Manny was livid. “But, Dad—”

“The young man knows I heard what he said. I have no doubt he’ll be on his best behavior going forward. People often learn more from getting an undeserved pass than they would from being punished.”

“That’s kinda deep,” I said.

He shrugged. “Kill ’em with kindness. My point is the world is full of guys like Jared and that employee, and most of them will never change. So it’s up to you fellas to push through it. Probably best not to talk with your fists in the future…” He nudged Manny. “But at least you have an idea of what you’re up against. Try not to let it stop you from doing your best, all right?”

He rubbed both of our heads and got up to leave.

I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it, Martin. Frankly, it’s pretty discouraging. To think Mr. Julian has all that authority and still gets disrespected? Hearing it made me realize I still had hope that once I really achieve some things, I won’t have to deal with racist BS anymore.

That’s obviously not the case, though, is it? What do I do with that? I have no doubt you would’ve done exactly what Mr. Julian did, but if it had been me? Well…I mean I punched a guy for using the n-word recently, didn’t I?

The conversation reminded me of something Doc asked me a few days ago: all the work I’m doing to try and get ahead in life, who am I doing it for?

Better yet, what am I doing it for? To prove myself? Gain some respect? Be able to shove it in the faces of people like Jared?

I don’t even know anymore, Martin.

(Side note: Don’t ask about SJ. Still getting cold-shouldered. It’s whatever.)

—J

Jus knows something’s wrong the moment he climbs into Manny’s car Saturday morning. Which is kind of unfortunate because it’s a really nice day. The guys are supposed to be hitting Stone Mountain, but if Manny’s holey wife-beater, flannel pajama pants, house slippers, and scowl are any indication, hiking isn’t real high on his to-do list at the moment.

“You mind if we just drive for a while?” Manny asks once Justyce’s door is closed.

“Course not, man. What’s goin’ on?”

Jus gets his seat belt fastened, and Manny pulls out of the lot. “My folks got a call this morning. Mr. Christensen is pressing charges against me for ‘assaulting’ his son.” He takes his hand off the wheel to do the air quotes.

“You serious, man?”

“As a heart attack. I tried to get in touch with Jared, but Mr. Christensen answered his phone and told me not to call anymore. Said they’d take out a restraining order if I did.”

Justyce is dumbfounded. “Dawg, that is some straight bullshit.”

“You tellin’ me, man. I’ve never seen my dad so fired up.” Manny shakes his head. “All those years that man has looked me in my face and called me his ‘other son,’ and this is what happens.”

“I don’t even know what to say, man.”

“You know what? I really don’t either. I’ve had my little awakening over the past week or whatever, but this is like…Man, I wasn’t prepared for this. All I can think about is that one Socio Evo chat where SJ said Jared and me could do the same crime, but I’m likely to get the harsher punishment. You remember that?”

“I do.” How could he forget?

“Anyway, sorry about Stone Mountain. I just need to drive and clear my head a bit.”

“All good, Manny. All good.”

Jus settles down into the seat and enjoys the wind in his face as Manny turns on some music.

So catch that ball, Nigga; shoot that shot.

Put on them gloves, Boy; knock off ya brotha’s block.

Lace up them track spikes; get ready to run.

Here comes the fun, wait for the sound of the gun…

“This the new Deuce Diggs?” Jus asks.

“Yeah, dawg. Shit’s poppin’.”

“Crank that up.”

Manny turns it up so loud, the whole car shakes from the bass.

When the Range Rover rolls to a stop at a traffic light, Jus looks out his window to find the driver of a white Suburban—white dude, probably early fifties—giving him a dirty look.

He turns the music down. “Damn…dude over here is muggin’ hard.”

Manny checks the guy out and laughs. “Homeboy’s got no appreciation for a lyrical genius such as Deuce Diggs.”

“Apparently not,” Justyce says, shifting in his seat. The way the guy’s scowling at him reminds him a little too much of The Incident. “Man, these red lights are long as hell.”

“You right, dawg.”

When it finally turns green, Manny turns the music back up.

The white Suburban is riding alongside the guys now, and the driver seems pissed. “This dude is giving me the creeps!” Jus yells over the music. “He’s red as a pepper, and he keeps glaring at me with those bulgy eyeballs.”

“I bet he’s totally profiling us right now. Probably thinks we’re drug dealers or something.”

Justyce’s eyes go to his wrists, and Manny glances over and stops laughing. “My bad, dawg,” he says. “I didn’t mean…Sorry, I wasn’t thinkin’.”

“It’s all good, Manny. You’re prolly right.”

They pull to a stop at the Thirteenth Street traffic light.

“Will you assholes turn that goddamn racket down!” the guy in the Suburban shouts.

“Assholes?” Jus says. “How are we assholes?”

Manny leans over the center console to shout out Jus’s window: “What’d you say, sir? I couldn’t hear you over the music!”

The guy looks like he’s about to ignite. “I SAID TURN THAT SHIT DOWN!”

“You weren’t lying about him being red!” Manny laughs. “It’s like all the blood in his body has rushed up into his face.”

Jus turns to the man again.

What would Martin do, Jus?

“Maybe we should turn it down,” Jus says.

“Man, please. This is my car,” Manny says. “I’m done bending over backwards to appease white people.” He pushes a button on the steering wheel, and the music gets louder.

“YOU WORTHLESS NIGGER SONS OF BITCHES!” the guy shouts.

“I know that muthafucka didn’t just say what I think he did,” Manny says.

Jus’s heart jumps up between his ears.

What would Martin do what would Martin do what would Martin—?

“Forget that guy, Manny. Let’s just stay calm—”

“Naw, man. Screw that.” Manny leans over Jus. “Hey, fuck you, man!” he shouts out the window, giving the guy the finger.

“Manny, chill.” Why is this damn light so long? “Let’s just turn it down till we get away from this guy, all right?”

Justyce leans forward to reach for the volume knob.

“Oh SHIT!” Manny shouts—

BANG.

BANG.

BANG.

Transcript from evening news, January 26