We Are Not Like Them

Riley returns to the hospital to give Jenny her baby shower gift before work. On the way there, she listens to the radio, filled with commentary about race in America and critiques on the case and racism. There is a press conference later that day to announce the indictment of the police officers. When Riley pulls into the visitor parking, she sees Jenny crying in her car. At first, she thinks something has happened with Chase, but she quickly learns that she has been listening to the same radio stations as Riley. The tension comes to a peak between the friends, and Jenny is upset that “these people are treating my husband like a villain and a scapegoat” (243). Jenny defends her husband and says the worst part is that she feels abandoned by her best friend. Riley tries to respond, explaining that she has been there for her, and Jenny asks her opinion on whether Kevin should be arrested. Riley explains that it is not her decision, and Jenny doubles down, telling Riley her feelings towards them, her anger, and what she thinks of Kevin are not fair. Riley defends herself, saying unarmed Black men are being shot and killed, and no one is being held accountable for those deaths.

Jenny explains how alone and scared she has been, and Riley responds that she is “self-absorbed, always the victim” (244) and shouts that every Black death feels personal to her, that it could have been her family, and that in fact, it once was. Jenny responds sarcastically that is “sorry I haven’t been a better ally” (245), and Riley says being a better ally could solve this. Jenny needs to start “looking at [her] behavior and [her] biases” (245). Riley explains that she is always thinking about race, and it is a privilege not to think about it. Being a Black woman has shaped her life differently than Jenny’s as a white woman, and for this friendship to continue, Riley needs Jenny to think about it.

After the argument, Riley returns to work, where her boss questions her about her friendship with Jenny Murphy. He is upset, but she explains she knew she could be objective and didn’t want to give him any reason she couldn’t do her job. Still, he lets her cover the press conference. There are protesters from both sides—those wondering if their son is next and others holding BLUE LIVES MATTER signs. Sabrina Cowell, the district attorney, announces, “Our city will not be able to heal until justice is served for the Dwyer family. And mark my words, justice will be served here” (255). When asked if the officers will be arrested, she reveals that they are working with Murphy and Cameron to turn themselves in.