When William pulled the trigger Darryl screamed and went down hard. William stood and slowly raised his weapon as Darry writhed on the floor. Then William quietly disappeared into the apartment building shadows.

Darryl heard a voice and opened his eyes.

My God, Chanise said.

Darryl began to cry.

Are you OK?

I’m alive.

That looks like red paint on your throat.

That crazy man who screamed at me on the steps and on the street shot me.

That is paint, Darryl.

I can feel the welt.

Why did he shoot you?

He pointed an assault rifle in my face and screamed I wasn’t wearing a mask. Not protecting him. Not protecting my community and something about teaching me a lesson.

You’re not wearing a mask, Darryl.

I keep forgetting to keep it on when I go out.

I was coming up the steps to your apartment when I heard the screaming.

I’m so sorry about Mahlik.

I know, Darryl.

Where’s Jimmy?

Jimmy’s in the psychiatric ward.

What happened?

He was going to shoot himself.

Jesus, Chanise.

I’m can’t take it, Darryl. I’m quitting the police department.

People need you.

I’m done with guns, Darryl.

I am, too.

He shot you with a paintball gun.

Why?

I guess the man did want to teach you a lesson.

That’s crazy.

What did he look like?

A walking tree. The straw man in the Wizard of Oz. Bigfoot.

I’m calling 911.

No, no, I’m OK.

Nobody’s OK, Darryl.

It’s just going to get worse, Chanise.

It can’t get worse for me, Darryl.

Chanise tried a weak smile.

I’ll bet you wear your mask the next time you go outside, she said.