Karma II.

Chapter 11

Houston, Texas:

Luke watched Jamie as she stepped out of her car and strode toward the nail salon, her expression focused, oblivious to his presence. He'd been trailing her every move for days, patiently waiting for the right moment to talk. Hidden cameras he'd planted in Journee's home had shown him nothing useful so far, but he hoped Jamie might give him the break he needed.

Without wasting another second, he slipped out of his car and jogged across the parking lot, catching up to her just before she reached the salon door. "Yo, you remember me?" he called, breathless. Jamie paused, narrowing her eyes as if she was trying to place him, then scowled and pushed him back, disgust flashing across her face.

"Yeah, I remember. A damn cop. Get outta my way." She sidestepped, attempting to brush past him, but Luke stepped in front of her again.

"Look, aren't you with Chris?" he pressed, a slight edge to his voice.

Jamie folded her arms, smirking with a hint of danger. "Baby, Chris's name shouldn't even be coming out of your mouth. You want another lawsuit on your hands?"

Luke gritted his teeth, lowering his voice as he leaned closer. "I know he's been messin' around with Journee. And I know you know it too. Why don't we work together and get our people back?"

Jamie scoffed, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "I don't even know you, dude. Why the hell would I help you?"

Her words lingered like a challenge, her eyes flashing with defiance as she stared him down. Luke clenched his jaw, a mix of frustration and desperation tightening his expression. He took a breath, trying to keep his voice steady. "Because we both know what they're doing behind our backs, Jamie. You might not trust me, but we want the same thing."

Jamie gave him a once-over, her gaze sharp and unyielding. "You really think I'm just gonna team up with some stranger, just 'cause he's hurt? Please. And I don't know about Journee, but Chris ain't hiding nothing from me. I know he's fucking her, he never lies no matter how hurtful shit get."

Luke's eyes darkened, his resolve hardening. "I'm not just some stranger. I've been keeping tabs on Journee. I know more than you think."

She laughed, a bitter, cutting sound. "So you're a cop and a creep? Real impressive."

But Luke caught a flicker of curiosity in her eyes—a split-second crack in her defenses. He leaned in, lowering his voice. "Look, I've seen Chris go in and out of her place. Late at night. I know it's real. And if you don't wanna do this with me, fine—but think about it. We both want answers. We both deserve better than being played like this."

Jamie's face softened, her scowl giving way to something more guarded, almost thoughtful. She looked away for a moment, biting her lip as if considering his words. "Fine," she said, her tone clipped. "But this isn't me helping you. I'm doing this for me. You're on your own if you screw this up."

Luke nodded, the hint of a smirk forming on his face. "Fair enough. We'll keep it strictly business."