Them by Nathan McCall Read Free Book Online Page A

yard. The dog sniffed a stocky shrub, squatted beside it, hunched its back and took a hefty dump. It sniffed its waste and scratched the ground, kicking up dirt and grass.
    When the dog had finished, its master tugged the leash and moved on, walking slowly toward the two black men. Both owner and animal studied them warily. Likewise, Barlowe and Mr. Smith sized up the intruders, but with a different dread.
    As the stranger drew nearer, Barlowe noticed his eyes were blue as water in a swimming pool. The man spoke, cautious, as he walked by.
    â€œHello.”
    Mr. Smith nodded, only slightly. Barlowe didn’t nod at all. When the man was beyond earshot, Barlowe craned his neck and whipped around. “You see that ?”
    â€œYeah. I saw it.”
    â€œHe let that dog shit, right there in your yard.”
    â€œI know. The dirty bastard.”
    They watched as the white man disappeared around the corner.
    For a long while, Barlowe and Mr. Smith stood there, drawing into themselves. Finally, Barlowe broke the silence.
    â€œI think we better get ready, Mr. Smith.”
    â€œI know,” the old man said. “ They comin.”

Part II

Chapter 6
    S ean and Sandy Gilmore walked into a large office and sank before a mahogany desk so massive it made them feel small. Once seated, they leaned in close together and held hands, as if lending each other emotional support. They appeared anxious, like young newlyweds in for the first sex therapy session.
    Actually, the issue was real estate.
    Their agent, a wily veteran named Joe Folkes, leaned forward, slightly annoyed that they had shown up at his office unannounced.
    â€œWell. What brings you two in today?”
    Sean and Sandy exchanged furtive glances, to see who would be the first to speak.
    â€œTo tell you the truth,” said Sandy, “we’re a little frustrated.”
    â€œOh?”
    â€œYes. We’ve spent forever house-hunting in-town, and so far, well, nothing.”
    â€œActually, it’s been only two months,” said Joe.
    â€œWhatever. When we started, you assured us we’d at least be able to find a fixer-upper, or even a two-bedroom bungalow. We’ve scoured Buckhead, Virginia-Highland and Morningside. It’s crazy what they’re asking for these places.”
    Joe smiled, confident the Gilmores’ frustrations were no reflection on him . Joe was considered one of the best, an ace in the urban market, and from the looks of him there appeared to be some truth to that. He was partial to fancy gabardine suits and two-toned starched shirts—the kind favored by the high-end lawyers who bill you by the hour for every fraction of a minute’s conversation.
    This day, Joe also wore an American flag tie, with the stars and stripes merging majestically at the knot.
    â€œWe’ve invested a lot of time.” Sean felt the need to pitch in now. “We’re wondering if maybe we should give this up.”
    â€œGive up?” Joe winced. He had no intention of letting loan-approved clients slip away. He stood and paced the floor.
    Tall and trim for a man of fifty-six, Joe had a salon-tanned, angular face and a high forehead that sloped into a crossover comb. He sprayed and teased his precious hair, so that it appeared to stand on its own. The hair looked magical. It meant a lot to Joe.
    Joe liked to boast that he was successful because he understood human nature. He had an instinctive feel for home buyers, especially the sophisticated ones. The sophisticates were an easy sell. They understood housing trends and market forces. They were aggressive, too.
    So when Sean and Sandy showed up, complaining about in-town housing costs, Joe made his patented Plan B pitch. The commissions were smaller, but what the hell?
    â€œWhy not go black?”
    Sean’s jaw dropped. “What?”
    Joe casually filed his nails from behind the gleaming desk. “There are lots of solid houses in neighborhoods that are