A Visit From The Police (Page 195)

~~~(POV: Ulysses Kennedy)~~~

~~~(Date: October 26th, 2026)~~~

~~~(Location: Playing Basketball, Schuylkill River Park, Pennsylvania)~~~

~~~(Time: 4:03 PM)~~~

As I spin away from my defender, it frees me for an easy shot. I'm fading away from the basket out of my spin and hit the game-winning shot. The growing crowd cheers and celebrates. Phones are out taking videos or live streaming.

That's three straight easy wins. Our opponents don't look upset, but they don't look happy. I waste no time showing sportsmanship and handing out good games.

Usually, I'd keep playing into the night. However, the approaching sound of sirens takes everyone's attention. Some people here are quick to leave, likely for having warrants or worse.

I dribble the basketball in the center of the court as a few cops exit the cop cars. None of them have a confrontational disposition.

"It's alright, ladies and gentlemen. We're only here to run security. Pay no mind to us, and keep playing."

Seems clips and videos got out, and the team called for the cops to show up here. At the announcement from the cops, the games resume. I'll take a game off this time and talk with some fans. Talking with fans is something I enjoy.

Well, in an environment like this. Where I come to a basketball park.

I don't want this to happen when I'm at the store shopping. Not that I ever shop. Just a crude example.

I sit on one of the metal benches, and people are almost crowding around me. They're not getting too close due to the vigilant eyes of the cops. Many are still recording me, but it's not nearly as interesting since I'm not playing right now.

One brave kid steps forward with a legitimate camera. One that you'd see YouTubers or some other content creator using.

"UK, I'm a big fan. Just wanted to come up and say that."

There is a lot of excitement behind his voice. I hold out my hand for a handshake, and he quickly accepts.

"Are you live or just recording?"

You can never be sure when it comes to cameras like this. It can be broadcasting, and I don't even know it.

"It's live."

He pulls out his phone and shows me the viewers.

"See. Almost 70,000 people are watching."

The kid is probably getting a lot of exposure for his channel. Something that you can't really put a price on. Wanting to help the kid out more, I smile and give a small two-fingered salute to the camera.

"What's up, fans of..."

I drag out my voice in anticipation for him to tell me the name of his channel.

"PhillyHooperRicky."

That's a pretty good youtube name compared to the many out there.

"PhillyHooperRicky. We're here at Schuylkill River Park. As the sun is almost gone, so does the little heat it's given us. I'll tell you what, Philly and New York are cold this time of year."

It's not often I can say I do a nice thing for someone. Sure, I helped out William and Bianca Jones. But that really wasn't me. All I did was promote their treatment page and everyone who donated helped.

The basketball game that's being played is getting intense since so many people are watching. Either live or in person. It won't take a violent turn since the cops are here.

"Mind if I ask why you're playing at a public park in an opposing team's city?"

The question comes from who I assume to be Ricky since that's the name of his channel. There are a lot of answers I could give, but I'm gonna be real about it. I'm not holding back.

"Because your team's players don't."

There is a split moment of silence before everyone around begins to laugh. It's funny since it's true. It's not something they can be mad at. Not in the traditional 'I'm going to fight you' sense.

"For real? You just gonna call out the 6ers like that?"

The street-raised hoodish accent comes through Ricky, and I can't help smiling a little. It was a bit cocky, to say it. But it's true.

"Hey, they might show up if someone paid them enough."

It's moments like these I'm grateful for the second chance I got. You don't know how much good you can do for the people around you until it's too late. Thanks to my second chance, I can do things like this.

Sure, basketball is my priority. But that doesn't mean other things aren't important, either.