Contents
Thirteen
Overview
After King’s men assault Mr. Lewis, DeVante admits he stole $5,000 from King to move his family and faces a death threat. Maverick relocates DeVante to Uncle Carlos’s suburban home, exposing family tensions and Starr’s secret relationship with Chris. DeVante reveals Khalil refused the King Lords and sold drugs only to pay his mother’s debt, reshaping Starr’s understanding.
Summary
King’s men assault Mr. Lewis for his public comments, and he warns that King wants DeVante dead. Maverick grabs DeVante, demanding the truth. DeVante breaks down and admits he stole about $5,000 from King to buy bus tickets for his mother and sisters, fearing retaliation and begging not to be handed over.
Determined to protect him, Maverick brings DeVante to Uncle Carlos’s suburban house. Uncle Carlos, on leave, and Nana set strict rules: no weapons, no drugs, no cursing, and school via an online program. Carlos confiscates DeVante’s gun. The domestic contrast heightens tensions between Lisa and Maverick over whether the Carters should move out of Garden Heights.
Chris unexpectedly arrives; Maverick learns he is Starr’s white boyfriend and reacts angrily, prompting a heated argument with Lisa about safety and moving. Afterward, Starr and Chris share a tender moment, which Lisa interrupts, leading to an awkward talk about responsibility.
Later, DeVante teases Starr about dating a white boy, then opens up about Khalil. He reveals Khalil refused to join the King Lords and only sold drugs to repay his mother’s debt to King. Starr realizes she misjudged Khalil and grapples with the complexities of choice, poverty, and loyalty.
Shaken by the new truth and the family conflict, Starr leaves for a walk, unsure of what to believe or do next.
Who Appears
- Starr CarterNarrator; helps move DeVante, reveals Chris to her father, reevaluates Khalil after learning his true reasons for selling.
- DeVanteAdmits stealing $5,000 from King to move his family; hidden at Uncle Carlos’s; reveals Khalil wasn’t a King Lord.
- Maverick 'Big Mav' CarterProtects DeVante by relocating him; clashes with Starr over Chris and with Lisa about moving.
- Lisa CarterTreats Mr. Lewis, argues with Maverick about safety and moving; talks candidly to Starr about responsibility.
- Uncle CarlosTakes DeVante in under strict rules; on leave from the force; mediates family tensions.
- Mr. LewisBeaten by King’s men for speaking out; warns that King wants DeVante dead.
- ChrisStarr’s boyfriend; meets Maverick, stands his ground; shares a light moment amid family conflict.
- Nana (Ms. Montgomery)Nosy, blunt presence; objects to being volunteered to tutor; adds comic but sharp commentary.