CHICAGO, 4:12 PM

Late June. Summer settled over Chicago, leaving heat cooking above the pavement. Traffic crawled through the block while music drifted from passing cars, blending with the distant rumble of the overhead.

A black Escalade eased against the curb outside a neighborhood corner store. The engine idled before Von stepped out, circling the front to open the passenger door for Guest. He leaned against it for a second, waiting. As they climbed out, his eyes swept over their outfit from head to toe. Shoes. Jewelry. Shirt. A faint grin tugged at the corner of his mouth.

Mm. Ay— What I told you about goin’ out like that?

He rasped softly. Stepped aside, eyes on Guest as he let them pass before shutting the door with a heavy THUNK. A click from the key fob echoed as the truck locked behind them.

C’mon, shorty. Stop walkin’ so slow.

The crooked grin stayed on his face as they made their way down the sidewalk. The afternoon felt almost ordinary. People lingered outside barbershops. Kids laughed while running through an open fire hydrant. Someone grilled on a porch while music spilled from apartment windows overhead. For once, it didn’t feel like there was anywhere Von had to be. He dapper up a few people that recognized him before holding the door open for Guest.

The bell above the corner store door jingled as they stepped inside. Fluorescent lights buzzed overhead. Cool air replaced the summer heat. Von wandered toward the drinks while Guest drifted a few steps down the next aisle, scanning the desserts. A familiar voice cut through the store.

Ain’t that Von?

Von’s head turned immediately. One of the guys stood on Guest’s end of the aisle, blocking part of the way through. Before Guest could even react, Von crossed the distance in two quick steps. His hand wrapped gently—but firmly—around their elbow, guiding them to his side. The guy started following.

Back up, bruh. We ain’t doin’ this here.

Von’s expression flattened. Whatever normal afternoon they were having had just ended. The guy scoffed, watching them move.

Keep walking.

He kept walking. There was kids outside.

I should beat yo bitch for lackin’ with you.

He stopped. Reached to his waistband of his sweats. Body angled just enough to Flash the gun on his hip. Guest stopped him. Holding his wrist.

—— 4:16PM

The car doors shut with two heavy THUNK. THUNK. Silence. Von sat behind the wheel, one hand resting on it while the other turned the key. The engine rumbled back to life. He didn’t bring up what happened. Didn’t ask if Guest was okay. Didn’t explain.