“You better calm down and listen. Klane killed someone. Robert Haverty’s over there. I think Klane killed Delmonica.”

“What? What are you talking about now, bitch?”

“Klane killed someone. Someone fell on a knife she was holding.”

“Where are the boys?”

“They’re asleep. Don’t wake them up. What are you mad at me for?”

“Because you’ve been running around all over town while I was gone. Dave saw you. He called and told me. I’m leaving this morning, Rhoda. I’m going back to South Carolina. I’m through with this shit. I’m leaving now.”

“Don’t you care about Klane? Don’t you even want to know what happened?”

“Not particularly. I’ve seen nigger murders before. Every Saturday night in Martinsville, Georgia. I’m leaving, Rhoda. I mean it this time.”

“Then go on. Who cares. You don’t think I care, do you? I don’t give a tinker’s damn.” I stood back from him, examining his head. In the front was the ego, on the side was the superego, on the back was the id. I could see it all so clearly. All three parts fighting against themselves. “You are so goddamn dumb,” I said. “I hate being married to you. I don’t care if you leave or not. I hate you. I hate being married to you.”

He took a step toward me as if to hit me, then he backed off and turned and walked into our room. I heard the shower running. A long time later he came back into the living room carrying a small bag in one hand and his shaving kit in the other. “I’m taking the good car. Your daddy will get you another one.”

“Go on then. No one’s stopping you.” The phone began to ring. “Answer the phone, will you. It must be Robert. He’s gone down to the police station, I guess.”

“You answer it. She’s your maid. I told you not to hire her.”

“She’s the only one who can take care of Malcolm and I like her. She’s a Watusi. She’s supposed to be fierce.”

“What does that mean? Never mind. I’m leaving. I’m going, Rhoda. I’m leaving now.”

“Wait till I answer the phone, can’t you? Can’t you wait a minute?” I grabbed the phone and answered it. “Wait a minute, Robert. I can’t talk. Malcolm’s here.” I dropped the receiver and walked to the door and took Malcolm’s arm. “Help me. I need you to stay and help me. Klane killed someone. Don’t you understand?” But Malcolm shook my hand from his arm and walked down the sidewalk toward the car.