Out of the Easy

Josie calls Mr. Lockwell to discuss the position he offered her. He tells her to meet him at his apartment at noon. Jesse is boarding up the bookshop and gets angry when she will not explain what is happening. He tells her, “You complain about your mom being a user, but you’re lookin’ like one yourself these days” (293). Josie wants to cry but still does not explain. She walks to Lockwell’s apartment and admires its design. Lockwell says that he always knew she would want money from him. She admits she needs $2,000 and he replies that it would take her over two years of working for him to make that much. He offers to give her an advance if they could have a “weekly arrangement” (295). He offers a $1,000, but Josie wants $1,500. He gives her $50 to get new clothes, shoes, and make up, and tells her to return in two nights. Josie calculates that if she goes through with it, she will still need to steal more than $3,000 from Willie. She tells Lockwell she will see him again, even though her confidence wavers.