“It’s our family home.”
“Go back inside.”
Naomi’s expression hardened. “I’m thirty-one years old.”
“Then act like it and follow instructions.”
Marcus’s face changed. “Officer.”
Pierce looked back toward him. “What?”
“Do not speak to my daughter that way.”
Pierce pointed at Marcus as if something had just been proven. “There. That.”
Naomi stared. “That what?”
“The aggression.”
Marcus’s brother, Leon, muttered, “He hasn’t moved.”
Marcus understood exactly what had happened. The adjective had arrived.
Aggressive.
Once written, it could transform everything. Large Black male became aggressive during contact.
Subject’s size increased concern. Subject became confrontational when family members approached.
Marcus raised both hands slowly. “I am not threatening anyone.”
Pierce’s voice grew louder. “Then follow instructions.”
“What instruction?”
“Move farther into the yard.”
Marcus looked toward the gate. “You’re already on private property.”
Pierce stepped fully through it. “Then now I am.”
Aaron stopped beside him. “Nolan.”
“Come on.”
Marcus followed because Naomi, Leon, Jordan, and nearly the entire gathering were already in the backyard. That was how two uniformed officers ended up standing in the middle of a celebration filled with lawyers, teachers, physicians, military veterans, retired judges, children, and one police chief who was still inside looking for forks.
Adults moved younger children toward the deck. The music stopped.
Leon took one step toward Marcus. Marcus pointed at him.
“Stay back.”
“I’m just—”
“I know. Stay there.”
Pierce surveyed the coolers. “Everybody drinking?”
“The adults who want beer are drinking beer.”
“Anybody using drugs?” “No.”
“Any fights?”
“No.”
“Arguments?”
Marcus glanced toward Leon. “Only about whether Carolina’s making the playoffs.”
Blake coughed to hide a laugh. Pierce glared at him.
“Something funny?” “No.”
Pierce noticed Marcus’s plate had been carried into the yard by another guest and placed near the smoker. “That yours?”
“Yes.”
“Pick it up.” Marcus frowned.
“Why?”
“Because I’m telling you to.”
Marcus looked at Blake. Then at Pierce.
Finally he picked up the plate.
Pierce slapped it downward.
Ribs and beans hit the grass.
Naomi gasped. Leon stepped forward instinctively.
Marcus threw one hand toward his brother. “Don’t.”
Pierce looked at the relatives gathering around. “Keep your people back.”