21. Makari
Buzzing, jolted me from a comatose stupor. I blinked as I reached for my phone, trying to figure out where the hell I was. When I read Jahlil's text, my stomach dropped.
Jahlil:
I'm hurt bad. It's not looking good for me. Look, I gotta get something off my chest. Come now, 1452 Oak Lane. Please.
I knew I should've blocked his number. I chewed my lip as I weighed my options. I could ignore it and go back to sleep. Still, I couldn't shake the thought. What if he was hurt?
"Dammit, Jahlil!" I threw the blanket off and pulled on my jeans.
It then dawned on me to use this as an opportunity to give him the ledger and wash my hands of this mess. Then Dutch and I could move forward and start fresh with no drama.
I picked up my cell phone and ordered a ride-share. While I waited, I brushed my teeth and washed my face. I grabbed my keys and threw the ledger in my bag. I paused at the door, wondering if I was doing the right thing. I shrugged and locked the door.
Outside, I hopped inside the car, and during the ride, I sent Dutch a text.
Me:
Good morning, love. Jahlil's hurt. I'm headed to 1452 Oak Lane. Also going to give him the ledger so you and I can move on. You have my location if you don't hear from me in an hour. Love you.
We pulled up to a run-down house. "Thank you," I told the driver as I slid out and closed the door.
"Real classy, Jahlil."
I headed to the door, ready to get this over with. I knocked, but there was no answer. Now, I was really questioning why I was here. I turned the doorknob, and it was unlocked.
"Jahlil?" I called, stepping inside. I noticed what looked like a crime scene. Bloody packing gauze, peroxide, and blood were littered on the floor.
"Shit!" I hissed.
That's when I noticed Jahlil slumped against the wall, looking like death. He had a nasty gash over his forehead and blood-soaked through his shirt.
"You came," he croaked, trying to sit up straighter.
I swallowed hard. "What the hell happened to you?" I asked, cautiously approaching Jahlil. Part of me wanted to keep my distance, but the other part wanted to help. However, these days, trust doesn't come easy.
"Should I call an ambulance?" I asked.
Jahlil coughed. "No, it's not safe. No hospitals."
"Right, because this five-star hideout is top-tier," I muttered. "Listen, what did you call me here for if you don't want help?"
Jahlil winced. "I have to tell you something about Malakai."
My body tensed. "What about my brother?”
"That night, it wasn't supposed to go down like that."
My mind raced as memories flashed by me. Jahlil and I were behind the garage, sneaking kisses. His arms were around me at Malakai's funeral even though he wasn't welcome there, and he caught me at the casket when I thought my legs would give way under me.
"What are you saying, Jahlil?"
"You don't get it, Makari. I loved you, but you went and picked that pretty boy Dutch over me after everything we'd been through."
I had to push down the emotions that threatened to overtake me. "That's not fair. You know it's not that simple."
"Maybe, but it sure felt that way," he conceded, coughing weakly.
I shook my head. "This isn't about us. I need to know what happened to Malakai. I brought the ledger so we can both get on with our lives."
Surprise flickered over his battered face. "You'd do that for me?"
"It's not about you. It's about me getting the peace I need."
"Makari, the ledger. You gotta destroy it now. It's going to get you killed." Jahlil gestured to a lighter on a table nearby.
I eyed the lighter. "Okay, I'll burn it, but I need to know about my brother."
"I'm begging you. If you ever cared about me, do it now!" he pleaded.
I had come to get rid of this thing, but I also expected him to tell me the truth about my brother. I picked up the lighter, but I couldn't let it go that easily.
"Do it, Makari, hurry!"
"Nah, not yet. Before I burn this thing, I need to know about that video of Malakai. Was it real?" I swallowed hard, forcing the word out. "Is my brother alive?"
Jahlil's face contorted in pain. He opened his mouth to speak, but before the words came out, a violent coughing fit hit him. His whole body shook, and I noticed fresh blood seeping from his shirt.
"Shit," I muttered, moving closer to him. "Jahlil, I need to know. Come on."
Each breath was a ragged wheeze as he gasped for air. His coughing wouldn't let up, and I was worried he would choke right there in front of me. My patience was wearing thin, but I was also scared for him.
"Breathe, dammit! You can't check out on me!" I yelled. I was on edge, ready to snap at any moment. I needed to know. "Jahlil, you owe me that much," I noted, softer this time.
Just as I was ready to make another plea, the door crashed open behind me, scaring the shit out of me. My head whipped around.
"Aw, isn't this a touching reunion?"
Fuck, Darian.
He sauntered in like the menace he was as his cold eyes flickered between Jahlil and me.
"Ah, I knew you'd come through, brother."
Now, it made sense why Jahlil wanted me to hurry and burn the ledger.
"You sorry son of a—" I began, but Darian's hands were on me before I could finish. His hands clamped around me like a vise.
I threw an elbow, and it connected, but it was like hitting a brick wall.
"Feisty bitch, you make my dick hard!" Darian chuckled.
I reacted on instinct, trying to twist away, but his grip was too strong. My heart was pounding.
"You bastard, let go of me!" I yelled, channeling my fear into anger.
Darian pulled me closer. "Now, is that any way to speak to a family friend?"
Panic rose in my chest, but I pushed it down. I couldn't give him the satisfaction.
"Some friend. What is this about the ledger?" I snarled.
His eyes narrowed. "Smart girl, but you've also been a thorn in my side for a long time."
My mind raced, trying to figure out how I was going to get myself out of this mess.
"I'll show you a damn thorn!" I spat, channeling rage.
I brought my knee up hard, aiming for his dick. Darian grunted but never loosened his grip.
"Cute but pointless," he growled, recovering fast.
Darian laughed. "I heard you were a fighter, just like your brother."
The mention of Malakai made my blood boil. "Where's my brother?"