Summary

It is 1943. While giving a soldier directions to a prostitute at Small's Paradise, Malcolm attracts the notice of a police detective. He is subsequently banned from the bar. Sammy suggests Malcolm start selling marijuana in the jazz clubs, and he does this, with success.

In Chapter 20, Malcolm turns 18 years old and Sophia visits him in Harlem. Sammy warns Malcolm not to get too attached to Sophia, claiming that she will get married soon. Malcolm is paranoid because he is constantly followed by police. Sammy offers him some cocaine, and he accepts it.

Malcolm receives documents in the mail in Chapter 21, informing him he must report to the military draft office. He reports, but pretends to be insane to get out of service. He begins helping West Indian Archie run the numbers game. There is a riot in Harlem after a police officer shoots...