Fall 1987 - Spring 1988, Chapter 10 Summary

LaJoe goes to argue her case at the local welfare office when she is accused of welfare fraud. After a long wait, she is lead into the hearing room to be questioned by three case workers. The case workers argue that her husband has used her address as his residence and therefore she is "double dipping" into the system, which is not the case. LaJoe gets so upset that she is inadequate at defending herself or using her basic rights of legal counsel. Her benefits are cut off. Lafeyette is upset at the news but he is the only one LaJoe confides in. She doesn't want to tell Pharoah as he has been so withdrawn and afraid lately. After the children go to bed, Lafeyette joins his mother on the living room couch and tells her not...