The Unknown

30

Dominic Hayes

As we stepped off the private jet, the warm LA sun hit me like a slap in the face. Layton, Royalty, Rick, Kira, Michael, and I stretched our legs, ready to take on the city. But I knew our fresh start was temporary, we had unfinished business with Clifford. We waited a few days after Michael got out the hospital to pack up and come to LA.

"Fucking finally." Michael said, his voice low and gravelly.

"LA, let's get this shit started." I nodded, my eyes scanning the tarmac.

"We got a lot of work to do, homie." I said. Kyle, standing beside me, spoke up.

"We should start tracking Clifford now. We gave him a head start."

"You better come correct." I warned him.

"We ain't playing games. He has a head start because he shot my brother and I wasn't making no plans without Michael by my side, so yes I waited. If you got a fucking problem run back to the bitch who dick you keep riding." I said.

"My bad." Kyle replied, his jaw set. Layton touched my arm.

"Let's get settled in, shall we?" I nodded. As we made our way to the waiting cars, I turned to Michael.

"You good, my G?" Michael nodded, his face set in determination.

"Yeah, let's get this shit done. Preciate that shit back there with your dad." I dapped him up.

"No worries, you my brother I got you." He nodded, I knew his mind was already racing with strategies and plans. We'll find Clifford, and we'll make him pay.

We pulled up to the house, a stunning modern mansion in Tarzana. Royalty squealed with delight as we stepped out of the car.

"Home, sweet home." Layton said, smiling. My mom was already there, standing in the doorway with a warm smile. But her expression turned icy as she saw Kyle.

"Well, well, well. Look what we got here." She said, her voice dripping with venom.

Kyle's eyes narrowed. "Megan."

"You left us, Kyle. Then you back huh? You left your son when he needed you most, now look at you." My mom said. Regardless of anything she will never get over how he just left.

"That's enough, Megan." Kyle growled.

"No, it's not enough." I said, my voice cold.

"You abandoned us. You abandoned me. She'll never forgive you for it." The tension was palpable as the past came flooding back. But I wasn't a kid anymore. I was a man, and I wouldn't let Kyle's betrayal slide.

"Let's get one thing straight." I said, my eyes locked on Kyle.

"You're here for one reason. Don't think for a second you're welcome back in our lives." Kyle's jaw clenched, but he nodded.

"Understood." Megan's eyes flashed with anger, but she said nothing, turning instead to Royalty.

"Hey, baby girl. Welcome home." As the tension dissipated, I knew this was just the beginning. We had a long road ahead of us, but with my family by my side, I was ready to face whatever came next.

As we stepped inside, the tension between my mom and Kyle was still palpable. I followed my mom into the kitchen, where she started rummaging through the fridge.

"Mom, talk to me." I said, leaning against the counter.

"That man thinks he can just waltz back in here and everything's good? Hell no." She said, her voice low and even.