Sacrifice

When they brought Luke to see me, I started crying.

He was gone by the time I stopped.

191

In Wolfe's backyard, dark out.

"They identified the bodies," she said. "No tapes. They must have just gotten started when it happened."

"I guess.

"Storm had her baby. A girl. They named her Sunny."

"That's nice."

"And we arrested Emerson. Took him down yesterday. Hanging around outside the Welfare Center. He's on the Rock. And this is one indictment that'll stick."

"Yeah."

She threw away her cigarette. "Burke…"

"Yeah?"

She stood close to me, held my hand. Her kiss was soft. "You and me, it's not going to be."

"I know."

192

I stood alone on my rooftop, looking down into the zero. I never knew the name of the last sacrifice— didn't know who I was crying for anymore.

Thought about what I didn't have until the list got too long.

Clarence's voice, from long ago. "What would be justice, mahn? So the baby may sleep in peace?"

He was older now.

I can't make babies. Can't fake love. I finished with my tears. Back to what I had left.

193

At Mama's, in the back booth, drinking my soup, making my plans.

"You had call," Mama said. "Yesterday."

"He leave a name?"

"Not a man. Woman. Said to tell you Belinda called. She say you have her number."

194

They brought Silver to the attorney's conference room at Rikers. We shook hands. I felt the power of his grip all the way through my wounded shoulder.

He leaned forward, jailhouse whisper. "Helene told me. I owe you, brother."

I reached in my attaché case. Showed him the picture of Emerson, ran my thumb along the razor-sliced edge. Said the baby-killer's name softly. He'd be in the same joint as Silver, awaiting trial— Rikers holds city-wide.

Silver stared at the photo for a long minute, nodded, handed it back.

195

I'm here now. Waiting for my spirit to walk.