Unlawful Justice

by K. Langston

  “Watch your fucking tone when you’re talking to her,” Grayson snaps, moving into Clint’s personal space.

  I place a hand on his chest and shake my head before looking back at Clint. “I don’t have the energy to argue with you. Go back to your lunch date, Clint, this discussion is over.”

  “She doesn’t mean anything. She’s just a friend.”

  His words shred any measure of control I had left. “I don’t care.” I shriek, throwing my hands in the air at his audacity. “I don’t care who she is to you. I don’t know why you would think otherwise.”

  I’ve had enough of the exhausting conversation so I turn to get in the truck.

  “Goddammit, Olivia, will you wait!”

  Grayson steps in front of me again, and this time I don’t stop him. “Back off. She said she’s done talking to you. Walk away.”

  Rage and defiance burn in Clint’s eyes, but thankfully he’s smart enough to take Grayson’s warning. “This isn’t over,” he seethes, before turning around and storming off. I’m not sure if the statement is directed toward Grayson or me. I’m assuming both.

  Expelling a tired breath, I get in the truck then sit back with my eyes closed, trying to wrap my head around everything that just happened. The image of Fletcher walking out of the diner with his shoulders slumped, stabs me in the heart.

  Shunned, all because of the color of his skin.

  “God, what the hell is happening to this town?” I whisper, dropping my face in my hands.

  A warm touch grazes my upper thigh. I look over to see Grayson in the driver’s seat, his expression somber. “Let’s get out of here, and I’ll tell you everything.”

  I nod, not having energy for words at the moment.

  He ends up parking at Clover Hill, a stretch of land overlooking some of Harmony Falls’s most beautiful landscape, full of wildflowers and clover. We both get out of the truck and he drops the tailgate for us to sit on. I lean back, bracing my arms on the bed of the pickup, trying to hop up without hurting myself. Grayson stands in front of me, his strong hands gripping my hips as he lifts me easily.

  “Thank you,” I whisper, my throat a little dry from the warmth of his touch.

  With a nod he hops up next to me and we be both stare out at our town before us. “A lot has changed around here, hasn’t it?” he muses quietly, his gaze remaining in front of us.

  “I don’t understand,” I whisper. “Where did everything go wrong? All of this because Pap did what he thought he had to do to protect us—to protect me.”

  “I’m not so sure about that.” He breathes out roughly, running a frustrated hand through his hair. “I think it started before then. The fires began a while back and had everyone shaken up because that’s what this town thrives on. Farmers can’t survive without their crops. Then the accusations against the department with Daryl Baker didn’t help matters. Things definitely got worse after Jamal, but after you…” He pauses and shakes his head. “Everything has just fucking spiraled out of control.”

  “How so? What else has happened?” I ask, fearing for the answer. He glances over at me, hesitating. “I’m a big girl, Grayson, I can handle it.”

  He nods. “So many people want justice for you, and believe me, no one wants that more than me, and well, Walter too, but they’re all going about it the wrong way. People are pointing fingers and accusing others because of the color of their skin. Vandalism has been happening around town and physical violence. Terrell was sent to a scene the other day where a bunch of white kids jumped a black boy who was walking home from school.” My heart breaks at hearing that, and I immediately wonder if it was someone I know. “We even got a call the other night about a cross being burned on Mayor Rodgers’s lawn.”

  A gasp escapes me at hearing that. “A cross. What do you mean? Like the Ku Klux Klan?”

  Surely not!

  “Well, I’m sure that’s the message they were trying to send but it’s probably just some kids. There is no KKK around here. Not anymore.”

  That has my heart rate slowing…barely. I shake my head, not believing any of this. “I guess what I walked in on with Pap and the others makes sense now.”

  “What do you mean?” he asks, confused. “With Eddie and Lane?”

  I nod and worry about how much to reveal because I don’t want Pap looking bad. Especially when I don’t know the full extent of the conversation, but I think Grayson knows Pap well enough to understand that, and I trust him. If anyone knows what to do, it’s him.

  “I overheard Pap talking to them outside. They were asking him questions about me, about anything I remembered. They said they wanted to help and…” I pause, hating to repeat what I heard. “Grayson, I heard Eddie say they were going to catch the niggers who did this.”

  “Shit.” He scrubs a hand over his face.

  “I waited for Pap to say something, to put them in their place, but he didn’t. It kills me because that’s not who he is, my grandfather is a lot of things—stubborn mostly, but he is not racist. I mean, my best friend is black for crying out loud. Pap has always treated her like a granddaughter. Whenever anyone directed comments to me about my friendship with Tania, he always told me to stand up for what’s right. None of this makes sense.” My voice cracks, as I get upset all over again.

  “Hey, Liv, it’s all right.” Grayson puts an arm over me and pulls me in close. “Listen, everyone who knows Walt knows he isn’t racist, but he’s angry right now and for good reason. That can drive people to allow shit they usually wouldn’t.”

  “I know he’s angry, and it breaks my heart because he’s not an angry man. I just…” I pause, my lip trembling. “I want everything to go back to what it was like before everything happened with Jamal. Seeing everyone so angry and hurt is making the situation worse. Look what they did to Fletcher today. My heart is hurting so much for him.” I cover my face as the tears I’ve been holding at bay now spill free.

  He jumps down and comes to stand in front of me, bracing his hands on either side of my hips. “Look at me, Liv.” He encircles my wrists, moving my hands away from my face. My eyes meet his and he wipes my tears away with the pad of his thumb. “Things will settle down eventually, it’s just going to take time. This town has been ripped apart after what happened to you. We all want justice, and I swear to you I’m going to get it. In the meantime, you need to worry about yourself, not anyone else. Just focus on getting better. I’ll take care of the rest,” he assures me. “I’ll stop by before work to check on Fletcher and make sure he’s okay. Then tomorrow I’ll go have a talk with Eddie and Lane.” I start to panic, not wanting to get Pap in trouble, but before I can argue he throws a hand up. “I won’t say anything about you or Walter. I’ll just poke around and see if I can find out if they were just talkin’ out of their asses or not. Okay?”

  The pain in my heart eases at his thoughtfulness, especially for going to check on Fletcher. I wrap my arms around his neck and hug him close, the scent of his cologne bringing me the first comfort I’ve felt since leaving the diner. “Thank you, Grayson, for everything you’ve done, but mostly for being my friend. It means everything to me right now.”

  I love Tania, and I know I will always have her friendship but Grayson is just…different. I can’t explain it. It’s a different friendship than Tania and me, but no less powerful.

  His strong arms reciprocate, bringing me in close but remain gentle. “I promise I’ll take care of this. You can come to me anytime you need, I’ll always be here for you.”

  I turn my face into his neck and just hold on to him, needing his strength and reassurance. We stay like this for a long while, just like the other night, and it brings me so much peace I wish we could stay like this forever.

  By the time he drops me off at my house, before his shift, it’s close to suppertime. I’m about to go into the house when I see the barn doors are open. I walk over and smile as I hear Johnny Cash blaring from the old stereo. Peeking my head in, I see Pap filling Rosie’s t
rough with feed.

  “Hey, I’m home.”

  He turns around, sweat dripping down his worn face, but he musters up a tired smile for me. My heart breaks that I haven’t been able to help him around here, especially when this is the busiest time for us.

  “Livy, did you have a good time?”

  I’m about to say yes but then snap my mouth shut and take my time to think about my answer. “I enjoyed my time with Grayson, but not at the diner.” I admit.

  “Oh?” Concern pinches his expression before he walks over to turn the music down slightly. “Everything okay, darlin’?”

  My shoulders slump, and I shake my head sadly. “No, Pap, it’s not.” I walk over and kiss Rosie on the side of her face before taking a seat on a hay bale next to her stable.

  He comes and sits next to me. “What’s wrong?”

  “We arrived at the diner and everything was great at first. I mean, it was awkward and all but everyone was really kind to me, welcoming me with open arms.”

  “Because they love my girl,” he says, bumping my shoulder gently with his.

  I give him a sad smile. “Well the euphoria was short-lived because Fletcher Green walked in.”

  “Fletch?” I nod. “How’s he doin’?”

  “I don’t know. I didn’t get the chance to ask him because he was kicked out.” He tenses next to me. I don’t have to elaborate why because he already knows, but I find myself telling him anyway. “He was kicked out because of the color of his skin. Jack…” I pause and swallow audibly. “The whole diner treated him horribly then had the audacity to say it was out of respect for me.” I shake my head, my earlier upset coming back with a vengeance. “The look on Fletcher’s face left me heartbroken. Hearing everything that’s been going on is gutting me. Did you know someone burned a cross on the mayor’s property? A cross, Pap. What’s happening to this town?”

  With a heavy sigh he puts an arm around my shoulders and pulls me in close. “I’m sorry, Livy. You’re right; it’s not okay. Fletch is a good man and he cares about you. I know their actions were wrong but everyone in that diner loves you, too. They’re upset over what’s happened to you. Hopefully, once the bastards are caught, things will go back to how they were.”

  “I heard some of your conversation with Eddie and Lane,” I tell him quietly. He remains silent, but I can tell he already knew I did. “Why did you let them say something so awful, Pap? You have never been okay with the N-word.”

  His eyes bore into mine, a range of emotions burning in their depths. “To be honest, Livy, I don’t give a rat’s ass about any disrespect thrown toward the sons of bitches who did this to you. Hell, I hope them boys find the bastards and make them pay in the worst way.”

  My eyes well at the contempt pouring from him. “Oh, Pap,” I whisper, my voice hoarse. “This isn’t you. This isn’t who you are, not in here.” My hand covers his strong heartbeat. “Hate is what did this to me, don’t let the despicable men who did this turn you into something you’re not.”

  I watch his eyes fill with tears and the sight has agony ripping through my already tortured heart. “You’re wrong, Livy. They hurt you because of me, because of what I did to that boy, and you’ll never know how sorry I am ’bout that. I swore to your mama, at her grave, that I would always protect you. I’m so damn sorry.” His voice cracks and for the first time in my life I watch my grandfather cry.

  His torment hurdles through me like a tidal wave. As hard as it is, I push away my pain because I know he needs me right now. It’s time for me to be strong for him like he always has for me. “Pap, you listen to me right now.” I keep my voice steady, trying to hold back my emotion. “What happened is not your fault and Mama would be devastated for you to think otherwise, same with Gram. No one is to blame for this but the men who committed the crime. You have given me everything I could ever hope for. I love my life, and I love you, do not let those men take any more from us. I have faith that the police will find them. We just need to stay strong and stand together through this.”

  Wiping a hand down his face he meets my gaze again and gives me a small, genuine smile. “You’re so much like your mama. Always seein’ the good in everyone, never letting anything jade you. I swear, Livy, you have more courage and strength than any other human being that walks this earth. I’m proud of you.”

  I love it when he tells me how much I’m like my mama because, from what I can remember, she was something special.

  “You’re right, justice will prevail because ain’t no way I’ll ever accept anything less,” he adds.

  “But we do it the right way, Pap. We let the police handle it, okay?”

  He nods. “Yeah, darlin’, okay.”

  “Okay,” I repeat with a smile, feeling better.

  The music on the stereo changes songs to Willie Nelson’s “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain.” A song that both Pap and I love.

  “Come on, Livy, dance with me.” He stands and offers his hand to me.

  My heart melts as I take it, allowing him to pull me up. Clasping our hands he brings them to his chest, against his heart, and hums softly to the beautiful tune as we sway back and forth. “I danced with your grandmother to this song many times, it was one of her favorites.”

  “It’s one of mine, too.”

  “She loved to dance with me and my moves only got better with age.”

  I giggle but know it’s true; no one can dance like Pap.

  “Have I ever told you our story?” he asks, already knowing the answer.

  I smile. “Yes, many times.”

  “Ah well, let me tell it again.” He pulls me in closer. “Once upon a time there was this young, good-lookin’ farm boy who saw this beautiful girl pickin’ apples from a tree… Well, she was really stealing them since it wasn’t her tree.”

  Another snicker escapes me, remembering the story well.

  As I lay my head on Pap’s shoulder and listen to their love story for what feels like the hundredth time, I feel a little of my damaged heart being mended again.

  CHAPTER 11

  Grayson

  I stop at Pillar’s for a cup of coffee most mornings and usually see the same faces every day. Miss. Betty who works down at the DMV always comes in around this time as well as Mr. Myers who runs the local hardware store. He always buys donuts for his staff. But this morning I notice a woman and her son walk in who I’ve never seen before. She looks in a hurry, pulling the boy by his hand.

  “Uh oh. Wook, Mama, powiceman,” the kid says while pointing at me, looking nervous.

  “I see him.” She eyes me suspiciously. “Just ignore him.”

  As they walk down the aisle to the coolers in the back I return my attention to the cashier. After paying for my coffee, I stuff my wallet back in my pocket and pick up my cup, but I don’t make it out the door before I feel someone jerk on the bottom of my pants. I look down to see that same little boy, his eyes wide and a little hesitant.

  “Hey, little man,” I greet him, crouching down slowly to get on his level. He backs up a couple steps. “What can I do for you?”

  He wears a T-shirt with a cartoon character on it and looks to be about five or six.

  “Do you shoot people?” he asks, pointing to the gun on my hip.

  I hate the fear I see in his big brown eyes. “Not if I don’t have to—no.” That doesn’t seem to make him feel any better.

  Fuck, how do I explain this to him?

  “Listen, kid. You never have to be afraid of me, or any of the police for that matter. We’re here to help you not hurt you. Our job is to catch the bad guys and keep everyone safe. That’s why we need to carry guns—for protection not to hurt anyone.”

  His young, intelligent eyes assess me, wondering if he can trust me. It fucking sucks, and I start to feel like nothing I say will reassure him because it’s obvious he’s been taught differently.

  “So you don’t wanna hurt no one?”

  I shake my head. “Never. We only want to help. So if yo
u ever need anything you can always call us and we’ll be there. I’ll even drive extra fast for you and turn my sirens on really loud so everyone knows they just messed with the wrong kid.”

  He giggles like I hoped he would. “Awight, cool.”

  “Cool.” I raise my fist for him and he gives me a knuckle bump.

  My eyes lift to his mother who is stomping furiously our way. “Boy, I told you not to wander off,” she snaps, pulling him away from me.

  “It’s no trouble. We’re just having a talk,” I say, standing to my full height.

  She glares up at me, contempt prominent in her eyes. Whether it’s because of my uniform or the color of my skin I have no idea.

  Both thoughts are unsettling.

  “Yeah, Mama. We’re just tawkin’. I wanna be a powiceman when I grow up,” he tells her.

  “No, you don’t, boy, now shush it.” Scooping her son into her arms, she walks away. “You need to be careful around the police. I told you that. It’s not safe.”

  Her words spark a rage inside of me, and before I say anything I might regret I walk out and get into my patrol truck, remembering something my father said once.

  Hate isn’t something you’re born with, it’s taught.

  I turn those words over in my mind as I maneuver onto I-9, heading out of town to Eddie Willard’s house.

  What Liv overheard between Lane, Eddie and Walt yesterday has my stomach in knots. When I brought it up to Dixon last night he didn’t seem too concerned. He reminded me that Eddie and Lane are just harmless rednecks with a whole lot of mouth and not enough ass to back it up. Usually, I would agree, and I’m hoping that’s all it is, but I’m not taking any chances. I’m going to get to the bottom of it and warn him to stay away from Liv. She doesn’t need to hear whatever hate he and Lane are spewing and neither does Walt. That man is furious enough; he doesn’t need anyone adding to it.

  I’m just as mad as everyone else about what happened to Liv, even more so. But the difference is my anger is toward the assholes who did it, not anyone else. When I think about how Fletch was treated yesterday, lumped into the same category as the criminals who committed the crime, it infuriates me. And it’s not just one-sided, this race shit is being played from all sides, and I’m goddamn sick of it. So many people are losing their heads over this and it’s only making everything worse.