(Second book from the Death Avenue series)
Sierra has known California all her life. She grew up with the palm trees and desirable temperatures. She has her mom, Anna and her brother, DeMarcus, but she has never gotten to truly know her father.
He...
"It's simple Khalil. I need to find whoever did this to him and make sure they end up where they belong, in jail." He just stares at me blankly. I can tell he's still processing this.
"Sierra, I understand that you're upset about this. Plus, you're mom lied to you all these years, but are you sure you want to go chasing after a murderer?"
"I know it sounds crazy, but I need to know everything that happened. I'm sick of all the secrets. I need to know what my mom's hiding. I need answers. I do Khalil."
He blinks still looking at me running his fingers through his curly hair. "I know Sisi, I know, but this is a killer we're talking about. From what it looks like, the police seem to know nothing about the murderer, which makes him or her a pretty good one."
"What is it you're implying Khalil?" He let's out a huff mixed with a laugh. He's getting frustrated with me. "I'm saying that you could get yourself killed Sierra."
I look away from him and stare out into the dark. It's daker than other nights. Maybe it's just me. "Thinking about more death is not what I need right now."
"I know, I'm sorry but you can't just leap into this head first Sierra-"
"I called you because I needed you to help me Khalil!" I turn back towards him and give him a glare. He looks back at me pitifully. "If I wanted a lecture I would've just called my mom."
"I don't mean to lecture you or upset you. I really do want to help but there are so many things that could happen and I don't want anyone else to get hurt or worse."
I soften my gaze hearing the sincerity in his voice. "You're not upsetting me it's just..." I trail off. Getting lost in thought. Should I do this? I really do want to find out the true story about everything that happened all those years ago. I want to find my dad's killer. Do I need Khalil for this? Should I act alone? Think about DeMarcus.
"I know I shouldn't even be dragging you into this, but I need to answers Khalil. I want to know everything. Ever since my dad perished, my mother has never mentioned a word. She's lied to us this whole time. She told us he walked out on us, but now I know that he didn't. She tarnished his name. This is my chance to do one last thing in his name. I have to take it, whether you're with me or not."
He doesn't say a word. For a minute, I begin to think I was on my own here. "I'll help you, but only if you promise to keep this under the radar."
I smile gently at him. "Of course, thank you Khalil."
"No problem, now can I please go get some sleep?" We both laugh for a minute. I get out of his car and I wave to him as he drives away.
*time passes* Messages to Khalil🤞🏽❤️
11:47pm Sierra: Thank you again Khalil🤗
11:47pm Khalil🤞🏽❤️:No problem cuz. Go to sleep!!!
11:50pm Sierra: Wait. Meet me after school behind the building tomorrow.
11:50pm Khalil❤️🤞🏽:Whatever you say cuz, can I ask why?
11:51pm Sierra: I'll tell you tomorrow, see you then
11:51pm Khalil❤️🤞🏽: good night !😴
My brother enters my room. "Where have you been?"
I snap my head to my brother. I see him with a box of Honey Graham Crackers in his hand. "Why are you even up? Wait are those my grahams?"
He looks from me to the box of graham crackers then back to me. "I won't tell mom you left if you let me have the rest."
A chance to avoid one of my mom's scolding sessions and a months worth of grounding is better than a half empty box of crackers. "Whatever. Just know I won't be sharing the next box."
He smiles taking a cracker out and biting it. He knows I'll still share anyway. "We'll see, good night sis."
"Night bro." I change into my pajamas.
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I stare out the window until my drooping eyelids shut and I drift into a deep sleep.
I dream of a foggy memory. It is me sitting with my mom and a man who's face I can't recognize. His voice is so deep, but calm. So serene and peaceful. His words are so distant. I can't translate.
I snap awake to my alarm and heavy eyelids. I look around the room feeling lost. Tears are streaming down my face and the only thing I'm thinking about is my father. I never cry in my sleep.
