But Karen wasn't interested in his answer. She shook her head, her eyes narrowing further. "I've been watching you," she said. "You've been walking around this parking lot for a while, your eyes darting to the cars. What are you really up to?"
"I'm not up to anything," Jaden said, his voice tinged with frustration. "I told you I'm just waiting for my mom." Karen, angered by what she perceived as defiance, pulled out her phone, determined not to let the boy off easily. "I don't have time for this nonsense," she muttered. Dialing quickly, she raised the phone to her ear and spoke loudly.
Security: There's a black boy loitering in the parking lot. He's pacing and looking around, acting very suspicious. I think he's planning something. Send someone down here immediately. Jaden's heart pounded.
He felt a mix of confusion and anger at being unfairly accused. His fingers tightened around his backpack straps as he tried to steady his breath. Opening his mouth, he tried to explain once more. Ma'am, this is a public parking lot. I'm just standing on the sidewalk waiting for my mom.
What's the problem? Karen, tucking her expensive phone into her handbag, looked down at Jaden with a satisfied smirk. Security will be here soon, she said coldly. You can explain yourself to them. Moments later, a tall, broadshouldered security guard emerged from the building.
Mr. Miller, clad in a neatly pressed uniform, strode toward them with a serious demeanor. Seeing the approaching guard, Jaden's anxiety spiked. He thought of the news stories about black teenagers being harassed by police or security for no reason. A sinking feeling of familiarity overtook him, and he silently prayed his mom would arrive soon to end this nightmare. When Miller reached them, he frowned and spoke in a deep authoritative voice, "What's going on here?"
Karen stepped forward, gesturing toward Jaden as she spoke confidently. "This boy has been wandering around the parking lot, looking at the car suspiciously. It's clear he's up to no good." Jaden's stomach churned. His face flushed red as he endured the baseless accusation.
Miller turned to him, his sharp eyes scanning him from head to toe. "Son," Miller said firmly. "What are you doing here?" "I'm waiting for my mom," Jaden said, his voice shaky. She works in city hall.
Before Miller could respond, Karen interjected. Don't believe him, she said disdainfully. He's lying. You need to get him out of here. Miller frowned, leaning closer to Jaden.