Chapter 5

“How do I look?” Lisa asked as she pranced around Marcus in a pretty peach dress with ruffles at the bottom and on the sleeves. He looked at Lisa and frowned as he tied his tie and directed his eyes at Lisa’s chest. “For God’s sake honey we’re going to church not one of your friends party.” “And what’s wrong with this dress?” She asked with a puzzled look on her face. “Well for one thing your breasts are practically falling out of the thing.” He responded with an intense look. “Marcus, I don’t have enough breasts for my breasts to be hanging out.” “Honey, the dress is cut too low. Can you just change it please I’d like to catch some of the sermon.” He said slowly losing his patience. “I don’t believe you don’t like this dress. When I bought it you said you liked it now.” Marcus cut her off. “I didn’t say I didn’t like the dress. I said its cut too low and that makes it inappropriate to wear to church. Now do you mind changing the dress please?” His voice was getting higher and higher with each sentence and his eyebrows rose. Lisa knew these were signs he was losing his patience and she decided not to try him any further. She rolled her eyes at him and stomped back into the bedroom. Marcus finished tying his blue tie with small yellow dots. He chose not to put on his navy blue pinstripe jacket until they were actually ready to leave. To calm his patience he sat down and opened up the Sunday newspaper. He turned to the second page and looked to the right side at the “News summary” section. Under the International section he read the headlines: “South African unions agree on nationwide strike set for November 5^th… Startling reports of Nazi Party gaining power in Germany again… Radical Christians overthrow Muslim government in North Sudan… Japanese diplomat insults African-Americans again… Despite challenges Communist still in control in Russia… Fears of an Egyptian Ethiopian confrontation grows…” He continued down to the National section. “Senator Jackson continues to surprise… Nationwide scandal over allocation of AIDS funds… Fires continue to sweep California forest… President vetoes education bill… Tobacco lobby fights proposal for ban on cigarettes… Day 1 for hearing on Congressional corruption…” He went on to the regional section after glancing upward to see if Lisa would appear out of the bedroom. “Concerns grow over space for inmates… Revitalized Klan plans march in Albany… Fordham student acquitted of raping black is killed…Assembly Speaker agrees with Mayors plan to privatize NYCHA…” Underneath the summary there was the “Quotation of the day” which had a quote from Senator Jackson’s speech at a church in Atlanta. “How do you think White America will feel if I actually won this thing?” Marcus smiled at the quotation. Lisa emerged from the bedroom tentatively. She had on a pretty white dress with small navy blue dots, which fit her shape nicely, that fell just below the knees. Marcus smiled with approval. “You look beautiful.” Lisa smiled and bowed to Marcus. “Thank you your highness.” They both laughed. He glanced at her hair. “Are you almost ready?” He asked. “I just have to do my hair.” She said scooting back to the bedroom. He smiled shaking his head. He turned back to the newspaper and began to read the article about Todd Ferguson as Lisa put the final touches on her hair.

Marcus and Lisa arrived at the House of Faith where Rev. Michael Johns was the pastor. As they entered Rev. Johns was winding up his sermon and the members were at an emotional peak. The few who were not involved in the intense emotion glanced at the fine looking late comers. The ushers quickly approached them and directed them to what seemed like the only two seats open. They passed by several annoyed church goers and sat down in their seats. “Church and family. Back to fundamentals. That’s what we allowed them to take from us. Now we have to take it back. Stop trusting the white man to solve your problems. Look to God, pray and wait. Put God first and he will put you first.” The pastor said with a loud raspy voice that quivered slightly. The people responded with several “Preach pastor!” and a “Tell it like it is.” from one of the Deacons. He continued. “Psalm 55:22 says cast thy burden upon the Lord and He shall sustain thee.” He wiped the perspiration from his forehead, smiled and nodded to Marcus as a woman screamed above everyone else “Hallelujah!” Murmurs of “Jesus” could be heard throughout the congregation. “In conclusion I want you to turn to Ephesians chapter 6, verses 10 through 17.” He repeated the request and waited until everyone was there. “Be strong in the Lord and His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take a stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the powers of this dark world and against spiritual forces of evil in heavenly realms. Therefore; put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything, to stand, stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waste, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the word of the spirit, which is the word of God.” Rev Johns again made eye contact with Marcus before addressing the congregation. “Let’s close with prayer.” Everyone stood and joined hands. “Lord we thank you for all you have done for us. Thank you for the roof over our heads. Thank you for the food you provided to nourish our bodies. We thank you Lord for good health, for sound minds, for our finances, for our jobs, and for just waking up this morning. I pray that each and every person here arrives home safely. We thank you for your presence here today, and for being with us in all places at all times, in Jesus’ mighty name amen.” The congregation responded with an “Amen”. As the church goers began filing out there were murmurs of conversation and people embracing one another on the way out. The smell of fried chicken grasped the nose of many as they headed for the steps leading to the kitchen. Marcus and Lisa proceeded to the side steps going down to the basement. A bald, dark skinned, muscular member of the church security nodded to Marcus as he allowed them to go down the steps. Waiting for them down a narrow dimly lit hallway was Clarence Wilson. They proceeded to a small supply room and locked the door behind them. Wilson was the wild eyed head of a group calling itself “Nat Turner’s Christian Soldiers”. The group was working closely with The Black Liberation Organization but remained independent. Clarence was not one who took orders from anyone but, as he would often say, God almighty. He did however have a close relationship with Marcus who introduced him to Rev. Johns. Marcus, along with Larry Fisher helped Clarence win his battle with alcoholism. Marcus was also the one who prevented Clarence from shooting his wife when he found out she had been sleeping with a co-worker. As they settled in the room Clarence finally greeted Marcus with an extremely tight hug. “Praise the Lord. How have you been my brother?” He smiled revealing a gap in his front teeth as he looked closely into Marcus’ eyes. He turned to Lisa gently grabbing her hand, bent over and kissed the back of her hand softly. “and how are you pretty miss Lisa?” She blushed. “Fine, thank you.” Clarence stepped back to admire her dress. He looked her up and down under the watchful eye of Marcus. “You look beautiful in that dress.” Again she replied with a thank you and a shy smile. The three of them sat down in three old wooden chairs that creaked as they pulled them closer to an old dusty splintered table. Clarence’s smile ceased abruptly as he folded his hands on the table and stared Marcus right in the eye. “My brother, the time is fast approaching when the first shall be last and the last shall be first.” Marcus nodded in agreement. “Yes the time is near.” He paused then continued. “Let’s get down to the business at hand. Update me on the situation with the safe houses.” Clarence responded. “We set up three additional houses for your cell; One in Mount Vernon and two in New Jersey.” Clarence handed him a white piece of paper with the addresses written on them. Marcus would later memorize them and destroy the paper. He had the addresses of all ten safe houses in the Metropolitan area plus the houses in St. Croix, Cincinnati, and the one in Atlanta where his good friend Zack lived, locked away in his mind. “What’s next?” Marcus asked. “The drug free zone we’ve targeted for Grand Avenue has become quite hazardous for me and my men. We’re not afraid of these scum drug dealers but we could use some assistance.” “I’ll have Warren and Larry set something up. I’ll get back to you on that.” Marcus assured. Clarence interrupted Marcus before he could say “What’s next”. “We’ve hired a professional torch to take down the porn houses and the abortion clinics we have targeted.” Marcus had to restrain his anger and disbelief as he emphatically shook his head from side to side. “Never go outside before consulting with me first, never. That’s a security violation and you know better Clarence, what’s wrong with you?” He said raising his voice slightly. Lisa began to tense up knowing Marcus was upset and also knowing Clarence’s reputation for having a hot temper. Clarence’s eyes bulged out. “We don’t have anyone capable of doing a neat professional job.” He responded raising his voice. Marcus’ eyebrows rose as he interrupted Clarence before he could continue. “If you felt you didn’t have anyone capable you don’t go outside you come to me.” Clarence was about to speak when Marcus interrupted him again. “Hold it, hold it.” He said holding his palms up facing Clarence. “Did you tell him anything?” Clarence sat back in his chair as perspiration began to appear on his forehead and he began to breathe heavily through the hairs in his nose. “I’m not stupid, I told him I had work for him but would have to fill in the details at a later date for security reasons.” “So he knows nothing?” Marcus asked. “That’s right.” “You said you hired him, what exactly does that mean?” “I gave him a down payment.” “Has he seen anyone else besides you?” “No.” Marcus turned to Lisa. “Ok, here’s what we are going to do. Contact Roger; set up a meet with him and Clarence. Tell Roger I said we need a torch.” “Ok.” Lisa acknowledged. He turned back to Clarence. “Set up a meet with this professional arsonist and at the meet you are to take him out. We are about to do big things. We can’t afford to have any outsiders knowing too much about what we are doing or about to do. Understand?” Clarence did not like the idea. “Take him out? He doesn’t know anything. This guy is a pro. He could be useful later. Besides I gave him a healthy down payment.” Marcus still struggling to maintain his composure responded. “I want you to take him out. If you won’t I will. He is a security risk. As far as the down payment goes, if you can get it back fine; if not you just take the lost, but I want him eliminated. Now, are you going to do it or do I have to? “Clarence took a deep breath before answering. “Ok, Marcus my brother. I’ll do it your way. I’ll take care of it.” The tension in the room was thick but seemed to have settled down as the room remained quiet for a few long seconds. Then Clarence continued. Only his admiration and respect for Marcus allowed him to maintain calm. “Lastly, I’ve spoken to Rev. Johns about a possible infiltrator in the church. He thinks maybe I’m paranoid; I think maybe I’m just careful. He said I should speak to you about it and follow your instructions.” “What makes you think this person is an infiltrator?” “He has been seen taking notes in the men’s room on several occasions. He’s also been asking a lot of questions about Rev. Johns.” “Ok. Have someone keep an unsuspecting eye on him. Gather intelligence on him. Do a thorough background check on him. If you need to tap into my resources let me know. I’ve got people in the IRS, DMV, NYPD, etc. Recruit him into one of the committees so you can stay close to him and go through his application. Ok?” “Cool.” Clarence answered. They all rose. Marcus and Clarence embraced tightly. Clarence kissed Lisa’s hand again and they departed from the room. “Marcus!” Clarence shouted. Marcus turned his head toward Clarence slightly startled. “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. Matthew 10:34.” Marcus responded. “Is the sword an actual sword or is he talking about the word of God?” Clarence didn’t answer, he just smiled. “Clarence!” Marcus shouted. “A fool gives vent to his anger but a wise man keeps himself under control. Proverbs 29:11.” They embraced again. Marcus and Lisa climbed the steep steps to the top where Rev. Johns was talking to three church members who were on their way out. He excused himself and approached Marcus and Lisa with a broad smile stretching across his face. “Hey, how are you doin’?” The Reverend said as he firmly grasped Marcus’ hand and shook it. “And how are you?” He said turning to Lisa. He had forgotten her name but Marcus quickly bailed him out. “You remember Lisa don’t you?” “Of course I do, how have you been?” “Fine, thank you.” She answered. “How was your talk with Clarence?” “We got some things straightened out.” Marcus answered. “Good, good.” The preacher replied. “Listen Reverend, Lisa and I are getting married in May and we would like you to perform the ceremony.” The Reverend’s eyes bulged out in surprise and he flashed that big smile again. Only the wrinkles around his eyes indicated his age. “That’s wonderful! All right! That’s great.” He expressed as he hugged Marcus and firmly shook Lisa’s hand. “Well, congratulations. I think I might be able to fit you two into my schedule.” They all laughed. “Just one thing.” He added. “Uh oh!” Marcus said smiling nervously. “What might that one thing be?” Marcus asked. “Nothing really difficult when you think about it.” The Reverend said and then paused to increase their anxiety. “Well, what is it?” Marcus asked impatiently. “Well, if I’m going to perform the ceremony for you two, the both of you are going to have to attend church service at least twice a month from here on in. That’s not asking too much is it?” Marcus smiled and shook his head. “I think that’s a fair deal especially since we had intended on attending church regularly anyhow.” “Good, good. Then we just need to schedule a meeting to work out the details.” “Good enough. I’ll call you. Thank you very much.” Marcus said. “No problem.” The preacher said as he was urgently being summoned by his secretary. “Look, I gotta run. Call me soon. We’ll talk some more when it’s not so hectic around here.” “Ok.” Marcus replied as the Reverend began to walk away. “Again, congratulations. You two make a fine couple.” He dashed and dodged through people leaving as he headed towards his secretary. Marcus took a deep breath and took Lisa’s hand as they left the church.

Lisa and Marcus approached his apartment building. Jimmy hurried to the door and opened it for his favorite couple with a smile that covered most of the lower portion of his face and exposed his large teeth. “Good morning Mr. and Mrs. Brooks.” Both Lisa and Marcus returned the smile. “Thanks Jimmy. But you know we haven’t tied the knot yet.” “Oh, my bad. Just getting into practice. Don’t mind me.” He said almost apologetically. “It’s ok Jimmy you have a good day.” He said as he slipped five dollars into Jimmy’s hand. As Marcus pressed the button for the elevator he looked at Lisa and noticed a slight pout. The elevator arrived with the ring of a bell and the doors slowly opening. They entered and Marcus looked to the left and pressed 21. The door shut slowly and quietly. The entire ride was silent with the exception of the low hum of the elevator. As they got out of the elevator and entered the narrow hallway Marcus was trying to figure out Lisa’s sudden mood change. They entered the apartment and Marcus started to take off his tie simultaneously retracing his steps in an effort to find the root cause of the pouting. He remembered her being ok in the car then he just said to hell with it I’ll just ask. “You got an attitude about something?” “No.” She responded. “Did I do something wrong?” “No.” She answered again. “So you just go around poking your bottom lip out like that all the time.” “There’s nothing wrong with my bottom lip.” “Ok.” He walked away and continued to unbutton his shirt. He headed toward the bedroom and was just about to enter when Lisa said. ”You know there was nothing wrong with Jimmy saying Mr. and Mrs. Brooks. I mean you didn’t have to correct him.” He stopped smiled and turned around. “That’s what you’re pouting about?” “I’m not pouting.” “Well what do you call it?” “I’m slightly irritated.” “Ok, let me understand this. You’re slightly irritated because I told Jimmy we weren’t married yet; which we are not.” “Well you act as if it might not happen.” “I simply told him the truth and that is that we are not married yet.” “But you said it like you had some doubt.” “I said all that huh? Honey you really are reading too much into this.” He said as he did an about face and went into the bedroom. A few minutes later he came back out wearing just a black pair of boxers. Lisa was sitting in the wooden dining room chair playing with her hair with her left hand a slowly drinking apple juice with her right. He walked over to her and gently kissed her on her forehead. “You all right?” “Yeah, I’m ok.” She replied. He put his index finger gently under her chin raising her face up toward him. He bent over and softly kissed her on the lips. “Let’s go over the wedding vows again, ok?” “Ok.” She agreed. “You say one line then I’ll say the next. All right?” “Ok.” She said again rising from the chair and putting the juice down on the end table. Marcus put his hand around her small waist and led her to the sunken living room. They sat on the black leather couch. “Aren’t you going to get them in case I forget a line?” She asked. Marcus put his hand in his shorts and pulled out a yellow piece of folded up paper. She laughed. “You’re crazy you know.” “That’s why you love me.” He said as he gave her a little peck on the cheek. “Ok, let’s start. You want me to go first or you?” “You go ahead.” She said. “All right, numero uno. We must not deny our problems but reach way down into the resourcefulness of our souls to solve them.” Lisa then started. “Number two. We will strive for a quality relationship in which there will be positive sharing, mutual investment in each other’s happiness, well-being and development.” “ Number three. We will together base our lives on the seven principles of blackness. Unity.Self-determination. Collective work and responsibility. Cooperative economics. Purpose. Creativity. And Faith. Marcus smiled. “Yeah, I like that one.” “You don’t like the other ones?” She asked. “Of course I like the other ones too. We wrote them together. It’s just that the Seven Principles just about covers everything. Lisa continued. “Number four. We will attack our weaknesses and build our strengths.” “Number five. We will struggle and sacrifice for the things we want to achieve in life.” “Number six. We will strive to be understanding, supportive, to grow continuously, and to fulfill each other in various and necessary ways.” “Number seven.” Marcus said slightly raising his voice. “We must keep our relationship young and loving, and avoid taking each other for granted.” He smiled and looked at her. “I know you like that one especially.” He said. “Well, I like them all.” She said in her best imitation of him. “Ok. Finish it up.” He said continuing to smile. She concluded. “Number eight. We will take on the characteristics of the New African man and woman: knowledgeable, principled, committed, strong, disciplined, achievement oriented and audacious.” “All right!” Marcus exclaimed, clapping his hands. “Now all we have to do is follow these vows to the letter and we’ll be ok.” Lisa stretched out her hand and Marcus slapped her five. “Now, I have a proposal.” Lisa said. “Honey I already proposed you don’t have to propose too.” He said. “Not that kind of proposal silly. I have a proposal for what we should do right now.” “Oh, ok. You got my attention.” Marcus responded with smile sensing the nature of her request. “I propose that we take a nice bubble bath together.” “That sounds good to me.” They rose from the couch. Marcus placed the vows on the table and grasped her hand as they walked hand in hand toward the bathroom like two anxious teens.