Muttering angrily, the girls took off their things. Raven stood by watching them. “Now stand still and let me look at you.”
Sadie was the only one who didn’t undress. Maltz took a step towards her, but Raven stopped him. He looked the girls over as if he were inspecting cattle. Then he grunted: “They’re all right. Take the lot.”
Little Joe, who was standing by the doorway with a large embarrassed grin on his face, clapped his hands.
“Break it up, girls,” he said. “Get dressed quick. We’re goin’ for a ride.”
Raven beckoned to Maltz. “What’s that dame’s name?” he asked, pointing to Sadie.
Maltz consulted his list and then told him.
Raven nodded. “Take her to the St. Louis. I want to talk to her. Lock her up. See she doesn’t start anythin’, an’ keep your hands off her.”
Maltz looked hurt. “Gee!” he said. “I could use a honey like that.”
“If you touch her, I’ll fix you,” Raven snarled. “Get on with it.” He turned to Carrie. “Get all these girls upstairs. Get ’em dressed to go out. Tell ’em to bring stuff for a night and you come yourself. Hurry.”
Carrie opened her mouth to say something, but thought better of it. She shepherded the girls out of the room.