DWB

Chia's heart pounded in her chest as the officer's slow steps approached the Cadillac. She held the pale squirming baby tightly in her arms. She could see Artie's charcoal hands gripping the steering wheel. The officer shined the bright bluish-white light in their faces.

"Where you coloreds going?" He grumbled.

"Missus want us to take her and the babe into Baltimore to see her husband."

The cop looked in the backsest where the little Italian woman was curled over onto herself, deep in a fitful sleep. The police officer tapped on the window but the woman scarcely stirred.

"Please, suh," Artie said.

"Shut up, boy." The officer was jouned by another one now who was shining a bright light at Chia and making the baby cry. "Why ain't she wakin up?"

"She deaf, suh. Deaf and dumb since she a lilun."

The first officer looked at the woman, the baby, then the pair of black people in the front seat. He made a face and peered at his partner, who shrugged.

"Your tail light is out," the officer said. Breaking glass was heard. "Fix it."

The pair of officers left, and Chia sighed.

"Did I do good?" Angelica asked.

"Perfect."