LDN

Dun Talkin'

Jade's Point of View

Maybe I shouldn't have done this, I thought to myself as I stepped aside allowing Michael, one of Kai's friends, to enter my home. Shortly after I heard the front door slam shut, signalling James' departure, I called Michael and asked him to come over. I needed to talk to someone about the strange situation I had found myself in, and there was no one else I could turn to. I didn't want to drag Chinasa or Sam in to any of this, and when I tried to subtly ask my erratic twin brother for advice things quickly went left. He obviously wasn't an option, so Michael it was.

"I haven't been here in a minute, " Michael said as his eyes surveyed the small flat, "Shit I remember these."

He walked over to the tv stand and picked up a box of old dominoes that had travelled from Jamaica with my grandparents. To get to them, he had to walk past me. And as he did his arm, thick with muscle, brushed past my shoulder.

"So what's up?" He asked, while fiddling with the black and white dominoes.

I began to debrief Michael on yesterday's events, starting with me finding out that Kai was innocent. Something I still hadn't been able to get my head around. It just didn't make sense why my brother, my uncompromising hot headed brother, would sit back and allow himself to be punished for something he didn't do. There had been no resistance from him and I didn't get why. And then there was Angel. I know how manipulative she can be and with her there's never smoke without fire. I knew something wasn't right so I confronted her and was surprisingly met with a confession. Her master plan seemed simple enough. Shaq gets tp's gun, he gives it to Nawal, and she gives it to the police. It could definitely work, but as time went on my thoughts became increasingly preoccupied with the many different ways that shit could go wrong. Like what if the gun doesn't actually have tp's prints and the police don't connect it to Akelle's murder. Angel assured me that everything would go according to plan, but I wasn't so sure. I didn't get why she was so pressed about my brother's situation in the first place, why would she go to all of this trouble? I was definitely going to find out, but for now I just wanted a second opinion.

"You lot are seriously playing with fire." Michael said, his voice dripping with ominous concern.

"So you think it's a bad idea?"

"I didn't say that, this could work but ...." He trailed off, and as he casually scratched his well groomed beard his handsome face descended into a look of contemplation. He was obviously deciding whether or not to hold his tongue.

"Go on," I urged.

"Ite, so even if this shit does work. Even if feds lock tp and Kai gets out. It still won't be the end of this. Even from bin, tp and his man will find out who put him there and they'll make sure they're dealt with."

"So what do I do?" I asked feeling frustrated. Instead of providing me with some clarity like I thought he would, Michael was just pouring dirt into already murky waters.

"I say go tru cah the damage is already done to be honest. With the way tp moves he's probably already tryna find out who stole his burner, and he's gonna clock it could've been one of you lot. But you know what ever happens I got you so..."

"You got me?" I scoffed. "That's cute. Maybe if you say it a couple more times I'll believe you."

" The fuck? Don't be dumb you already know I got you. Am I not here now?" Michael challenged, clearly irritated.

"Do you want a fucking medal?" I snapped back at him. "You're only here cause I asked you to be. Have you even bothered to get in touch before I messaged you today? You don't care about me, don't make."