Ilyasah Shabazz - The Awakening of Malcolm X: A Novel

Are you sure about this, Red?

Shorty paces, still in the same clothes they arrested us in five weeks ago, the cramped quarters of this cell making us feel like were living inside an icebox.

Man, you know I cant go to jail. Im a musician. I got plans!

Dont sweat it, homeboy, its cool, I reassure him. We went over this. Just tell the judge and that jury it was my idea. Those cats will take it easy on you, for sure.

But it wasnt your idea, Shorty counters, his voice sharp. It was them girls! Were in here and theyre out there jivin us, man.

I shrug. They aint putting pretty girls like them in here. Its all a part of the play, you see? Sophia is just gonna tell them that were not real robbers. Got it?

And its true. Sophias idea to snatch loot from those empty homes was brilliant, but were not hard criminals. We could barely break open a back door. Only reason we got caught was because I took that watch and tried to get it fixed. Shouldve just walked myself right into the police station. It wouldve been faster.

Were not going to get any real time. Were too young, I say. Theyll see neither of us have ever been to jail a day in our lives. Hell, well probably be out by the holidays, maybe even fall. I guarantee you, homeboy, theyll see we aint no real criminals and let us go.

Plus, with Sophia sticking up for us, I have the ace of spades in my back pocket. We just have to play it cool.

Shorty rubs the back of his head. You sure you trust her?

She dont want to lose me. She loves me, man. And maybe, maybe when this is all over, well be together for real, you know.

Shortys lips press into a hard line.

Dont know about this, Red. Something dont feel right. Those girls havent even checked on us. Its been five weeks! They got us in here trapped like some slaves!

Shorty shakes his head, chewing on his nails, eyes wide and jittery. Its strange to see him this way. Hes cooler than a cucumber any other time. With so many days since my last high, its hard to keep my composure. But I have to, for Shortys sake. Hes been there for me when I needed him the most. Only right to return the favor.

Remember that day you told me you got cleared from the draft? I ask. And I caught the first thing smoking out of Harlem. Had to celebrate with you, man! We had on our clean threads, all them pretty girls eyeing us. And you and your band up on that stage at the Crow? Boy, you were something else. I had no idea you could blow like that!

He chuckles. Yeah. I remember. That night was something.

Well, today is gonna be just as smooth, homeboy. Then youll be back with your band, playing that sax in supper clubs and ballrooms all over this city. Maybe even on tour. And Ill be your road manager.

Hey! Who said I was hiring?

You know you gonna want your main man with you!

He nods. You brilliant, you got that gift, Red. Cant take credit for that. Aight, sounds good!

We slap skins, a small smile returning to Shortys face.

Well be back in Roxbury before you know it, I say.

Even if my heart is in Harlem.

Shorty and I enter the courtroom together. The charges:

• Breaking and entering
• Possession of stolen property
• Grand larceny
• Carrying a firearm

The words sound heavy and full of time.

On the stand, Sophia sniffles, her blond hair pinned back off her face. Ive never seen her dressed this way before. Not a slice of skin to be seen. She even has on eyeglasses. They make her look real sophisticated and innocent. Something doesnt sit right in my gut. Maybe its her getup, maybe its because she wont look at me. Ive tried for the last twenty minutes to smile at her so she knows Im all right.

But why wont she look at me?

Head bent low, holding one of those little embroidered hankies, Sophia begins to whimper and the jury hangs on her every word. She licks her pink lips a few times. Something Ive seen her do before when shes about to lie.

Theyre just so big, Sophia says. I was scared to say no.

I sit up straight as my heart starts to race, my mouth going dry. Shortys face crumples and pales as he turns to spot his mother in the audience. I dont move, cant look at Ellas face. Itll break me.

I turn to our lawyer, who seems uninterested in the proceedings.

Arent you gonna ask her questions or something? Shes supposed to be on our side!

Nothing to say. Shes not my witness. Prosecution brought her in. He rests his hands on the table. Shes their witness, not ours.

They said if I didnt help them, Sophia cries, they would they I was just trying to protect my little sister. Shes only a kid, you know.

But Im only a kid, I thought. And I was a kid when I met her.

So this wasnt your idea? the lawyer demands. You had nothing to do with this plan.

No. It was them. They took advantage of us. The tall one.

What? I mumble.

They tricked us. I didnt know what I was doing, she says.

But you drew the map! I burst out. You picked all the houses!

The judge slams down his gavel three times. ORDER! Counselor, control your client!

My lawyer shushes me as Sophias guilt-filled blue eyes finally meet mine.

Shes lying, I whisper, insides burning, as I watch her sit up there sniveling while were down here in handcuffs.

Be quiet. You shouldnt have been with a white woman anyway.

The jury leaves the courtroom to deliberate, a few of them staring me down on the way out, like theyve already made up their minds.

Shorty palms the side of his head, and any confidence I had quickly dissolves into fear.

Eight to ten years.

The moment after our sentences are read, I look at Ella.

Im sorry, I cough out, just as Shorty faints, slumping to the floor.

The officers kick him a few times, yank him to his feet, and usher both of us out of the courtroom. I try to take one last look at Sophia, but shes gone.