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Unlocking Doors
Ruth has been in New York for years now, but there is part of the city that she has never been part of, a world separate from her own. When her friends offer to open new doors for her, will she be willing to follow? And if she does, will she live to regret it? This is the TENTH Sneak Peek drop for “The Girl in the Newsroom”. If you missed any you can find them all linked below or on my Goodreads.
The Girl in the Newsroom
September 1922
Ruth and Chayele’s heels clicked on the pavement. It was hot despite the coming dusk, and Ruth felt stifled. This was the time when respectable citizens retired home for the evening, yet the “city that never sleeps” was filled with noise. The whoosh of cars driving past. The scrape of smelly trash cans dragged to the curb. The slamming and locking of storefront shutters. From somewhere in the distance, music floated through the night air and voices called out.
Ruth — who had always considered herself part of the respectable community—was usually safely home by now, but Chayele had insisted. Friedrich was working the night shift, but Chayele couldn’t stand another moment in her hot apartment. She needed a night out. So, she’d dragged Ruth to join her.
“Almost there!” she sang out now as they rounded a corner past some shops and tea rooms. Ruth had never been to Greenwich Village. All she knew was that they were meeting some nurses from the hospital somewhere.
Chayele had gussied Ruth up in a sleeveless black beaded number, even going so far as sticking a headpiece with feathers in Ruth’s hair. The whole dress clinked and jiggled as Ruth walked. Chayele was sporting a jade green fringed dress. She’d also darkened her eyes with a new plum eyeshadow.
Chayele had been vague with details for the night, which made Ruth nervous. Something finally clicked.
“Are you taking me to one of those speakeasy things?” she asked.
Chayele turned with a finger to her lips. “No one says that out loud!”
She tucked her arm into Ruth’s and leaned close. “But, maybe.” Her eyes twinkled with mischief. Ruth felt her stomach drop.
“I don’t know about this, Chayele.”
Even Ruth, who was not much of a drinker, had heard of all the illegal clubs springing up around the city. How could she not? Prohibition had barely curbed the party culture in New York City. It had just driven it underground.
Chayele squeezed Ruth’s arm. “I can see those worry lines forming. It will be fine. Even police attend these clubs when they’re off-duty.”
“What if it gets raided?”
Chayele rolled her eyes. “That hardly ever happens. And if it does, it’s usually a political maneuver to settle some kind of political grudge. What’s the worst that happens to people like us? We see the inside of a jail cell for a few hours?” She waved her hand. “Been there, done that. We can see how much the jails have improved since last time and you can write a report on current conditions for your newspaper.”
Ruth let out an involuntary chuckle, and Chayele smiled. She gave a little dance knowing Ruth was about to cave.
This was why their friendship worked. Ruth knew she could be a wet blanket at times. Left to her own devices she’d be home playing pinochle right now. But how could she not be cautious, considering her past? She needed Chayele to force her out of her comfort zone. In turn, Ruth would try to stop Chayele from doing anything stupidly reckless.
“Fine,” Ruth said.
Chayele squealed and clapped her hands.
“But the first sign of trouble, we’re out.”
Chayele held up a hand. “I solemnly swear.”
Ruth shook her head. “What will I do with you?”
Chayele tucked her arm back into Ruth’s. “You love me. You know it.”
Ruth sighed. “I do, you crazy meshugenah.”
Chayele tilted her head into Ruth’s as they turned onto a dim side street. A streetlamp flickered, and another one was out. There were only a few buildings, which appeared to be old warehouses. Ruth felt tingles of concern creep up her spine.
Chayele dropped Ruth’s arm and strode confidently towards a metal door. Ruth wondered how she knew which one–there were no identifying features, none of the special-colored lights or symbols she’d heard about. Chayele knocked three times.
They waited. At last, the door squeaked open.
“What’s the password?”
“Banshee hunter,” Chayele said, winking at Ruth.
Ruth just shook her head in wonder. How strange. What even was a banshee?
The door swung open, and an elegant man in top hat and tails appeared. He gestured to the interior. “Welcome ladies. We have a band playing tonight.”
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Love what I’ve read so far. Can’t wait for more. True to the author the points of historical happenings are a added bonus to the reader