Coal River by Ellen Marie Wiseman Read Free Book Online Page A

how dangerous.”
    “But if they go on strike and scabs break the line, all hell will break loose,” Percy said.
    “You just go to work and let me worry about that,” Uncle Otis said. “It’s not going to have any effect on your job.”
    “But it does have an effect,” Percy said. “If the miners aren’t getting paid, they won’t have money to spend in the Company Store.”
    “That’s right,” Aunt Ida said. “And if production drops, what’s going to happen to us? I’ve got five reams of satin and a half a cow coming next month. How are we going to pay for everything if there’s a strike and you get laid off?”
    Uncle Otis threw his hands in the air. “Jesus, Mary, and Joseph!” he said. “Before you send yourself into a conniption fit, try to remember I’m the mine supervisor!”
    Aunt Ida frowned, furrows of disapproval lining her forehead. “Otis,” she said, her tone firm. “How many times do I have to remind you to watch your language?”
    Uncle Otis ignored his wife’s remark. “You stay out of it and let me worry about the miners. I’ll let you know if and when we need to worry about anything!” He got up, went over to the sideboard, filled a tumbler with whiskey, and drank it down in three noisy swallows. Then he refilled the glass, brought it back to the table, and sat down, his face tight with anger.
    “I’m sorry, dear,” Aunt Ida said. “You’re right. Now, please, calm down and eat your dinner before you give yourself indigestion.” She glanced at Emma. “Speaking of jobs, I have a list of chores for you.”
    “Yes, ma’am,” Emma said. She took the saltshaker from Percy, wishing her aunt and uncle owned dogs so she could slip her food beneath the table.
    “Percy could use help at the store,” Uncle Otis said.
    Emma’s eyes darted to her uncle, her spirits lifting a tiny bit. The last thing she wanted to do was work with Percy, but maybe, if she had a paying job, she could save enough money to go back to New York and start over.
    “That’s true,” Percy said, chewing. He wiped his napkin across his mouth, then returned it to his lap. “But I need a man who can work hard, not a woman.”
    “And I need help here,” Aunt Ida said. “Around the house.”
    “What do you mean you need someone who can work hard?” Uncle Otis said to Percy. “How difficult can it be to push numbers on a cash register?” He shoved a forkful of meat into his mouth, breathing hard as he chewed.
    “Percy does more than run the cash register,” Aunt Ida said. “And you know it. He works hard at that store. And for not much pay, I might add!”
    “I’d be happy to work at the store,” Emma said.
    “I need someone strong enough to unload stock,” Percy said to his father. “It’s hard stocking shelves, doing orders and paperwork, and trying to wait on everyone. More than once the deliveryman got tired of waiting and left me without mattress ticking for nearly two weeks. Another time it was lantern oil. I’m the one who has to listen to everyone moan and groan when we don’t have what they want.”
    Otis ignored him and addressed his wife. “What in blue blazes does Percy need more money for? It’s not like he’s got a house and a family to take care of. He’s not even courting anyone. Last I looked, I was the one taking care of him!” He directed his scorching gaze at Percy. “And you listen here, boy. Coal mining is hard work. Don’t you ever try telling me about hard work.”
    “You know Percy can’t tolerate the wet conditions and all that dust,” Aunt Ida said. “The doctor said—”
    “I know what the doctor said!” Uncle Otis shouted. “You’ve been telling me for the past six years what the doctor said. But there are men working in those mines every day with the same problems Percy has. Difference is, they don’t have a choice. The boy is twenty years old, but you treat him like a child, keeping him at home, making sure he doesn’t bend a fingernail. Now