Devil on the Rooftop [Book 1]

Chapter 58 - Khaleel

Hino said Carter was not talking, which meant it was a waste to keep him hostage. I couldn't risk setting the rat-free, so my only other option was turning to Kumar Dhanial for help. He was my old man's secretary during the work week and my uncle through the rest. The fact that we didn't share any blood never mattered to me. Kumar was without a doubt part of the family and anyone who said otherwise would get an earful from me. He was my last resort when it came to this sort of stuff—even though I knew telling him my problems would mean involving my old man. I just didn't have the luxury to worry about that when Dobberman made an appearance at Jackheights.

If Kumar lent me a couple of his men and intel, I could find out who was next on Dobberman's hit-list, where he was hiding, and how he met that bald fuck from Pinecrest? I wanted to know if he was paying them for their services or if those guys owed him a favour? Could they be bought out or were they loyal to the asshole who ruined my friend's life?

The lunch bell rang on my way back from the side street. My next class was history but I wasn't sure I wanted to go. I didn't even bother going to my locker to collect my books and bag. What the hell was the point of pretending to be studious when the only thing on my mind was Zander and Arisa? I headed for the history hall hoping Hermans would be there, but unfortunately, he wasn't. I guess that made sense. He was probably at the dean's office reporting what he saw. I was worried more about the playboy than my task. The last thing we needed was for him to get suspended.

"What a fucking mess," I complained.

I didn't stick around to see who would replace Hermans while he was out of office. I took the stairs down to the main floor and rushed to the administration wing. Hino was still on the rooftop with Carter, so I had to figure a way out of that—Loyal and Tomasia went home, so thankfully, they wouldn't be adding to my stress. Lastly, there was Arisa, who was a pro at attracting trouble. First it was finding Loyal's acceptance letter, then being kidnapped, and now this mess. I shook my head at the absurdity of her bad luck.

I got to the admin office and turned the knob the same time Arisa tried to exit from the other side. Behind her, I locked eyes with an older version of herself. The resemblance was uncanny; short, slim, blonde hair, and the bluest eyes I had ever seen. Oh, it was her old lady. Duh. That was the only explanation. I backed up as Mama Hoffman stepped into the hall. I was raised to greet my elders but for some reason with this woman, I kind of became tongue-tied.

"Khaleel," Arisa said, surprised to see me.

"What did he sentence you to?" I asked, focusing my attention on the daughter instead of the mother.

"No sentence today," Arisa beamed. My heart nearly dropped out of its cage. Why was she looking at me like that? And why the hell did it make me want to swoon and gush? She never showed teeth when I was around. Calm down moron, I told myself, clearly it's all an act. She was probably putting on a front in front of her old lady.

"Who is this chatty boy?" Mama Hoffman asked, sizing me up. Her gaze was cold and calculated but it had hints of warmth to it, especially when it landed on Arisa. "Is he one of the hooligans the dean was talking about?"

"Mom," Arisa hissed under her breath. "Don't provoke people."

"I'm Khaleel Abdul," I offered, giving out my hand. Mama Hoffman gently accepted it. "It was actually my job to watch over Arisa today and I let her down. I'm sorry."

Arisa's eyes widened first and then they narrowed at me. Mama Hoffman faced her for confirmation but by that time, Arisa was back to beaming. "I have one drunken night and everyone thinks I'm made of glass," she laughed, nervously. "Mom, you should head back to the firm. I'm sure you have lots to do today!"

The woman shooed her own kin away and focused her attention on me. "Aren't you a little young to have tattoos?" she asked candidly.

I stared down at my bare arms. I had my sleeves pulled up and my blazer was left somewhere on the rooftop. "It's henna," I replied. "My cousin likes to practice on me. Actually, in my culture, it's more common for women to wear henna than men."

That got Arisa's attention. "Really?" she asked, her baby blues filling with wonder. It seemed genuine this time. "I didn't know that! Could you ask your cousin to draw some henna designs on me?"

"Sure," I smiled.

"One or two designs only," Mama Hoffman instructed. "I don't want you getting a full sleeve, young lady."

"Have a little faith, mom," Arisa complained. "Now please, go back to work. I'm not suspended. Crisis averted. I'll come home as soon as classes finish."

"Alright then. I'll be off—oh, actually there is something else I have to tell you."

"What is it?" Arisa asked.

The woman's calculated eyes were on me again, advising me to excuse myself from the conversation. I took the hint and walked off to the side so that mother and daughter could carry on. It must be a personal matter. I had no business overhearing anything and yet, I couldn't help myself. I wanted to know more about Arisa's home life; how was her relationship with her old lady? Did she have any siblings? What did her old man do?

"Now, don't freak out," Mama Hoffman said. "It happened in a moment of panic." Arisa urged the woman to spill it. "When you didn't return home last night I thought maybe you went to see Wade, so I contacted him."

I couldn't see her face but I could tell the news had surprised my task by how low her voice dropped. "What did you say to him?" she asked.

"I only asked about your whereabouts," her old lady replied. "He said he hadn't heard from you since we moved." —Arisa nodded to confirm he was right—"I just have this sinking feeling that he may come up to see you because of how panicked I was when I called him. I'm sorry, darling."

Arisa moved to hug her old lady. "Thank you for telling me, mom," she said. "I know I should have called and told you everything myself."

"You're not mad?" she was surprised.

"It's my fault for worrying you so much."