"The least I would expect from all of you is loyalty," Madame Senetsky said. "Loyalty that comes from sincere appreciation. I would hate to learn that one or even more of you were not grateful for this opportunity," she said, "Leaving something like this about my home is not a way to show it," she added, shaking the papers.
"Are those old news stories true?" Cinnamon bravely asked.
Madame Senetsky straightened her back into a pole of steel and glared down at her.
"That is not your concern here. Your concern is development of your talents, nothing more, nothing less, and certainly not to take dips into the pool of nasty gossip. Is that understood?"
"Yes. Madame. and I do apologize for being so careless. If I find anything else..."
"You will not find anything else!" Madame Senetsky practically screamed. She pounded the floor with her cane.
"Yes, Madame," Cinnamon said. She sat back.
The stillness in the room was so thick, I thought I could hear Madame Senetsky sucking air into her nostrils like a bull. After another moment, she said, "You're all dismissed,'" then turned and left the parlor, with Laura Fairchild Glaring back at us furiously before following on Madame Senetskys heels.
For a moment it was as if she had taken all the air in the room out with her.
"Man, oh. man," Steven muttered.
"What the hell was that all about?" Howard asked. "I got in trouble with all of you. I demand to know and know now." he said.
"Relax, Howard, It was just copies of old news stories about her husband's suicide," Cinnamon told him.
"Her husband's suicide?" He thought a moment. "Where did you really get them?"
"You heard me. I found them in my closet. Go look in yours. Who knows what you'll find?" she said and winked at me.
She stood up and we did the same.
"Why are you poking about her private life and her family history? What's that got to do with why we're here? You're going to get us all into big trouble. I won't stand for it," Howard cried.
"So sit," Cinnamon said.
We all started out.
"Why did you do that?" Rose asked Cinnamon. "Why did you take all the blame for what I did? You could have been thrown out."
"I didn't think so, but if you had told her the truth. I don't doubt she would have considered excusing you, and you're too Good a dancer. Rose. You're going to be a real star," Cinnamon predicted confidently.
Rose smiled.
"Thank you, Cinnamon." She looked at Ice and me. "Thanks, all of you."
"Remember one for all and all for one," Cinnamon said.
The boys passed us on the stairway, Howard continuing to mumble to himself.
"I feel a little ashamed," Rose said when they were far enough ahead.
"Why?" I asked.
"I'm missing a skirt and a blouse outfit."
"Missing?" Cinnamon asked.. "Are you sure you just didn't bring it?
"Yes. I'm positive because I remember hanging it up."
"Why did you say you were ashamed?" Ice asked, "You thought one of us took it?"