Lay That Trumpet in Our Hands

On a night late in May, Lizbeth is teaching her children to play bridge when all of a sudden, guests arrive at the McMahon home. Luther, Harry T. Moore, and Thurgood Marshall appear at the door. Together, the family shares all they know about Marvin’s murder, including detailed descriptions of the men bragging in the restaurant. Warren gives them, in triplicate, the documents he prepared describing the state of Marvin’s body, where it was found, and other pertinent information. They discuss the groupings of the Klan in Orange and Lake Counties. Because murder is under state jurisdiction, not federal, Marshall and Moore are unable to promise they can help, but Reesa feels excited and optimistic. Their visit is the first step towards resolving the case as these men are the first genuine authorities to get involved. 

Reesa meets Maryvale, known to her friends as Vaylie, the grand-niece of old Maybelle, the postmistress whose stern behavior makes her unpopular with the town’s children. The two enjoy each other’s company. Vaylie has no dolls, as Miss Maybelle had led Reesa to believe, and she is dressed just like Reesa— in shorts and a shirt, not in girly clothes.