Free Mystery of the Dark Tower by Evelyn Coleman Page A

what would Papa do when he found out she’d been snooping around in grown folks’ business? Would he whip her? Bessie didn’t care.
    But suppose he refused to leave? If that happened, there was nothing she could do. Nothing.
    In that moment Bessie understood what action she must take. It was the only way. As they neared their block, Bessie said, “Lillian, do you think Miss Flo can put a conjure on a woman? ”
    â€œI don’t know,” Lillian said, stopping. “But what I do know is that going to that Dark Tower doesn’t seem like a good idea.”
    â€œI-I don’t think y-you should g-go, either,” Eddie said. “What if it’s a really b-bad place?”
    They were almost home. “Eddie, you wait on our stoop. If you see Aunt Esther, tell her that Lillian and me went around the corner to the store.” Then she took Lillian by the hand and pulled her along.
    â€œW-w-where you g-g-going?” Eddie asked.
    â€œYes,” Lillian said, stopping. “Where are we going? I’m not going to that Tower.”
    â€œWe’re going to see Miss Flo,” Bessie said.
    â€œMiss Flo?” Lillian said. “Are you crazy?”
    â€œIf Miss Flo can put a conjure on a man to make him fall in love, then she can put a conjure on a woman, too. I’m going to ask Miss Flo to put a conjure on Miss Walker.”
    â€œI’m not going,” Lillian said.
    â€œYou have to come with me. You know her better than I do. Please. You said you’d help.”
    â€œAre you sure you know what you’re doing?” Lillian asked.
    Bessie nodded.
    â€œWell, I did say I’d help. All right. I’ll go with you,” Lillian said. “I’d rather go see Miss Flo than go to that Dark Tower place anyway.”
    â€œI-I-I w-w-want to go with you,” Eddie said.
    â€œNo. It’s not safe,” Bessie said. “You can help by doing what I asked you, please.” She didn’t want Eddie to get mixed up in this. Bessie was afraid of what might happen. There was no reason to put Eddie in danger, too.
    Eddie stomped on the ground. “It’s n-not f-f-fair.”
    Bessie understood then that being without Mama and Papa must be even harder on Eddie than it was on her. After all, he was younger. Plus, Aunt Esther was always on him about stuttering. But this had to be done, and she couldn’t risk getting Eddie hurt. She was his big sister. She had to protect him. Bessie hugged Eddie. “Please,” she pleaded.
    He shrugged. “But if you’re not b-b-back soon, I-I-I’m coming to get you.”
    Bessie and Lillian walked down to the end of the block and up Miss Flo’s steps.
    As Bessie reached up to ring the doorbell, she froze. There was white powder all over the top steps. “What is that?” Bessie whispered, pointing.
    â€œIt’s a part of her conjures,” Lillian answered. “Don’t step on it. Your feet might fall off!”
    â€œMaybe this is a bad idea,” Bessie said. “Maybe I should just go to the Dark Tower and ask Miss Walker for Papa.”
    â€œAnd what will you do if she refuses to let you see him?” Lillian said. “No, you’re right, this is a better idea. Miss Flo must get rid of the woman so your parents can get back together. You don’t want to live with your aunts forever, do you?”
    Bessie rang the doorbell. Her knees shook. Sweat popped out on her forehead. But she felt better knowing that she didn’t have to face Miss Flo alone.
    When Miss Flo opened the door, Lillian blurted out, “Good afternoon, Miss Flo. She wants to ask you something,” and shoved Bessie forward.
    â€œWhat can Miss Flo help you with, me dears?” Miss Flo asked.
    â€œUhh … uhh,” Bessie stammered. “I want to put a conjure on somebody and I …”
    â€œCome in then,” Miss Flo said, smiling and motioning them inside. “Come