" That's why. You've got to find some folks, some African-American folks who've been here a while, before the Fifties, before the war or came up from ...he South. Some have been here for as long as there's been a county, since 1776. Ask some white kid's grandpa." But, but, how could they do that?" He spread his arms wide, almost hitting the girl in the next row. She squealed and he apologized."It was the law, Maryland law, right from the start. The State said there had to be schools for black. “Did you just try to bribe an officer of the law? That’s another charge I’ll have to add to your case, mister.”Shraddha reached a hand around the cop’s back and pleaded with him, “Sir, ignore him. He’s an idiot. But, isn’t there something we can do to work this out. I mean, we really need to be somewhere.”The cop licked his lips as he considered her request. He reached a hand out and stroked her soft, white cheek, saying, “Sorry, sweetheart. I have to act according to the law. Although you are. From the shadows, Father spoke. "I'm sorry that Mother's giving you such a hard time, son. She means well, you know." I know that," Steve said quickly. "But this -- it's not my fault." Even as he said it, Steve regretted it. Father pressed him for an explanation. Steve put him off, awkwardly, and was actually relieved when Mother returned.Paula opened the door and flashed a sunny smile. "Daddy Oldham! What a surprise! Steve didn't tell me you were coming over. And he isn't even home -- he. . "May I speak with Dr. Ackerman, please."Martin had tried Ben's home address first, but after chatting with his wife briefly, she informed him that his long time friend was working late at the university and could be reached at his office.The voice on the other end asked him to hold a moment, that the anthropologist was in the museum and that he would forward the call."Hello, Ben Ackerman here." Ben, it's Martin." Martin, good to hear from you again. How's Renee?" That's why I'm calling Ben..