FORD, Jamie

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet

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The club seemed hollow without music, replaced by the barking of federal agents and the occasional clicking of handcuffs. The dimly lit dance hall still sparkled now and then as the candles on empty tables flickered light on half-empty martini glasses.

The six Japanese patrons were handcuffed and taken to the door, the women sniffling, the men asking "Why?" in English. Henry heard "I'm an American" being shouted as the last one was arrested and taken outside.

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‘Get him. Don't let that Jap lover get away!’ Chaz shouted. “We're coming after you, Henry!” he heard Denny shouting, his feet pounding the pavement. Henry didn’t look back.

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School was out of the question for the day. The thought of being tardy and facing the ridicule of his classmates was almost as horrible as the thought of enduring their happiness—their joy and satisfaction at knowing that Keiko's family, and her whole neighborhood, were being taken away. All smiles. Victorious in their home-front battle with a hated enemy. Even if that enemy spoke the same language and had said the Pledge of Allegiance alongside them since kindergarten.

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