Hours looking into houses Jamal turned to her his confusion evident I wasn't looking into houses I was leaving Flyers Carol scoffed you don't belong here. The quiet atmosphere of elmwood shattered as the whale of police sirens echoed through the neighborhood two patrol cars their lights flashing red. And blue pulled up to the curb where Jamal was standing the commotion drew the attention of nearby residents curtains twitching and heads peeking out from doorways to see what was happening. Jamal froze his instincts told him to stay calm but his mind raced with confusion he had done nothing wrong why were the police here clutching his clipboard he took a deep breath determined to explain himself. Officer blake a tall broad-shouldered man with a noons demeanor stepped out of the first car his partner officer Hernandez followed her expression a mix of curiosity and caution.
From the second car officer Miller a younger recruit emerged looking nervous but ready excuse me son Blake said as he approached we received a call about suspicious activity in. The neighborhood what are you doing here Jamal held up his clipboard and smiled politely I'm delivering flyers for my school's robotics team fundraiser he said we're raising money for. Our trip to the national competition Blake glanced at the clipboard and the stack of neatly printed Flyers fundraiser ha do you live around here yes sir Jamal replied I live about a mile away near the community center. Before the officer could respond Carol way wri emerged from her house her arms folded tightly across her chest she wore a triumphant smirk. As though she had single-handedly solved a neighborhood crime that's the boy I called about she announced loudly pointing an accusatory finger at Jamal he's been wandering around all day looking into houses I'm telling you he's up to something.
Jamal's heart sank he turned to Carol his voice calm but firm ma'am I wasn't looking into houses I've been leaving flyers for my school fundraiser that's all Carol rolled. Her eyes oh please you've been hanging around too long walking up and down the street like you're scouting the place I know what I saw. Officer hernandes sensing the tension stepped forward ma'am let's take a moment to sort this out she said diplomatically we'll check his story. Jamal handed the officers a flyer it was bright and professional with his school's logo prominently displayed and details about the fundraiser Hernandez studied it for a moment. Before nodding this looks legitimate she said it's clear this young man is part of a school project.
Carol undeterred shook her head that doesn't prove anything he could have printed those flyers himself I still think you should search him. Jamal took a step back his composure beginning to waver search me he repeated his voice tinged with disbelief I haven't done anything wrong. Officer blake hesitated exchanging a glance with Hernandez we're just here to make sure everything checks out Blake said though his tone carried an edge of Doubt let's see what's in your backpack son. Jamal reluctantly handed over his backpack trying to remain calm Blake unzipped it and emptied the contents onto the hood of the patrol car inside were more flyers a water bottle a pencil case and a granola bar nothing remotely suspicious. Hernandez sighed it's just school supplies and flyers he's telling the truth.
Carol frowned her confidence faltering for the first time well maybe he's hiding something somewhere else she muted or maybe he's part of some gang Jamal's jaw tightened I'm not. In a gang he said quietly his voice steady but filled with hurt. By now a small group of neighbors had gathered drawn by the flashing lights and raised voices. Mrs pel who had spoken to Jamal earlier stepped forward he's just a kid trying to raise money for his school she said her voice sharp with disapproval I talked to him this morning he's been nothing but polite. Mr hendrick who had been watching from his porch joined in Carol you're blowing this way out of proportion he said the boy's done nothing wrong Carol turned to them.
Her face flushed with frustration you don't know that she snapped he doesn't belong here doesn't belong Mrs putle repeated her voice Rising what gives you the right to decide who belongs. The tension in the air was palpable jimel stood silently his eyes darting between the officers and the growing crowd his heart pounded and though he tried to keep his emotions in check he couldn't help. But feel the weight of the moment no matter how much evidence he provided Carol seemed determined to paint him as a criminal. As the officers debated their next steps Jamal made a decision can I call my mom he asked his voice firm she knows I not here Blake hesitated but nodded go ahead. Jamal pulled out his phone and dialed his mother.
Angela daniels answered on the second ring mom the police stopped me jaml said trying to keep his voice steady they think I'm doing something wrong Angela's voice immediately became. Sharp with concern what where are you are you okay unfine Jamal said but they're saying I look suspicious can you come Angela didn't hesitate stay calm baby I'm on my way. Hanging up Jamal felt a flicker of relief if anyone could handle this situation it was his mom but as he waited he couldn't ignore the humiliation of being treated like a suspect in front of his neighbors. As jamal waited for his mother Carol continued to press the officers I don't care if his mom comes she said dismissively you need to investigate this further what if. He's a look out for someone else else he could be a distraction While others robbed the houses.