Chapter 7

Lisa could smell the aroma as she walked toward the door some 30 feet away. A smile came across her face. The closer she got to the apartment the more intense the aroma got. Lisa figured out it was either fish or shrimp that Marcus was cooking. She was glad he decided to cook. Her day of exams at City College had worn her out mentally. As Black Solidarity Day approached Lisa had become more irritable and uptight than usual. She was normally a very laid back and relaxed person whose nerve could only be rattled by Marcus. Weighing heavily on her mind more and more was what was about to take place on that day and the risk both she and Marcus would face. Marcus sensed the heightened anxiety levels and decided to whip up a meal and enjoy a quiet evening with her to ease the tension. She opened the door and immediately headed for the kitchen. She peaked around the wall. “Come on in here and give me some sugar.” He said. Lisa smiled and went in the cabinet and took out the sugar bowl and handed it to him. He laughed. “Oh you got jokes. I’m glad to see you’re in a good mood today.” She slowly walked over to him and planted a soft two second kiss on his lips. He reached down into the flowered designed plate on the white counter and grabbed a shrimp. He blew on it quickly before handing it to her. “Be careful it’s hot.” Lisa blew on it again before devouring it. “Not as hot as you.” She replied patting him on his behind and giving him her best seductive look. “Don’t start!” He said raising his eyebrows.“ You don’t want me to burn the food.” She reached for another shrimp but Marcus playfully slapped her hand. “All right out of the kitchen. Everything will be ready shortly. Lisa left the kitchen and headed in the direction of the dining room. She peeked back at him. “So what else you got going on in there?” “We’ve got some homemade French fries going here; some corn on the cob going there; and some salad in the fridge.” He said pointing to each item. He repeated. “Everything will be ready shortly.” “Do I have time for a quick shower?” She asked. “Please do!” He answered squeezing his nostrils with two fingers. “You bum!” She said reaching for the Black Enterprise magazine on the dining room table and tossing it at him hitting his knee. “You better go ahead. You see all this hot grease here.” “I owe you one.” She said as she went into the living room. She took four steps before noticing the flowers on the living room table. “Oh my god Marcus they’re beautiful!” She said with her mouth dropping open. Marcus smiled broadly without looking at her as he scooped a batch of shrimps out of the bubbling hot grease. She walked closer to the floral arrangement of red roses, white tulips and purple iris. She bent over, closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. “Umm, they smell wonderful.” “Sweetness why don’t you put them in the bedroom so they don’t absorb any of this grease smell?” “Ok.” She said as she gently picked up the vase and took them into the bedroom. She returned to the kitchen teary eyed. “Thanks for all this; I needed it.” “My pleasure but you can show much you appreciate all this a little later.” He said with a sly smile. Lisa took a deep breath. “I think I better take my shower before we end up not eating.” She said running her fingers through her hair as she headed toward the bathroom.

Ten minutes later Marcus knocked on the bathroom door. “C’mon baby the food is ready.” “All right, I’m coming.” Marcus had everything set up on the dining room table. Lisa came out of the bathroom with Marcus’ blue and white dress shirt on and nothing else. She rolled up the sleeves and unbuttoned three buttons. He stared her down as she glided to the dining table. “You know what that does to me when you wear my shirts like that right?” “Yeah.” She said with a smile. “Say grace and let’s eat.” “Father we thank you for this food we are about to receive for the strength and nourishment of our bodies and Lord we ask that you look after and bless all those brothers and sisters who are struggling today to put food on their plates in Jesus name; Amen.” Lisa repeated the Amen and immediately dug into the shrimp. “Mmm, this is too good.” “What kind of dressing you want on your salad?” He asked. “French.” She mumbled with food in her mouth. He poured the French salad dressing over her salad and placed the bowl beside her plate. Marcus then dug his teeth into the corn on the cob which was dripping with butter.

As they concluded their meal Marcus noticed that a sense of sadness draped over Lisa. “You had enough baby?” He asked. She snapped out of this deep thought process that she had gotten into. “I’m stuffed. The meal was great honey. You know I could get used to this.” She said. He laughed. “I bet you could.” Marcus got up and started clearing the table. Lisa was about to help. “No, I got it you just take those two wine glasses out of the fridge and pour us some of that red wine and plant those two glasses filled with wine and your cute little behind in the living room.” “As you wish sire.” She responded. After he cleaned up he joined Lisa on the black sofa. He kissed her gently on the cheek and began softly massaging the lower back of her head. “What’s the matter?” He said softly and caringly. “Nothing.” She whispered. “C’mon don’t give me that; talk to me.” She was silent for a few seconds. “Why can’t we lead a normal life like other people? Why can’t we get married, buy a house, have children and live like normal people?” “Normal people?” He repeated. “Yeah, normal people.” He stopped massaging her head and sat up. He was no longer relaxed. “Baby you know what this is all about. Are you comfortable bringing our children into a world where they are not respected?” Before she could answer Marcus went on. “Are we to move out into the suburbs and get a real nice house only to have it firebombed or have a cross burned on the lawn? All of this is about respect. I thought you knew that.” “I know Marcus, don’t get me wrong. It’s just I am so happy now that I’m afraid what we are involved in is going to mess up our lives somewhere along the line. I’m afraid. Afraid for you. Afraid for us. I just want to live well and be happy. I don’t want either one of us to get hurt.” Marcus tried to comfort her fears. He stroked the side of her face. “Baby if we are smart and careful nothing will happen to us. When you have these kinds of doubts about what you’re doing that’s when things happen.” Lisa was quiet. Then she sighed and pushed her hair back of her face. “Honey, I’m sorry for bringing this up now. It’s just that I’m so happy now with you and all these things have been going through my head. I’m a little scared. I’ve never been this happy before and I don’t want it to stop. I didn’t mean to spoil the day. I’m sorry.” “You didn’t spoil anything. I’m glad you spoke your mind I was getting worried about you.” He paused. “Do you remember Darryl Johnson?” “Yes.” “Here was a brother who was doing very well. He had his own thriving real estate business. He had a nice house; a wife and two kids, a nice car. His younger brother gets into a traffic dispute with the police. He pulls up to them to see what’s happening. There is a heated exchange and Darryl ends up dead with his throat crushed by a policeman’s night stick. Now, where did all his prosperity and happiness get him. The police didn’t care about his $500 dollar suit or his Volvo, or his thriving business. All they saw was a black man. Having all those things he had didn’t shield him from racism.” “What if innocent people get hurt?” She asked. “Our people were told to stay home on Black Solidarity Day. If they get hurt it’s their own fault. Besides, all the tie-ups and interruptions around the city should keep collateral damage to a minimum. Baby if you want to pull out now would be the time to tell me.” “No, I’m going to do it. Don’t worry.” They were interrupted by the humming and vibrating of Marcus’ cell phone as it danced on the table. He picked up the phone recognizing the number of the caller. “Hi daddy, I just wanted to ask you something.” “Hey baby girl what’s up?” “I wanted to ask you something…” She paused and then continued.“ Well, see, ahh, these girls in school, ahh, I’ve been having sort of a problem. You see they’re bigger than me but they still shouldn’t be picking on me.” “Slow down now. Did you tell anybody what’s been going on like your teacher or principal?” “Yeah I told them but, I mean I told Mommy and she told the principal and he said he would look into it, but after today, I mean after what happened today Mommy said she’s ready to kick somebody’s butt.” “Well what happened today?” “One of the girls hit me but it really didn’t hurt” “Did you hit her back?” “I was going to but there were four of them.” Marcus took a deep breath. “Listen to me baby girl. If you don’t fight back that girl who hit you and all the other girls in school will continue to pick on you. But if you fight back you might just win. And even if you don’t win you’ll gain respect and they will think twice before they bother you again. In fact don’t be surprised if somewhere down the line all of you end up buddies.” “Ok daddy, I just wanted to know what you think I should do. Mommy wants to talk to you. Bye.” “Bye baby girl, and think about what I said.” “Ok, here’s Mommy.” “Marcus, how are you?” “Fine. What’s going on with Janet at school?” “I’ve got it under control. She just insisted that she talk to you about it. Anyway Monday I’ll be meeting with the principal and the parents of these girls and if we don’t come to some kind of resolution I’m personally going to kick somebody’s behind. So you don’t have to be concerned, I got it.” “Well I should be concerned that’s my daughter they’re messing with. I’ve instructed her to kick some butt if this happens again.” “So have I. I didn’t mean to insinuate that you shouldn’t be concerned about your daughter, I just meant that I have it under control ok?” “Ok.” “I’ll keep you informed all right?” “All right.” “When you get a chance give me a call I’d like to see you; Ok?” “Ok. Let me know what happens. Bye.” Marcus hung up and looked at Lisa trying to get a gauge on her mood. She looked back at him. She still was not comfortable with Marcus talking to Zarida on the phone or having assignments with her. “Honey lets go to bed.” He said as he walked over to her holding out both hands. She put both her hands in his and pulled herself up off the couch. He wrapped his arms around her and squeezed tight. “Don’t worry honey everything is going to be all right.” They stood there in each other for a short while and then walked hand in hand to the bedroom. His lovemaking will make all my anxieties go away. She thought; at least for now.

Detective Hacker was about to leave his Bronx apartment heading to the Manhattan precinct. As he was leaving his cell phone rang. “Hacker.” He screamed into the cell in the same manner as he answered his office phone. “Gene, Don Murphy.” “Hey Don what’s going on; I’m just leaving for the precinct.” “Listen Gene, can you make a detour to the Five-Two?” “When?” “Now.” “Why? What’s up?” “We’ve got something here that might support your hunch.” “I’ll be right there.” Hacker disconnected and then dialed his office. “Sargent Thomas; this is Lt. Hacker. I’m going to be late. You go ahead and do the briefing and fill me in when I get there. If you need me call me on my cell.” “Ok, Lieutenant.”

Detective Hacker was quickly whisked to Captain Murphy’s office after some quick greetings with some of his former co-workers. The captain shut the door behind Hacker who helped himself to a seat. “I know you have to be in Manhattan so I’ll try to make this brief.” The captain lit a cigarette although it was forbidden in the office. As he inhaled deeply and let out a puff of smoke he began. “I don’t know if you’ve heard already but yesterday there was an armored truck heist outside the Fine Products department store on Fordham and Webster.” “Of course I heard. Three security guards and one perp dead.” “That perp turned out to be a guy named Jim Baines. Now Jim Baines was a member of the Black Panther Party back in the sixties and later on was believed to have some associations with the Black Liberation Army. However, since then he seemed to have dropped off the grid until now. I spoke with special agent Robertson of the F.B.I. who remarkably shared this information on Baines with me and also brought to my attention that there have been an alarming series of armored car heist, break-ins at gun shops, and burglaries at armories in Connecticut, Westchester, and here in the Bronx. They are looking into the possibility that all these events are connected. The robberies and the two hits you talked about with me were all well planned, done very smoothly, quickly and professionally. The only exception was yesterday. Baines got careless and was popped. The three other perps attempted to carry him away but it became too dangerous so they sped off in a gray Toyota minivan which was later found under the 207^th St. Bridge burnt to a crisp.” “Damn, there is a connection. This could be big.” “Gene we don’t have any hard evidence to connect all this. Everything at this point is very circumstantial but we are continuing to look into the possibilities. I’m meeting with the F.B.I. tomorrow. At that time we will update all information and see if there is some validity to your theory. I would like you to be in on this. I’ve already taken the liberty of speaking with your captain. He has agreed to lend you to us for a day of two and you have to fill him in on our progress after that.” “You’ve been pretty busy huh Murph? You still got the power of persuasion. I’m gonna run downtown to tighten up a few loose ends and then I’ll be back in touch with you this evening.” “Ok, I’ll fill you in with more details then.” “Good enough.” Hacker said as he rose from the swivel chair with a new sense of excitement inside.

Marcus stepped off the elevator into the lobby heading for the double doors to exit his apartment building. Jimmy saw him coming and quickly opened the first door. “Thanks Jimmy, what’s goin on?” “Everything’s fine Mr. B how’s your fiancée?” “She’s good thanks.” “Marcus looked around and then motioned with his head for Jimmy to come to the side. Jimmy responded. “What’s up Mr. B ?” Marcus slipped Jimmy a fifty dollar bill. Jimmy quickly glanced at the bill raised his eyebrows and deposited it into his pants pocket. “Have you seen anybody come into the building or roaming around the building today or yesterday that you haven’t seen before?” “No sir, same ole folks.” “Any unusual activity in the building or outside?” He looked up in thought before answering. “No sir.” Marcus continued to scan the area as he spoke. “Anybody hanging around?” “No sir.” “What about any new maintenance men or telephone men or anybody like that?” “No sir nothing out of the ordinary.” Jimmy answered with a puzzled look and concerned look. They both paused and looked up as an elderly dark skin woman approached the building. Jimmy rushed over to open the door. “Thank you Jimmy.” “You’re welcome Miss Parker.” “Hello Marcus, how are you young man?” “Fine Miss Parker and you?” He said with a smile. “Just taking it one day at a time, one day at a time.” “Well there’s nothing wrong with that.” He said as Jimmy opened the second door and Mrs. Parker eased through. Jimmy then returned to his position next to Marcus. “Jimmy can you get me a key made for the maintenance elevator?” Jimmy paused. “Yes sir. That shouldn’t be a problem.” “Good.” “Is everything all right Sir?” Marcus put his hand on Jimmy’s shoulder. “I just need you to keep your eyes wide open for me ok?” “No problem Mr. B and you know if I see or hear anything unusual I’ll give you a quick call.” “Thanks Jimmy, when do you think you’ll have that key made?” “I’ll have it for you this evening sir.” “Great, I’ll see you then.” Marcus left the building calmly looking in all directions. He walked halfway up the block to where his black Audi was parked. He used his remote to unlock the door, quickly started the car and sped off. He circled the block while steadily checking his rear view mirror. He came back around to where he left and surprisingly his parking spot was still open. He quickly parked then exited the car heading toward 161^st street and the Grand Concourse. He paid close attention to people and cars who were anywhere near him or anybody he may have seen twice. He headed toward the subway entrance near Jerome Ave. hurried up the steps and used his monthly Metro card to hurry through the turnstiles. As he walked up the escalator he occasionally looked back. He reached the platform as the downtown number 4 train pulled in. He jogged to the very front of the platform. As the train stopped and the doors opened Marcus memorized the faces of the people who got into the same car as he did. He sat down in the corner across from the motorman. He glanced at everyone in the car from the closest person to the farthest. The train left the elevated station and entered into the dark tunnel. When the doors opened at the 149^th Street stop the odor of a homeless man preceded his presence. As the man stepped into the train Marcus recognized his face. As the man was about to give his usual speech for donations he turned around and saw Marcus. “Hey, wassup man.” He said in a raspy voice as he scratched his beard. He extended his other swollen hand and Marcus gently slapped him five. “You don’t remember me do you?” He asked with a big smile on his face exposing his rotting teeth. “Yeah I remember you. We played touch football against one another about two years ago.” Marcus said. “Ah so you do remember.” “Yeah I remember my team kicking your teams behind.” They both laughed loudly. “Yo, I don’t remember that happening.” “I could understand you wanting to forget that.” They laughed again as people began to look at them. “How you doin?” Marcus asked. “Shit you see how I’m doing. But I could see you doin well for yourself. Listen man can you do a brother some justice?” He said extending his hand. The smell intensified as he got closer. Marcus dug down in his pocket and pulled out a twenty dollar bill. “Here man , take care of yourself.” “God bless you man. I will. I will. You do the same.” He said as he walked slowly away from Marcus. As he started his speech Marcus wondered to himself what it was that broke this brother’s spirit?

At the 125^th Street stop Marcus’ football buddy departed and in came a short stocky West Indian woman dressed head to toe in white and clutching a bible in her hand. As the door shut she loudly and forcefully began her sermon. “Repent! Jesus Christ is coming. Prepare yourself for the kingdom, before it’s too late.” She said with a heavy accent. “Give yourself to Christ before it’s too late. He died on the cross to save you.” She screamed pointing in the direction of several people. “Repent! Ask forgiveness for your sins. Accept Jesus Christ into your life. Give all your pains, worries, anxieties, and troubles to Him. Come as you are. He’ll accept you as you are. He will forgive you. The time is near. The signs are here. Earthquakes, hurricanes, wars and rumors of wars, disease, immorality. You are living in Sodom and Gomorrah. Repent!” Perspiration began pouring down her face as she went on. “Jesus said; I tell you the truth no one can see the Kingdom of God unless he is born again. Jesus is the way to salvation.” Dried up saliva began forming a white paste in the corners of her mouth. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” It seemed as though Marcus and a Latina woman across from him were the only one’s really paying any attention the woman. The rest of the passengers appeared annoyed. The woman went on for another two stops without skipping a beat before getting off at 42^nd street. Marcus got off at 14^th street and Union Square. He took special notice of those who got off with him. He took particular notice of the one man who had been on the train since he had gotten on. Marcus proceeded upstairs and exited to the street. The man who he was concerned about crossed the street heading for Union Square Park while Marcus stood at the bus stop. He kept his eye on the man until he was out of sight. The M14 bus to Delancey Street pulled up and Marcus boarded. He walked to the back of the bus and sat down observing those who also boarded. He looked out of the window as the bus pulled off. As the bus crossed 2^nd Avenue he relaxed a bit and began reading the Amsterdam News. He started reading the article about the African-American summit being held in Atlanta in December. When the bus approached 6^th Street and Avenue D Marcus rang the bell at the last second and hurried off the bus. The bus rolled away as he stood on the corner and checked out his surroundings before crossing the street into the Lillian Wald Houses and proceeded toward the FDR Drive. He crossed the overpass and into the park. He entered the track field observing the runners and soccer players before noticing the hole in the fence across the field. He crossed the field and squeezed through the hole in the fence exiting out by the East River. He proceeded south along the railing toward the Williamsburg Bridge. The river smelled like a sewer as the gulls trailed a large barge being pulled by a tug boat. Joggers and cyclist whizzed by Marcus in both directions. As he approached the baseball fields he could hear the sound of a wooden bat connecting with a baseball. It briefly brought him back to when he was in the little league many years ago. He thought about how rare it was to hear the crack of a wooden bat as opposed to the ping of an aluminum bat which was used these days. The whole atmosphere began to relax him. He took in some air and then noticed Tony Williamson leaning on the rail up ahead eating nuts and throwing the shells to the gathering gulls. Tony, a tall light skinned man who was pencil thin, was the Chief of Military Operations. The sounds of vehicles rolling over the bridge could be heard as he got closer. Tony stopped feeding the gulls and made eye contact with Marcus as they both headed toward the benches by the fence outside the ball field. The cars from the highway continuously zoomed by making a swishing hum in the background. They embraced strongly patting each other on the back. They stood by the bench but did not sit down. “Marcus how are you my brother?” He said looking over his small dark shades. “I’m good Tony and you?” “I thank God each and every day that I’m still here.” “I hear that.” “Any trouble getting here?” “No, no problem.” “Good.” Tony paused as two elderly white men slowly jogged by. He continued after they passed. “I’m sorry about Jim, but you know he got a little careless and it cost him his life and nearly the life of the others. All it takes is one mistake. Now he’s gone and we are on security alert. But anyway we have to move on. You have been selected to be the next head of cell three.” Marcus surprised Tony by not displaying any emotion. “How do you feel about that?” Tony probed. “I wish the circumstances were different but I’m up for the challenge.” “Good; we knew you would be. Your work has been admired for some time now. We certainly feel you are up to the task. We want you to pick two additional people to join your cell. We’ll be providing you with a list of candidates and their resumes but you are free to choose someone other than those on the list providing of course they clear security.” Marcus nodded. “Also, General Jackson would like you to accompany him to the next conference. You will be notified about the particulars at another time.” Marcus showed no outward expression but he was very excited about all that was being said. Tony flashed a smile to lighten the moment. “Marcus, you movin on up brother. You should know you are well thought of.” Marcus managed a slight smile as Tony patted him on the shoulder. They paused again as several bikes whizzed by. “One last thing. I want you to go straight from here to meet with Loyd at the rifle club. You know how to get there from here?” “Yes.” “Ok then you be careful you hear?” “Always.” Marcus smiled as they embraced and parted. Marcus headed south and Tony proceeded north. Marcus cut through the basketball courts and crossed the FDR via the overpass which was parallel to the Williamsburg Bridge on Delancey Street. He continued several blocks where he would then take the “F” train to the Black Eagle Rifle Club in Jamaica Queens for his meeting with Loyd Hillman.

Pop, pop, pop, pop, pop, pop, pop. Marcus rapidly fired off seven rounds from the nine millimeter directly into the center of the head of his target leaving a large hole. He adjusted his earphones slightly, lowered his aim and pumped seven more rounds into the heart area again leaving a gaping hole. Loyd was impressed at how effortlessly and quickly Marcus hit his target. He was clearly the best marksman The Black Liberation Organization had. He pressed the red button on the left side of his shooting cubicle bringing his target quickly towards him for closer examination. As it stopped before him he removed his head phones, looked at the target and then glanced at Loyd out of the side of his eye. “Nice cluster.” Loyd said with a slight smile. The men then went to the front desk to turn in their weapons and sign out. “Doc, do you have any lecture rooms available?” Loyd asked the elderly black man at the desk. “Let me see.” He answered while checking the computer. “Yes, B7 is empty. You can take that one.” He said in a raspy voice. “Thanks.” Loyd said as Doc handed him the key. Loyd led Marcus out of the shooting area and down a narrow dimly lit hall until they reached B7. Loyd opened the door and turned the lights on. He put his brief case on the desk. Marcus glanced at the gun safety rules and regulations that were still on the black board before he sat down. Loyd opened the brief case took out a large manila envelope and passed it to Marcus. He opened it and began going through the contents. “Jim’s death seems to have directed some interest in our area. Federal, state and local law enforcement officials are staring to probe into sensitive areas. What you have there is a list of the investigators involved and some background information on each one of them. As more intelligence is gathered on these individuals it will be passed on to you. You do what you have to do to see to it that they don’t get too close to us. It’s your call but I suggest some intimidation tactics first before anything harsher. Be sure to let them know that no one is out of our reach. This Detective Hacker is of particular concern. It seems he doesn’t have much of a social or family life so he has begun to probe around the clock. The others are still fighting over jurisdiction and soothing egos. Hacker needs to be slowed down; perhaps something personal. He does have some family in Queens although we don’t know how close he is to them.” “Ok, I’ll handle it.” “On another matter; The U.S. Attorney General will be in town in three weeks. What you have there is a result of 18 months of intelligence gathering. The plans for his abduction are all laid out in detail including the demands. Select your team very carefully this is an extremely difficult mission but absolutely doable.” Marcus nodded. Loyd rose. “That’s it. We’ll be in touch. Don’t contact me unless it’s absolutely necessary.” Marcus rose and they embraced. “Hotep.” “Stay alert.”