Contrasts by Charles Arnold Read Free Book Online

copies across to them along with a pen. “A set for each of us,” he said.
    Ms. Ying crossed to initial all four copies as a witness. Paul put their contracts back in his coat pocket. The other two copies remained on the desk. Watts picked them up and sat back in his chair reading Ann’s contract. “Just to make sure I know you understand the rules,” he said. He looked directly at Ann. “Your parents were killed in an accident when you were five. You were raised by your grandfather and grandmother. They live at 205 Walnut Avenue, West Hempstead, Long Island. It’s a little cottage. The mortgage is paid off. They live on a small pension and social security. Your grandfather has a heart condition and your grandmother suffers from diabetes. He is eighty and she is seventy-nine. His name is Andrew and her name is Elizabeth. The last name is Shelby. Are these facts correct?”
    Ann was visibly shaken, “Yes, but what...”
    “There is a clause in your contract that warns if you fail to honor any of the requirements we may choose to penalize one or more of your family members. I want you to be aware that we know who and where they are. It’s something you should keep in mind.”
    “But they are old and helpless. Surely you wouldn’t...”
    “We would.” He leaned forward staring at her. She nodded. He continued, “Your contract refers to our organization as the NWS. Do you know what that stands for?”
    “No, I don’t.”
    “Negro Worship Society”. We in the organization believe African American is a label that diminishes us. “Colored” is a name they once put on toilets and in buses and other public places to let us know we were inferior. Negro is the name of a proud race of strong resilient people that can be used by both blacks and whites. Nigger is a derivation of that word once used by whites to demean us but recently embraced by black men and women as their own and accorded the same respect as the word from which it came. It is not to be used by whites.” He shook a finger at them. “When you, Mr. and Mrs. Gardner, refer to us you will say ‘My Master’ or ‘My Mistress’.” He directed his attention to Ann. “Would you like some coffee?”
    Her throat had gone dry. “Yes, I would.”
    “Wrong answer. Are you stupid? What did I just say?”
    Ann felt the color rise to her cheeks. She hesitated then said, “Yes, Master.”
    Watts nodded, “Saying it will be awkward at first, but in a short time it will be automatic because that’s how you will begin to see us. You will think of us as your Masters.” He looked at Paul, “Both of you.” At a signal to Ms. Ying she brought three cups and set two on the small table between Ann and Paul. The other she placed on Watts’ desk. He sipped his coffee ignoring them for a few moments. Then looking up at Ann he said, “I’ve been told you teach a history course emphasizing what you call ‘African American’ culture?”
    “Yes, I do.”
    “Yes what?”
    It took her a moment to realize what he wanted. She looked away and said softly, “Yes, ah...uh...Master, I do.”
    “Stand up,” he ordered. She hesitated then stood. “Take off that goddamn raincoat.” She glanced at Paul then slowly unfastened the belt and unbuttoned it. Blushing, she shrugged it from her shoulders and draped it on the back of her chair. “Walk across the room and back,” he said. Unsteady in the heels she crossed to the door and returned.
    “Turn around,” he said. “Your wife has a fine ass, Paul. I thought she did the other night at your house, but with those oversized jeans it was hard to tell.” She was about to sit down. “Not yet,” he said. He crooked a finger at her, “Come over here and ask me to feel your ass.” She shot a glance at Paul, then crossed to stand in front of him. Her legs were trembling and her face was scarlet. He looked up at her, “Well?”
    She swallowed struggling to get the words out, “Feel me...I...I...mean feel my...my