Devil on the Rooftop [Book 1]

Chapter 63 - Loyal

I gently brushed strands of hair away from my sister's face and watched her sleep. It took her awhile to pass out but I was glad she was finally able to get some rest. Tomasia was used to fighting exhaustion and forcing her body to handle things it shouldn't. It often resulted in her having extreme panic attacks. When they first started, it was terrifying. I felt so useless. All I could do was watch her breathe into a paper bag and rub her back until she calmed down. Her anxiety medication helped but it wasn't something she wanted to rely on for the rest of her life. So, our parents agreed to let her see a professional. Tomasia was working hard to handle herself and the entire student council, the last thing she needed was added stress from Dobberman.

I stood up and walked out of her bedroom. I pulled out my phone and caught up with the updates from my friends. Hino was getting a little restless babysitting but other than that he was fine. Zander was officially suspended for three days and had to write a letter of apology to the board for using violence at school. His parents had shown up to Jackheights take him home, so we were officially a man down. The last message was from Arisa. I texted her earlier, to apologize for putting her in danger again but her reply wasn't something I was expecting to read.

'I'm at Khaleel's uncle's place. We're asking him for help with Dobberman. How is Tomasia?'

My eyes bulged. "What?" I couldn't believe it. I quickly called her to get more answers. What the hell was Khaleel thinking getting that scary man involved? If word got back to his father, he might book Khaleel another plane ticket to the homeland. That couldn't happen. I was in no position to lose Zander and Khaleel.

Arisa picked up. "Hello?"

"Are you still with Kumar?" I asked.

"We just left."

I felt my heart drop. "What did he say?"

"He agreed to help us. I'll explain everything in person. Can you meet us back at the school?"

"Sure," I replied.

Arisa must have sensed it. "Don't worry," she said. "We didn't mention anything about your services. Harassing Tomasia and kidnapping me was enough to convince Kumar."

"He didn't ask any follow-up questions?" I asked, heading down the stairway. "Like why is Dobberman out to get us?"

"You got him expelled for harassing your sister," Arisa supplied. "We didn't lie, Loyal. We just didn't tell the whole truth."

"That's the same thing," I reasoned. "Arisa, if Kumar finds out Khaleel has been helping me with my little business, it's going to cause more problems."

"Stop stressing out," I heard Khaleel in the background. He was quick to take over the conversation. "I know what I'm risking but we are out of options at this point. Hino can't keep Carter hostage on the rooftop forever, and with his injured arm, we can't expect him to fight."

He was right. Technically, we were two men down. "Zander's out of the question too," I added. "He's suspended for three days."

"More reason to lean on Kumar," Khaleel reasoned. "Look, I know how you feel about my old man. I appreciate you worrying but I can't in good conscience let Dobberman win. Not when I have the means to permanently stop him."

"Khaleel," I drawled, not liking the implication.

"Okay, permanently scare him," he corrected. "You asked me to take lead and I'm doing it. So, how about a little support here?"

I nodded. "You're right, I'm sorry."

"Good, see you back at school!" Khaleel exclaimed, before hanging up.

I hung my head, ready to pull out all my hair. Khaleel was right, I had to be supportive. If all went according to plan then neither Kumar nor Mr. Abdul would find out what we were up to. Asking our parents for help never used to be an option, but I suppose if we were to make it one, Kumar would be the logical choice.

The doorbell rang.

I saw one of the maids make a move to answer it but I offered to do it myself. I was surprised to find Matilda standing on the other side. "What brings you here?" I asked.

"I couldn't focus on school," she said. "Not after what happened today."

I smiled. "Tomasia's asleep but please, stay over as long as you would like."