Page 3 of Dutch

"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."

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