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“What do you want?” said Jack. “Because we’re pretty busy, too.”
“Take the offer.”
“And how do you even know about that?” demanded DuBose.
“Just take it. Otherwise, things will not turn out well. For any of you. And that’s not a threat. It’s a given.”
CHAPTER 87
PEARL AND JEROME HAD ALREADY been taken back to their jail cells. But Jack and DuBose received permission to speak with them at the courthouse later that day.
DuBose went through the offer with them slowly and clearly.
Pearl shook her head and said, “No, he ain’t gonna do that. Lock him up like an animal for years for somethin’ he didn’t do? No! Ain’t gonna do it.”
“Look, Pearl, honey,” said Jerome. “It won’t be that long. Man say five years.”
“Maybe five years. You don’t know that for sure. And what if that judge say you got to go to prison longer?” She looked at DuBose. “Can he do that?”
“He can.”
“See?” said Pearl. “That man will screw you, Jerome. He hate colored people.”
“But you get to go home, to the kids, baby. That be what counts. They need you.”
“They need both of us.”
“You think that jury gonna let us both off?” countered a frustrated Jerome. “Hell, we’ll both end up in the chair. Then where will the kids be, huh?”
Pearl wiped away tears and hung her head while Jerome lifted a shackled hand and placed it gently on her back. He looked up at Jack and DuBose.
“Tell that man we take the deal.”
“Okay, Jerome,” said DuBose resignedly. “We’ll tell him.” She looked at her watch and then glanced at Pearl. “Nothing can be done now. But first thing in the morning. And Pearl will be able to go home right after. And then we’ll see to your officially pleading to manslaughter. Battle will make his sentencing recommendation and we will do all we can to make sure that Judge Ambrose goes along with it.”
They left the Washingtons, drove to Jack’s parents’ home, and went into the garage. Queenie greeted them with tail wags and yips. They petted her, and then sat, depressed, at their desks..
DuBose gazed around at their little war room. “I have to say, this is the first time I prepared for a case in a place where people normally park their cars.”
“I’m glad I could provide a new experience for you.” He paused and studied her. “I know that look. What are you thinking?”
“I confirmed that Ambrose was in the Ku Klux Klan.”
“How?”
“Colleagues at the NAACP. They know all the slimy holes to look in.”
“And?”
“And I’m wondering whether I should leak it to the press and then go into court and ask for a mistrial.”
“If you do that, no telling how long Pearl will be sitting in jail until the next trial.”
She rubbed her eyes. “I know. Which is why I haven’t done it before now.” She stood and paced. “God, I’d like to know who is giving Battle his marching orders.”
“It’s got to be Pickett, don’t you think? He knew about the plea offer. He probably insisted on it after Drucker was shown to be a liar. He wants to save face and help Wallace’s chances for the White House, like you said.”
She sat back down. “I guess the racists win this round.”
