A Novel by Kawika A. Stafford

Chapter 51

The indigenous foursome stood among the throngs of people who had gathered at the bottom of the stairs. The media was as thick as thieves, as they stood at the ready; waiting for the show to begin. The police had set up barricades, and posted up officers at all exits. The Mayor posted two officers on the roof with long rifles to ensure they would not get caught unawares. The Mayor was due to speak anytime now. Many in the crowd looked around nervously.

Sonny Ray overheard an older white gentleman claiming to be part Cherokee. If he heard that one more time today, he swore he would ram his finger down his throat, and throw up on somebody’s shoes.

Nadia had just gotten off the phone with her cousin Greg, who worked in the records division of the Antelope Springs police department. Greg soon appeared, standing at the top of the stairs. He waved the party of four to join him. Greg had found a spot behind the podium, out of the view of the Mayor and Police Chief Edwards.

They did however, receive several nasty looks from City Council members, who were sitting down in comfortable chairs under a large white gazebo. After settling in, Sonny Ray and Dwayne began to scan the crowd in the event Bob might make an unannounced appearance. The two large wood doors from the back of City Hall suddenly swung open. Several burly cops lead the way. Mayor Meekham with Chief Edwards in tow, made their way to the podium. The Mayor, speech in hand stood quietly in front of the large crowd. He waited for the crowd to settle down a bit. He pointed at several people in acknowledgment.

With a nod, he gave recognition to the City Council as well. In his peripheral vision he spotted Nadia, and her group.
He ignored them, and turned back toward the large crowd. “I would like to ask the members of the media to reserve their questions until the conclusion of this press conference, thank you,” Mayor Meekham said with a strained tone of civility. He had no intention of fielding their damn idiotic questions. He paused for a moment. “Good morning.”
A smattering of greetings could be heard in return from the crowd. “Today is an inauspicious day for the city of Antelope Springs, and for Arizona as well. As most of you have heard a great controversy has come to our community. Much like the recent forest fires, everyone is being touched by this unfortunate turn of events.” The Mayor looked involuntarily at Nadia. She returned his gaze, firm. “I have agreed to speak in behalf of Mr. Edwards. If by chance he decides to expound on anything later, that will be at his discretion. However, today’s announcement will be final, and without prejudice.

First I want to state that the personal relationship of Mr. Edwards, and Mr. Fritz are not the issue here.” Shane stood quietly, displaying as much contrition as humanly possible. He knew he had dodged some major charges. “The actions taken by my office are as a result of police misconduct, namely assault under the color of office; namely to carry out unlawful and willful acts of violence and coercion against several citizens of the various Native American communities, and others. Many other charges are pending, as my office is waiting on the City Attorney’s office to finalize its assessment of the several new charges to be leveled against these former police officers.”

“Spoken like a man selling ocean front property in Nevada,” Natalia whispered in Nadia’s ear.

An incidental smile crossed Nadia’s face as she listened intently to each word the Mayor spoke. The Mayor continued, “I wish to announce that in addition to terminating the employment of officer Bob Fritz, I have today issued a warrant for his arrest.”

Mayor Meekham had issued the warrant late last week, but didn’t want this PR opportunity to pass him by.

The large crowd erupted with clapping and cheering; mostly by those in the indigenous community. The Mayor raised his hand in an attempt to regain control of the crowd. The Mayor continued, “I would also like to announce that I have accepted the resignation of Shane Edwards.” The large crowd didn’t want to hear that, and immediately started up with the bullshit chant. “Bullshit, bullshit, bullshit,” as the collective voice of the people began to rise. This went on for several minutes.

The Mayor attempted to get their attention by raising his hand once again, but the crowd wasn’t having it. “Bullshit, bullshit, bullshit,” they chanted, over and over again.

Non native folks in the crowd started looking around for the exits, as did many of those in the indigenous community with their older ones, and children.

The Mayor made several attempts to quiet the crowd but he could not placate them until they had had their say; as they continued to make known their displeasure. Nadia had not planned to, but she stepped forward and urged the crowd to let the Mayor conclude.

Mayor Meekham who despised Nadia, turned to her with a disingenuous nod of appreciation. “The trust of our community is at stake here.

It is my hope that we can put to rest this whole sordid affair, and move forward in our separate but equal communities,” the Mayor declared, like a man who knew he was up for reelection soon.

The volume of the crowd continued to grow louder.

The police encircled the Mayor who decided it would be best to take his leave. The majority of the Antelope Springs Police Department along with several officers from the Arizona Department of Public Safety flanked the Mayor, as well as the various police departments throughout Indian Country.

These officers created a rear buffer for the retreating Mayor. The remaining police officers of the Antelope Springs Department escorted the City Council back to their chambers. The major news outlets were furious. Reporters scrambled in protest, screaming foul. Nadia smiled. Dwayne put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her close. “Separate but equal my ass,” Natalia said to no one in particular.

With Mayor Meekham, and the former Police Chief out of the picture, many folks began to trickle out of the large courtyard. Small groups began to form. Conversations continued as several custodians appeared, stacking chairs, and a doing a general clean up. A custodian pushing a large grey garbage cart, approached the podium. After unplugging the microphone he stood up and began rolling up the black microphone cable.
He slowly looked in the direction of Nadia and her three friends who were engaged in a celebratory conversation. Sonny Ray felt eyes on him. He looked around instinctively, finally turning in the direction of the podium, his eyes locking in on the hate filled gaze of Bob.

The former cop quickly lowered his hand into the large garbage can finding the pistol grip of the large hand held cannon.

He shoved the garbage can aside, and stumbled forward. Twelve to fifteen feet separated Bob from doing what he came here to do. Without looking around Sonny Ray grabbed Dwayne’s arm. “Dwayne move, go,” Sonny Ray said, nudging his friend.

Dwayne looked up and saw Bob. He turned toward Nadia and Natalia. “We gotta go, we gotta go now!” as Dwayne quickly urged the women to escape. Sonny Ray put his hands up, as he stood as calmly as humanly possible.

Bob had every intention of killing the two men, and two women; but for whatever reason he had become fixated on Sonny Ray. As Dwayne took his two friends to safety, the crowd saw Bob and his large pistol, and people began to scatter in a panic.

Bob suddenly raised his pistol and pointed it at Sonny Ray, center mass. “You cost me my job you son of a bitch,” Bob screamed. His words were slurred; but his bitter intent came through loud and clear. “Do you hear me?! I’m going to kill your sorry coconut ass,” Bob bellowed, struggling to string a few words together.

Sonny Ray knew what the plan was, but he was very much afraid. ‘What if Bob discovered what we had done?’ He could see Bob and his unhinged gaze glaring keenly in his direction.

Bob blinked once, and pulled the trigger.

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