Who kill my Bestfriend?

ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ 24

Oʀʟᴀɴᴅᴏ, FL 📍
Sᴇᴘᴛᴇᴍʙᴇʀ 12ᴛʜ

Oᴍɴɪsᴄɪᴇɴᴛ

Continued that night.....

Leo's house 📍

The moonlight filters weakly through the curtains of the house. Imani sits quietly on the couch, staring out the window into the dark, her thoughts racing.

The silence is broken by the sound of the door opening. Chris steps inside quickly, shutting the door behind him. His face is tense, his eyes flicking toward Imani as she turns to look at him.

Imani looks slightly nervous, "Chris... what happened?"

Chris moves toward her, running a hand through his hair, his breathing heavy from rushing. Leonard walks out of the kitchen, his face immediately hardening as he sees the look on Chris's face.

Chris looks serious, "Deven's people are looking for her. They're combing the streets, even got Detective White on their side. They know you're hiding, Imani. White brought up your name, and they headed straight for your old place."

Imani's breath catches in her throat, and she sits up straighter, her heart pounding in her chest. Leonard steps forward, his face darkening with worry.

Leonard grim, "My old place? That's where they're going?"

Chris nods, his eyes darting toward Imani.

"Yeah. They're on their way now. If they find it empty, they'll get suspicious. We can't let them think you've got somewhere else to hide, or they'll come looking harder."

Leonard exhales sharply, thinking for a moment, before turning to Imani.

"I've gotta go, Imani. I need to get there before the police do. If I show up, act like I've been staying there, it'll keep them off our backs for now."

Imani's face pales. Imani stammered, "But what if they catch on? What if they know you're hiding me?"

Leonard crouches in front of her, taking her hands gently in his. Leonard speaking firmly.

"They won't. You're safe here. My people have surrounded this place. They've got eyes on the house, armed if need be. If anyone comes, they'll let me know right away, and I'll be back as soon as I can."

Imani nods, but her eyes are filled with fear. She grips Leonard's hands tightly, her voice small.

"I don't want anything to happen to you. Not because of me."

Leonard looks at her, his expression softening as he brushes a stray tear from her cheek.

"Nothing's gonna happen to me, Imani. I promised Jayden I'd always look out for you, and I'm not gonna break that promise. You're family to me now. Just like he was."

At the mention of Jayden's name, Imani's throat tightens, and her eyes fill with tears. She stands and throws her arms around Leonard, hugging him tightly.

"Thank you. For everything. I don't know how to repay you for what you've done for me." Imani said in a soft tone.

Leonard hugs her back, his voice soft but filled with emotion. "You don't owe me anything, Imani. This is what family does."

They stand there for a moment, the weight of the situation pressing on both of them. Imani pulls back, looking into Leonard's eyes.

"This isn't goodbye, right?"

Leonard smiles softly, though the worry never leaves his face.

"No, it's not. I'll be back. Just stay inside, stay quiet, and trust my people. They'll keep you safe."