Mahogany (Episode 4)

go downstairs to keep her from screaming at everyone. When she made it into the kitchen, she could feel the men in the washer room trying not to give eye contact. They wanted to know. Everyone wanted to know what was happening to Bill and his association with this latest of questioning by the New York City Police department.

Bertha reached for the table napkins and placed them on the carry tray with the other table necessities. She walked into the main area of Mahogany’s and started to set up for the next night of business. She briefly placed her hands together for them to stop shaking. It didn’t help. She was about to move to the next table when the front door to the entrance opened.

"Did you not read the sign? We will be closed for the rest of this day." She didn't look up as she spoke with fury.

She shook her head mad with Bobby for not locking the door.

"That will be alright I didn’t come for a drink or any entertainment.” Lieutenant Jones said walking towards Bertha.

"Get out…it is too soon for any word on my husbands bail.”

He continues to walk towards her with a calm facial expression.

"I need to say something to you, Ms. Sands."

"I said get out of Mahogany’s.” She said turning her back on him.

He reached for her arm and swirled her around to face him.

"I don’t think so, Bertha, we need to talk. You might have chosen Bill to be your lover and the father of your children without a word of an explanation of why you left me for that low-life controlling pig. But you will talk to me, and I do mean now."

His eyes piercing hers with anger and jealousy.

---

Back in Atlanta...

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"Do you think the world is against you, Hanna Sands?” Grandma said looking at me as I stood across the room with my arms folded.

"Yes. I want to sing. To do what I want to do.” I said looking out the window.

"So why are you blaming your mother for your dreams being sub-sided, youngin?”

"She is the closes person in my life next to you, I felt betrayed that she did not defend my dreams, my wants and desire to sing the blues.”

I bit my lip to not stop the flow of truth from my heart. “I felt she didn’t even try to

The copyright of the article Mahogany (Episode 4) in Writing from Harlem is owned by Nichel Anderson. Permission to republish Mahogany (Episode 4) in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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