Red Light

21

Sunday 1:45am

I pace up and down on the floorboards, will they really bring Zanisha? And why do they want only me to go? I don't get it. This is what Zanisha texted me a few hours ago:

Zanisha: Make sure you come alone
Zanisha: If there's even one other person, I'm dead
Zanisha: ONLY you ky I beg

"You ready?" Brandon asks.

I nod.

This is hella risky man.

Brandon and Rakai are dropping me there, it's a 5 minute drive from my house. They're gonna stay local in case stuff pops off. I'd rather the others came too but we couldn't have too many cars about or they'd clock I'm not alone. Brandon and Rakai are gonna hide round the corner, just so they don't see them and dash.

Rakai pulls me in for a hug "Don't worry, you know we got you."

I nod against his chest, then take a deep breath.

"Ite, let's go." He says.

I pat myself down, making sure I have my phone. I've put the wire to my earphones underneath my top and got my hair straightened and covering my ears, topped off with a hat, so my earphones can't be seen. I'm using them so the boys can listen in through the mic and be on guard, I'll be on the phone to them throughout. We quickly go outside and jump in Brandon's car.

This is too too risky. What if they've deaded her already and it's been them texting the whole time? That's not how she writes anyway.

1:55am

Brandon pulls the handbrake, then turns to me. His eyes burn into my cheeks as my eyes fix on my lap. I'm actually gonna have a panic attack, this is a stupid idea.

Rakai rests his hand on my shoulder. "You good?"

I can't lie, I'm shook. My heart is beating so fast it feels like it's going to run away from me.

I nod my head shakily "Y-yeah."

He squeezes my shoulder. "We're not far from you, make sure you don't take the earphones out or lock off the phone."

I nod slowly.

Brandon pecks my cheek.

Nah this whole thing is actually stupid. I'm an idiot for agreeing to this, I should have just listened to Danielle. But it was either meet them or let Zanisha die, and we know they will do it, look at Tasharn. That's my girl, leaving her was never an option. But what I don't understand is why they only asked me to come? Then again, they know if they linked any of the boys, there would be no convo. I guess I'm the most civil option? But still, it don't make sense. Why long the ting? If you're letting Zanisha go, just let her go. What's the point in all these games?

I open the door, looking outside.

Should I actually go?

"Ky." Brandon says, snapping me out my thoughts.

I turn to face him, raising my eyebrows.