, dear cousin, it was his idea that got you out of jail.”
“And I’ll never forget it. I’m a changed man.”
“Jack, that’s what we’re all counting on,” says Cliff.
