What Is a Summary of “On the Sidewalk Bleeding” by Ed McBain?

The short story “On the Sidewalk Bleeding” by Ed McBain tells the story of Andy, who bleeds to death after being stabbed. Andy is a 16-year-old boy who belongs to a gang called the Royals. He is stabbed under the ribs by a member of a rival gang.

The story starts just after Andy is stabbed by a member of a rival gang. Andy is wearing a purple jacket that signifies he is a member of the Royals street gang. A member of the Guardians, the rival gang, stabs him and rips the knife across his belly.

At first Andy does not realize he is dying. He lies on the sidewalk in the rain feeling proud of himself for taking an attack from his rival. However, as he weakens, he realizes he is dying, but he does not have the strength to cry out.

A drunk man comes down the alley where Andy is lying. The drunk assumes that Andy is also drunk and does nothing. A young boy and young girl come by, but they are afraid to do anything because he is a gang member. Andy decides the Royals jacket may cost him his life, so he fights it off. However, removing his jacket takes the last of his strength, and he dies. The story ends with Andy’s girlfriend finding him. She runs to get a police officer who is dismissive of Andy’s plight because of his gang member status.