The Gangleader and Me |✔|

015

Chapter Fifteen

The Detective?

Ashley POV

I knew the detective from back home, but why was he here, in this town?

"You guys go. I know him." I informed them, my voice steady despite my racing heart. Tyson narrowed his eyes on me.

"I want an explanation when we get home." He declared before walking away with Chase. I glanced around and realized the others had already disappeared from sight.

I took a deep breath and stepped forward, my eyes meeting Detective Johnson's. He noticed me on the block and his expression shifted to one of recognition as he approached me.

"Ashley?" He called out, his voice a mix of surprise and curiosity.

"Detective Johnson." I acknowledged, trying to keep my tone neutral.

"What are you doing here?" He asked, his gaze narrowing as he studied me.

"I could ask you the same thing." I replied, crossing my arms underneath my chest. He gently pulled me aside, near to the alleyway beside the store as folks passed by on the sidewalk.

"I'm on an investigation." He claimed, glancing around. "But, I'm more interested in why you're here."

"I live here now." I explained, trying to sound casual. "Moved in with my dad and stepmother."

He nodded slowly, processing the information. "After the whole case, what was his name? Timmy?" 

I nodded, recalling the many reasons I was forced to move to this city, the main one being my psycho ex-boyfriend who was currently serving time in juvie. 

"You should be careful, Ashley. This town has its dangers." Detective Johnson warned me, his face tensed.

"I know." I replied, my eyes meeting his. "But, I can handle it."

"So, what investigation are you working on?" I asked, eager to change the subject. 

"Some uprising gang problems and dealers in schools." He explained, glancing down the block.

"Gangs?" I muttered too loudly. He looked at me and nodded. 

"Do you know of any in town or heard any rumors?" He questioned, staring at me intently. 

"How would I know of any?" I chuckled, trying to mask my recent reaction.

"Well, you hung around that gang in your hometown with your brother...Justin." He reminded me, his tone tinged with disappointment. "How is he, by the way? Still in school?" 

"Yeah, he's going to college back home as far as I can tell." I informed him, before I told a lie, "And I haven't heard about any gangs."  

He studied me for a moment longer before nodding. "Alright. Just stay out of trouble."

I nodded, watching as he turned and walked away, crossing the street.

As soon as Detective Johnson was out of sight, I exhaled a breath I hadn't realized I was holding. I felt a bit shaken, but I knew I had to keep it together.

I turned and headed to the store entrance, hoping Carlos and Noah would be finished soon.

Tyson King POV

"You guys go. I know him." I heard Ashley insisting as I was about to take her by the hand. 

I narrowed my eyes at her.