Page 40 of Dutch

My ride pulled up a blue Corolla, and I checked the license plate before getting inside. I couldn't believe I was really doing this, leaving Dutch for a second time. I looked at the club as we pulled away. I wanted to run back to my man, but Malakai's face and his stupid jokes stopped me. I owed it to my brother to find out the truth.

The Corolla stopped a block away from The Red Scorpions Club as instructed. My heart pounded so hard I knew the driver had heard it.

"Thanks, I'll five-star you," I told him.

I approached the club after walking a bit. Inside, two burly-ass men approached me, and I recognized one of them as Jahlil's right-hand man.

His lips curled when he spotted me. "Look what the fuck the cat drug in," Axe sneered.

I squared my shoulders, matching his energy. "Ah, Axe, still Jahlil's lapdog. I see."

He moved closer. "Watch your mouth. You're on our turf."

I stared him down, refusing to let him see me sweat. "Jahlil's expecting me."

Axe narrowed his eyes but stepped aside. I bumped him as I brushed past. "You'll wish you never came if you make one wrong move."

I smirked. "Promise?"

I spotted Jahlil at the bar, his back to me, and I headed in his direction.

"I'm here to talk."

Jahlil seemed surprised momentarily before a smirk spread across his face. "Makari London, imagine seeing you here."

"Cut the crap. We both know why I'm here."

He sipped his drink. "Do I now?"

"Malakai. I want answers about that night."

Jahlil's eyes hardened. "What makes you think I have anything to give?"

"You were his best friend, and you let him die."

He looked around. I saw pain on his face, but it didn't last long. He nodded to the back. "Not here."

I followed him to a more private area, and as Jahlil closed the door behind us, I turned to face him.

"I'm willing to trade the ledger for the truth. Where's my brother?"

"How do I know you have it?" Jahlil asked.

I pulled out my cell phone and tapped on a photo of the first page of the ledger. "The ball's in your court, Jahlil."

"You think it's that simple? You think you give me the book, and you get peace of mind?"

"Cut the shit. We both know what the information in the ledger means." I wanted to smack him.

He chuckled, working my nerves. "You're almost in way over your head, and if you want any opportunity to walk away and live a normal life, you need to hand it over and forget about Malakai. It's what he would have wanted you to do."

The mention of Malakai hurt, I struggled to keep my expression neutral, but inside, I was seething. "How dare you try to use my brother against me? Don't ever tell me what Mal would have wanted. He's dead because of people like you. Or is he dead?" I grilled.

Before he could answer, we heard a commotion, and Jahlil opened the door, going back into the club, and I followed.

"Makari, what the hell are you doing here?" Dutch shouted as Jahlil's men surrounded him.

"If it isn't the prodigal son himself. Boys, show our old friend Dutch some hospitality as you show him the door," Jahlil drawled with a cruel smile on his lips. "Makari, I thought you wanted to talk business, but I see you brought reinforcements. Did you set me up for an ambush?"

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