Page 48 of Dutch

"Yeah, you got to see a different side. We do more than ride bikes and bust heads all day." I laughed.

After dropping her off, I had to stop by the club. The Sons of Shadows had been my life and my family, but I was starting to see a different future for myself, one with Makari at the center.

Damn, you're in deep.

The thought of leaving this world behind scared the shit out of me. I pulled out my phone. I knew it was late, but I needed to hear her voice.

"Hello."

"Hey, I love you."

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."

---