Chapter 68

That night, all five of them met in the old burnt-down office out of town. Teddy, Juice, Sky were seated on the flat desk at the center of the room, and Smith was standing at the center of the room. Jack was by the side, his hands tucked in his pocket, and his face looking way too confident for the place.

“So, what you’re saying is that this man is part of us now?” Juice asked, her face giving away her skepticism.

“Yes, he’s Black, and he’s part of us.”

“Hey, is that some racist bullshit? I’m black just because I’m black? Really? Is this some—”

Jack was cut short as Teddy rose and slammed his hands on the desk, making it rattle.

“No one said you’re black because you’re black. But then, you’re fucking black, aren’t you? Shouldn’t you be wearing that like some badge of honor?” Teddy asked.

“We all have names. I’m Juice, by the way, so Black isn’t such a bad name,” Juice said, looking at him.

Jack shrugged. “Whatever,” he replied.

“I’m ju