Contents
Twenty-Four
Overview
Stranded en route to Maverick’s store, Starr and friends stumble into a protest at the site of Khalil’s death. Empowered by Ms. Ofrah, Starr publicly speaks out and hurls a tear gas canister back at police, sparking chaos. Goon evacuates them to the store, where, after brief safety, a Molotov cocktail sets it ablaze.
Summary
Amid citywide unrest, Seven’s car runs out of gas on the east side. Forced to abandon it, Starr, Seven, Chris, and injured DeVante proceed on foot through smoke and sirens. They reach Carnation Street, where a Just Us for Justice protest confronts police at the site of Khalil’s killing. The memory overwhelms Starr.
Ms. Ofrah spots Starr, warns of the risks, and urges her to use her voice. After momentarily severing her attorney-client role, Ms. Ofrah lifts Starr onto a police car and hands her the bullhorn. Starr denounces Officer Cruise, reframes the moment around Khalil’s life, and leads chants of “Khalil lived!” as police order dispersal.
When officers fire tear gas, Starr throws a canister back, engulfing the police in smoke and triggering chaos. The group flees through explosions and choking fumes, briefly losing DeVante, until Goon, a Cedar Grove King Lord, rescues them with a pickup. A national news anchor rides along, confirms Starr is the witness, and films the turmoil.
Goon delivers them to Maverick’s store, intact and tagged “black owned.” Inside, they use milk to relieve the tear gas burns; Goon gathers milk to aid others and says Maverick was looking for them. The news crew departs with Goon to continue coverage, leaving the four to confront furious voicemails from Lisa.
Planning to call from the office to prove their location, they stand to move—just as a flaming bottle crashes through the front. A sudden blaze erupts, sealing the door in fire and trapping them inside the store.
Who Appears
- Starr CarterWitness to Khalil’s shooting; leads chants, denounces Officer Cruise, throws back tear gas, later trapped by Molotov at the store.
- Seven CarterDrives until the car runs out of gas; guides the group, helps DeVante, and brings everyone to the store.
- ChrisSupports Starr, helps push the car and flee tear gas; rides with Goon; worries about parental backlash.
- DeVanteInjured and struggling to breathe after tear gas; aided by milk at the store; rides with the rescuers.
- Ms. OfrahActivist attorney who empowers Starr to speak, hands her the bullhorn, and directs her to safety.
- GoonCedar Grove King Lord who rescues protestors in his truck and brings Starr’s group to the store.
- Brian (news anchor)National reporter who interviews Starr and rides with Goon to cover the protests.
- CameramanFilms the rescue, interviews, and milk relief at the store during the unfolding chaos.
- BriYoung woman with Goon’s crew; assists riders and helps manage supplies during rescue.