“Sorry, Ms. Wood. I dragged you into trouble again.”

Madam Walker looked gentle, but her heart was ruthless. She was seasoned, the kind who knew exactly how to smile while cutting you open. The way she’d treated Ms. Wood just now made it obvious—she was interested in her. And that was exactly why I was afraid. Afraid she’d scheme. Afraid she’d hurt Ms. Wood.

“Babe, when you say ‘trouble,’ you mean Madam ...