Chapter 20: Grief, Jealousy, and a Stolen Watch

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.

Summary

Maverick spends his day off at Dre’s grave, talking to his cousin as if he were still alive. He updates Dre on the street situation: Shawn is in jail, P‑Nut is now running the set, and Maverick, King, Rico, and Junie have started their own small drug operation. Maverick admits he still sells weed and cocaine, though he insists it’s temporary. He mentions Lisa’s pregnancy, his plans to name the baby after Dre if it’s a boy, and a Valentine’s surprise trip to Markham College. Leaving the cemetery, Maverick picks up Lisa from her private school and sees her with Connor, a white classmate who gives her a teddy bear for the baby. Maverick’s jealousy flares, but Lisa reminds him they are only friends. They walk back to the Garden and visit Ms. Rosalie’s house, where they meet Brenda, Tammy’s sister, and her boyfriend Jerome, who goes by the street name Red. To Maverick’s shock, Red is wearing a gold watch with diamonds—Dre’s watch, which was stolen the night Dre was killed.

Key Events

Maverick visits Dre’s grave and admits he still sells drugs despite his promises.
He describes his small customer base: college students, businessmen, and wealthy private‑school kids.
Maverick picks up Lisa at Saint Mary’s and encounters Connor, who gives Lisa a teddy bear for the baby.
Maverick’s jealousy is obvious, but Lisa reminds him they are only friends.
They return to Ms. Rosalie’s home, where Brenda and her boyfriend Red are visiting.
Maverick spots a distinctive gold watch with diamonds on Red’s wrist—the same watch that was stolen from Dre’s body after the murder.
The chapter ends with Maverick silently connecting Red to Dre’s death.

Character Development

Maverick: Still grieving deeply, he struggles to balance fatherhood, school, and the street life he told Dre he would leave. His jealousy over Connor reveals his insecurity and his unresolved feelings for Lisa.
Lisa: Assertive and clear about her boundaries, she refuses to date Maverick while he deals drugs. She is also building a support network that includes Connor, causing tension.
King: Mentioned only in passing; Maverick feels their friendship has fractured since King moved Iesha in without telling him.
Red (Jerome): Introduced as Brenda’s boyfriend and a hustler, his possession of Dre’s watch marks him as a key figure in the unsolved murder.
Connor: Represents a rival for Lisa’s affection and a contrast to Maverick’s street lifestyle.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs Actually Evidenced Here

Grief as a Wave: Maverick compares the pain of losing Dre to being pulled out to sea—grief hits in waves, and this visit brings a fresh surge of tears.
The Watch: A potent symbol of Dre’s life and death. Its reappearance on Red’s wrist ties directly to the unsolved murder and suggests the killer may still be close to home.
Class and Opportunity: Maverick’s resentment toward rich customers like the law‑student Jack and “White Boy Aaron” highlights the double standard of drug enforcement and economic disparity.
Valentine’s Surprise: Maverick’s plan to take Lisa to Markham College underscores his hope that a romantic gesture can change her mind about staying friends, even though his street involvement remains the real obstacle.

Why This Chapter Matters

Chapter 20 is a turning point. The discovery of Dre’s watch gives Maverick—and the reader—a concrete lead on the murder. For the first time, the killer may be identifiable. At the same time, Maverick’s ongoing drug dealing and jealousy toward Connor complicate his relationship with Lisa and his own promise to become a better man. The chapter deepens the mystery while showing that Maverick’s attempt to leave the streets is far from complete.

Study Questions and Answers

What does Maverick reveal about his current drug activity, and why does he think it’s justified?
Maverick tells Dre that he and King, Rico, and Junie run a small independent operation because he refuses to work for P‑Nut. He insists it’s temporary—he only sells enough to cover his family’s needs without raising his mom’s suspicion. His justification rests on the idea that his customers are mostly wealthy outsiders, so he sees no harm in taking their money.
How does Maverick react to Connor’s presence in Lisa’s life, and what does this reveal about his feelings?
Maverick is immediately threatened by Connor. He makes sarcastic comments, calls Connor “cornball,” and grabs Lisa’s stomach to assert his connection to the baby. His reaction shows he still wants to win Lisa back and feels possessive, even though she has made it clear they are only friends as long as he remains in the drug game.
What is the significance of the gold watch, and why is it important that Maverick notices it on Red’s wrist?
The watch belonged to Dre and was stolen the night he was murdered. Seeing it on Red—the boyfriend of Tammy’s sister Brenda—strongly implies that Red was involved in Dre’s death or knows who was. This moment gives Maverick (and the reader) a possible lead and raises the stakes for the rest of the story.