Page 24

Chapter Twenty-Two

Kilo

I didn’t even get to hold my son for a full five minutes before they came in. Two plainclothes detectives, badges out, mouths tight. They already had that look on their faces, like they already had a story in their head, and I was just supposed to play the villain in it.

When we got to the station, my lawyer, Ellis, was already there. Sharp suit, icy stare, and no patience.

Inside the room, they started their questions.

“You know a man named Sean Turner?” The one named Reece asked.

I leaned back in the chair. “Never heard of him.”

He gave me a look like he was testing me. “He’s Shayna Turner’s brother.”

I shrugged. “That don’t mean I know the nigga.”

“You didn’t recognize him when he came to your dispensary?” the second detective—Smith—asked.

I kept my face cold. “Didn’t know who he was. Could’ve been anybody. Shit happens all the time in this city.”

Reece tapped his pen. “You’re saying you have no clue why Shayna would accuse you of doing something to her brother?”

“I’ain saying shit.”

Smith leaned in. “You sure about that?”

Ellis cut in, voice sharp. “My client is not obligated to speculate. He already stated he doesn’t know Mr. Turner. Unless you’re charging him, we’re done here.”

There was a long pause before Reece sighed and shut his folder.

“You’re free to go. For now.”

I stood, fixing my collar. “I’ll be seeing y’all ’round.”

When I walked out of the precinct, Buck was leaning against the Range, arms crossed, jaw tight. Stacks was opposite him with his face balled on.

Soon as I stepped out, Buck snapped. “You good?”

“I’m out, ain’t it?”

“What they say?” Stacks asked.

I ran it down. Told ’em Shayna put a bug in their ear about her bitch ass brother.

“I told you that bitch was trouble,” Buck spat.

“Yeah, well, it’s time to fix the problem.”

“What you tryna do?” Stacks asked.

I looked between both of them. “Take me to her house.”

Stacks stood up slow. “You sure?”

“I been sure since she opened her mouth. She not breathing another night.”

***

One kick and we were inside… fuck knocking. Shayna was in the living room, suitcase half-packed, phone in her hand. She froze when she saw us—Buck first, then Stacks, then me walking in behind.

“The fuck you going, Shay?”

“I—Kilo, wait. Just let me explain—”

“No need.”

I stepped closer. She backed up against the wall.

“You tried to set me up. Put the cops on me after your brother tried to rob me. You thought this was a fuckin’ game?”

“I didn’t know—”

“Save it,” Buck cut in, face hard. “You knew everything. You played the victim. You used Liberty like a damn pawn.”

Tears welled up in her eyes. “I just wanted help—”

“You could’ve asked,” I snapped. “But instead, you brought that bullshit to my door.”

Shayna looked at me, desperate. “I didn’t mean—”

“Nah,” I interrupted, voice sharp. “You meant every move you made. And now, you gone pay for it.”

She screamed when I pulled the piece out, but I didn’t flinch.

“I hope you enjoyed those first nine years because that’s all you gone get.”

One shot, and she dropped like dead weight, mouth still open in shock.

Stacks stood behind me, quiet. Buck stared down at her like he was watching trash rot.

“You want me to call cleanup?” Stacks asked.

I nodded. “Make it disappear.”

***

back at the hospital…

Mel was dozing when I came in. Her hand rested on our son’s little cap. He looked just like me. I sat down beside the bed, exhaling for what felt like the first time all night.

She stirred. “You okay?”

“I am now,” I murmured.

She looked at me, concern written all over her face. “What happened?”

“She set me up,” I said. “She told the police that I had something to do with her brother disappearing. I handled it, though.”

Mel was quiet, then nodded once. “Handled?”

“Handled,” I confirmed. “It’s done.”

She didn’t ask how. She didn’t need to. I kissed her forehead, then looked down at my son. Nobody was ever gone threaten what was mine again.

Not without consequences.