Page 51 of Dutch

Darian's eyebrows arched. "Nah, she's part of this. When you crossed me, so did your loved ones."

The next thing I knew, Darian snatched the ledger from Makari's hands, shoving her toward me. I caught her stumbling a bit as Darian bolted for his car.

Shit, I was torn between chasing him and making sure Makari was okay.

"Dutch, wait?—"

I cut her off. "You good?" I gave her a once-over, and she nodded.

I chased after Darian and caught up to his car, but he was already pulling away. I slammed my hands on his trunk. Frustration burned in my gut.

Inside, I crouched down next to Makari, who was assessing Jahlil's condition.

She shook her head. "It's not good."

"He's gone, babe. We have to leave him here."

We exited the house, shutting the door. "Let me call the squad from the burner. He has a family." I handed her the phone, and she called and gave them the address.

We hopped on the bike, not waiting for the squad to arrive.

I felt safer after we'd arrived at my home. The silence between us was deafening. "Welcome to Casa de Dutch," I announced, trying to lighten the mood. "It's not much, a roof and four walls, but better than the safe house."

I had bought a house after we'd broken up years ago. Makari looked around, taking in every detail.

"Can I get you something to drink? I have water and beer, or if you're feeling fancy, I even have that bougie tea you like to drink."

She nodded, sinking onto the couch. "Water will be fine."

I went to the kitchen to get water for her and a beer for myself. I needed something to calm my nerves a bit. I then returned to the living room and gave her the water before popping the top on the can of beer.

"Are you okay? Did he hurt you?" I asked. I knew it was stupid. Of course, she wasn't okay.

Makari let out a bitter laugh. "Am I okay? Hmm, let me see. My brother is dead. I'm being hunted by a killer, and then I find out you're involved somehow. Yeah, I'm peachy."

I winced at her words. "Makari, I?—"

She cut me off. "I don't want your excuses right now! I need a minute to breathe!" She fumed.

I nodded.

"I can't believe this is happening, Jahlil, he…" Her voice cracked. "He was like family, you know? First Malakai… now Jahlil. It's too much, and I don't know how much more I can take."

My chest tightened seeing her like this. I wanted to reach out and touch her, but against better judgment, I gave her the minute she asked for.

Makari sipped her water, her eyes distant. I knew that look. She was trying to piece things together and process them. The silence between us wasn't awkward. We'd both been through the wringer and seen shit that most folks couldn't handle, yet we were still standing.

I didn't know if I should mention what Darian implicated back there.Did she need to know how deep this shit ran?I opened my mouth, ready to tell all, but I caught sight of her face. She was over it. I couldn't bring myself to say anything yet.

I took a swig of my beer, trying to regroup. "Hey, go upstairs and get some sleep," Makari nodded, exhaustion showing in her expression.

She stood and headed upstairs as I watched her climb the stairs. I blew out air and ran a hand down my face. I hadn't realized I was holding my breath.

The room was closingin on me. I paced the floor in Dutch's bedroom. Darian's words echoed in my skull like a fucked-up carnival ride. I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror on the dresser. I was coming apart at the seams, and I couldn't seem to find the thread to stitch myself up.

I wanted to know what Darian was talking about. I spun on my heels and marched back down those stairs. Dutch was watching me from the couch, his face a mask of concern. He thought he was slick sending me upstairs, but he knew what was coming.

"Do you want to tell me what the hell Darian was talking about? Because from where I'm standing, it sounds like you've been playing me this whole time."

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