"The Silver Bullet" Summary

When Willis Davis tries to join the Henry Street guys, they send him to knock off Slick's Bar and Grill, both to show what he has and (secretly) to finance an anticipated spring war with the Conchos on the West Side. Because everyone knows Slick is in the rackets, his place has never been hit. Dewey Bivins, the group's warlord, insists Slick is dead. Many rumors circulated about Dewey, too. Some say he is targeted by the Conchos, while others hold he is exempt from attacks for fear of disproportionate retaliations. Dewey walks the streets unarmed in his purple beret to show he is fearless. People respect him and imitate his swagger. Willis tries to recruit his friend Curtis Carter's help but fails. Slick's bar might still be covered, even if he is gone. Willis reconnoiters alone...