Contents
Twenty-Five
Overview
Trapped by a firebombed store, Starr, Seven, Chris, and DeVante are rescued when Maverick unlocks the back door. The neighborhood rallies, publicly naming King as the arsonist, leading to his arrest. As the family mourns the store, Maverick cautiously accepts Chris. Inspired, DeVante decides to testify and expose King’s stash.
Summary
Inside Maverick’s burning store, Starr, Seven, Chris, and DeVante fail to escape through the barred back door and a locked office as smoke thickens. Mr. Lewis spots them, draws help, and Tim tries the front and then the back. Maverick arrives, unlocks the back door, and pulls them to safety, where paramedics give them oxygen.
As neighbors form a bucket brigade, King appears, taunting Maverick. The crowd turns on King when Mr. Lewis accuses him of arson. Maverick backs the accusation, and multiple witnesses—Mr. Reuben, Tim, and Ms. Yvette—confirm it. Police arrive and arrest King and his men while firefighters save only the store’s shell.
Amid relief and loss, Maverick and Lisa check on the kids. Starr admits throwing back tear gas, and Maverick affirms her anger while warning her. Maverick needles Chris but invites him to train at the boxing gym, signaling cautious acceptance.
Uncle Carlos explains arson may not keep King jailed for long. Motivated by Starr’s courage and Ms. Ofrah’s message about using their voices, DeVante offers to turn witness and reveal King’s stash to protect Kenya’s family and the neighborhood. Uncle Carlos promises protection as the chapter closes with a fragile sense of progress.
Who Appears
- Starr CarterNarrator; escapes the burning store, confronts loss, and influences DeVante’s decision to testify.
- Maverick CarterUnlocks the back door to save the kids; publicly accuses King; shows tentative acceptance of Chris.
- DeVanteInjured but rescued; decides to turn witness and reveal King’s stash to protect Kenya’s family.
- Seven CarterHelps attempt escape; survives smoke; supports DeVante and challenges King with the family.
- ChrisEndures the fire with Starr; earns Maverick’s respect and a boxing-gym invitation.
- KingTaunts the family at the fire; witnesses accuse him of arson; arrested with his crew.
- Lisa Carter (Momma)Comforts Starr, advocates medical care, and tempers Maverick’s reactions.
- Uncle CarlosArrives with police; explains legal limits of arson charge; promises protection for DeVante.
- Mr. LewisRaises the alarm, publicly accuses King, and helps mobilize the crowd against him.
- TimMr. Reuben’s nephew; tries both doors, rescues kids, and corroborates King’s arson.
- Mr. ReubenProvides help and water; testifies he saw King start the fire.
- Ms. YvetteBrings water to fight the fire and joins others in identifying King.