Devil on the Rooftop [Book 1]

Chapter 98 - Khaleel -

Zander was unconscious when I made my way back to him. I carried my friend down the stairs and got Kumar's taller associate to drive him to the hospital, while the shorter one helped me handle Dobberman and Nook. He insisted I leave the scene and hurry home in case someone called the authorities. I couldn't be bothered to take his suggestion seriously, not even with my bloody knuckles and sore abdomen. Not while Zander was in such bad shape. So, I decided to call the only person I could trust in that situation.

The ringtone rang a couple of times before someone answered. "Hello?"

"Tomasia," I began.

It took me a few seconds to fill her in and then I asked her to find a way to the general hospital. I knew it was a long shot, but I trusted my gut, and left my friend in his crush's care. It would probably be best if his folks heard what happened from the student body president instead of me and the boys. Zander's family already thought we were a bad influence on their kid. There was no point adding more truth to their concerns.

After hanging up with Tomasia, I updated Hino. That's when I saw the message from Loyal. I quickly tapped it open. 'Heads up: your old man is in town. Ran into him in front of your building.'

"Can this night get any worse?" I complained.

It took me half an hour to get home from Pinecrest Grove. Kumar's associates ordered a ride for me. The drive to Heston Circle was quiet. Mostly because I couldn't stop thinking about what I would say to my old man when I saw him. I was sure he heard about all the trouble I got into from Kumar, but I hoped it wouldn't influence him to make any rash decisions about my life. That was the deal when Kumar agreed to look after me in my father's place, everything had to be reported back. No exceptions.

I raced into the condo foyer and took the elevator up. I tried to calm my mind and be cool. I didn't want to trigger the man or make it seem like my life was in complete and total disarray. No matter what he came to tell me, no matter how hard he pressed on the matter, I knew I had to be strong, and hold my ground. The elevator opened and I walked out into the empty hall, my eyes flashing to my bloody fists.

"It's fine," I told myself. "You're fine."

I opened the condo door and took my shoes off. "Uncle?" I called, hoping that my father wasn't inside, hoping that what Loyal and Hino saw was a figment of their imagination. Crueler things came into play when my old man appeared in front of me. Kumar stood behind him, dressed in another expensive suit, and without his apron.

"Khaleel!" My body turned to stone as my father latched onto me. His expensive cologne was musky, and it infiltrated my senses immediately.

"Hi Papa," I said stiffly. "When did you get here? How long are you staying?"

My father shot Kumar a look. "You told him I was coming?" he asked, upset. "Look at him, he isn't surprised at all!"

"I didn't say a word, Bhai," Kumar replied, referring to my father as an older brother.

My father kissed his teeth. "Your friends must have said something," he complained to me. "That Hino Matsunaga!"

I wiggled out of his hold and took a step back. "Papa, what are you doing here?" I asked, impatiently.

My father's eyes flashed down to my knuckles and his eyes darkened for a second.

"It's nothing out of the ordinary," I told him.

"Did you win?"

I sighed. "Of course, I won."

My father beamed before pointing his finger at me. "Because you are your father's son! Huh! That's why you won! You're mera Khaleel."

"Papa, please," I said impatiently. I was not in the mood to be praised by him. "Tell me why you're here. You're making me nervous."

He grabbed my hand and pulled me towards the chairs in the living room. I took a seat while Kumar excused himself into his bedroom. It annoyed me a little. The longer my father delayed his intentions, the more anxious I became. I knew how he operated. Everything had to go according to his plan, and no one could tell him otherwise. He was a fucking stubborn mule.

"I'm here because I have great news," my father said. "There is a big wedding taking place this summer and I wanted to personally invite you to it."

"Who's getting married?" I asked indifferently. "Is it Idris Chacha?"

My father snorted. "You should know better than to assume my little brother, your uncle, would ever settle down."

I rolled my eyes. "How presumptions of me, but I wouldn't have to guess if you just told me."

"It's me!" my father beamed. "Your papa is getting married this summer!"