Willie silently pocketed the money. He left the building and walked around back to Persia's kitchen. Stella was dividing a batch of bread dough into loaves and putting it into pans. He asked if Miss Persia was in, and Stella said she was in the parlor.
Willie found her seated at the secretary. "I been f-fired," he said.
"I'm sorry," Persia said. "But there's nothing I can do, Willie. You made a serious mistake."
"You're in it, t-too! You're all in t-together!"
"Would you like a letter of recommendation?" Persia said. "I'd be glad to give you one. It might help you get another job."
"I hoped you'd l-listen to my s-side of the s-story," Willie said.
"Willie, you accused a member of the town council of a serious crime without one speck of evidence. I'm sure it was an honest mistake, but...."
Willie put his back to her and walked out. Stella offered him a cup of coffee and a piece of pie, and he ate silently, thanked her, and left.
He marched straight across town and took the road to Vickers' camp.