2. Makari
I couldn't wait to talk to Tiya about my crazy ass day as I approached my apartment building. I entered inside and checked my empty mailbox before heading down the hall. I knocked on Tiya's door. She was my best friend who just so happened to live in the same apartment building as me.
"Hey girl, ooh, you got it smelling good in here," I declared when she opened the door. Tiya swung the door open and smiled, but her eyes didn't offer the same sentiment.
"Damn, Makari, why are you looking so uptight?" she asked, moving aside to usher me into her home. "You good?"
"Wow, it's written all over my face, huh?" I asked. "Yeah, you're not going to believe what happened to me today!"
Inside, home-cooked food wrapped me like a warm hug, helping to lift the tension in my shoulders a bit. I removed my jacket and went to the kitchen to wash my hands, a habit that remained with me after the pandemic.
"Here, you look like you could use this," Tiya said, handing me a glass of wine.
I followed her back to the living room. "That's the understatement of the year," I muttered, taking a huge gulp, needing the red wine to soothe my frazzled nerves.
"So, what happened?" Tiya questioned.
I took another gulp in order to gather my thoughts first. "Do you remember Jahlil, Malakai's best friend?"
"Jahlil, wow, I haven't heard that name in a while. What's up with him?"
I tightened my hands around the wine glass. "He popped up at my shop today out of the clear blue, talking like he'd heard some things."
"That's weird, but what did he say?" Tiya asked.
I hesitated, still trying to understand myself and how to even explain it. "He said Malakai's name is popping up in some new information, and I need to watch my back."
"How is that even possible? He has to be messing with you."
"Tiya, it's been three years. Why would Jahlil pop up now? He was serious. There was something in his eyes."
"Damn, let me get you another glass of wine."
While Tiya refilled my glass, I choked back tears. "I miss him," I whispered when she returned.
"Me too. You know Malakai was like a brother to me. Girl, he'd be so proud of you now! Look at what you've achieved. That takes strength."
Her words caused me to smile. "Yeah, but I wonder if I've ever grieved or if I just kind of ran from it, you know?"
"Hey, there's no doubt you've faced some fucked-up stuff, but you're one of the strongest people I know. However, you grieved. It was the best you knew how."
I nodded at her support, grateful to have a friend in my corner.
"Speaking of strength, your girl needs some flour. I'm making my famous dish, chicken and dumplings, and I don't feel like going to the store."
"I chuckled, thankful for the escape from the somber conversation. "Of course, but that means you'll have a bowl with my name on it," I joked. "Let's go to my place and grab some."
"Hell yeah, I have a bowl for you, especially since I don't have to leave the building. Let me turn this broth on low."
We left her apartment and made our way down the hallway to my apartment. I was just about to thank her for the pep talk when I stopped in my tracks.
"My door is open!"
"What?"
"Damn!" My heart pounded as I pushed through my door, which was ajar, giving me a sinking feeling that something wasn't right. My apartment looked as if a hurricane had passed through while I was at work. Everything was a mess. My jaw clenched as I entered, feeling helpless and violated all at the same time. Instinctively, I scanned the room for missing valuables and my damaged belongings, looking for a clue as to who or what had been there.
"What the hell, girl?" Tiya damn near bumped into me as she looked around, her eyes wide.
"Did you see anyone strange in the building today?" I asked, hoping she'd seen something.
"Hell no, I would've called you. Shit, Makari, you need to call the police now. Something is telling me this has something to do with Jahlil's warning."
"No police!" The word caught in my throat as I weighed the risk of engaging with them. They'd never done any good in my life. Still, Tiya's urgency made it hard for me to discount the idea altogether.
"Nooo, girl, you can't let whoever is responsible for this get away with it." Tiya was determined to make me call.
As I looked around, my stomach churned. I felt like I would be sick. Maybe she was right this time. Then I noticed an open window. Damn, I can't believe I left my window open.
"Tiya, look at that." I gestured toward the window. She followed my eyes, her expression surprised.
"Is that how they got in here?" she questioned.
"I think so because the lock on the door isn't damaged. I feel so exposed."
"Seriously, you need to call the police. This isn't something you should be handling on your own."
I understood where she was coming from, but I was stubborn and not trusting of the police. Hell, the last time we relied on the police, my brother ended up dead.
"Why does everything have to be so complicated?" I groaned. "I appreciate your concern, but calling the police isn't an option for me."
"You need to do something."
I nodded. Tiya was right, but what were my options? Because after the way things went down with Malakai, betrayal weighed heavy on my heart.
My thoughts drifted to Dutch, a man I'd tried to keep at arm's length. Sure, we had our issues, but I was backed against a wall.
"I don't want to do this, but there is someone who might be able to help me," I said, grabbing my phone out of my pocket.
"Who?" Tiya questioned.
"Dutch," I admitted as I dialed his number.
"Are you sure?"
"Unfortunately, I don't see another option at this time."
"I have no one else to turn to," I mumbled. The thought of contacting him frayed any nerves I had left, but what choice did I have? If anyone understood this mess, it would be Dutch.
I stared at the phone, knowing I was about to open Pandora's box. Apprehension and relief battled me for control, each one knocking me off balance.
"Give me a minute to build up to it. Come on, let's get your flour."
We walked through my apartment, surveying the damage as we stepped over things. I was heartbroken. In the kitchen, I grabbed a brand-new bag of flour from the pantry and handed it to her.
"Thanks, but it's time for you to make that call," she reminded me.
After pulling up his contact information and waiting for the phone to ring, I steadied myself. I tried to convince myself that I had survived the MC world, with or without Dutch.
"Talk," he answered, and it took all of me not to hang up.
"Dutch, I need your help," I explained. "It's serious, I wouldn't call if?—"
He cut me off, and after giving me instructions, he ended the call. I was left holding my phone in disbelief. I looked at Tiya and blew out air.
"Calm down, he'll be here soon," she advised.
"That's easy for you to say. I just had to call my ex for help."
She gave me a compassionate look. "Ex or not, you know Dutch will keep you safe.
"Yeah, you're right," I agreed. Though Tiya had offered words of support, they only had me wondering what I'd gotten myself into.
We got busy cleaning a path and moving big things back into place just to make some type of semblance of the place.
Then we heard heavy footsteps. "What if they're coming back to finish you off?
"Come on." We ran into the bedroom and hid. I didn't have time to play games with these people.
"Shit, why didn't we lock the door?" Tiya whispered.
"Fuck if I know!" I hissed. "Grab something and get ready to fight."
"I didn't sign up for this. My stove is on, and I just want a hot bowl of dumplings and some fucking wine!"
"I'm sorry. I'll distract them while you run out with the flour. Lord knows we don't need the apartment building burning down on top of my ransacked place."