Chapter 56

When it rains, it pours. Leon and Mark convened at the house in the hood to talk strategy.

“What do we do now?”

For one of the few times in his life, Leon did not have a plan.

“I don’t know. We’ve got enough savings to last a few months, but after that, we’ll need to get something going.”

“Do you have any contacts left?”

“Not in the organization. They’ve made it clear we are persona non grata.”

“How about with the brothers?”

“I’ve given enough back over the years to have allies in the neighborhood. The problem is none of these people are flush with cash.”

“Or business ideas.”

“Right. We’ll have to come up with something on our own. If we do, there are plenty of folks here who will be happy to fill out our employee list.”

***

Back at Sparkles, Jasmine put in her application for employment. With Leon and Mark gone, maybe she would have a chance for some part time work.

As she waited for her interview, she could hear the chanting of the BLM protestors outside. New management had not satisfied them, and they were still beating the drum for better wages, benefits, and working conditions.

With jealousy, she heard Mrs. Fields leading the group of marchers. Tasha’s impassioned role at Leon’s disastrous press conference had raised her status in the BLM organization. She now rated a regular paycheck, and her ideas were listened to in strategy meetings. By contrast, Jasmine was sitting hat in hand, hoping for a job.

Sadly, she considered Damon. What would he think about everything that had transpired since his death? He had given her a sense of fun and joy in the daily patterns of life. Now, he was gone and almost forgotten while Tasha was gaining momentum. Bitterly, she knew that Leon and Mark had still not paid the price for his disappearance, even though they were both in disgrace after their dismissal from Sparkles. Life seemed hopeless. If she didn’t get a job soon, she didn’t know where to turn.