The Westwood police department precinct was kind of busy as police officers, citizens and offenders were bustling in and out like confused insects and headless chickens.With my fists shoved in the pocket of my jacket, I stared up ahead at the building, scared of walking inside. What if I get apprehended? Or, what if I see Monty inside there? Will he give me his attention or, will he act as if he doesn't know me at all?Summoning courage, I stepped into the fray of the station and met an officer at the front desk. The officer there was looking like he was in his mid-fifties and he was kind of welcoming with a smile.“I am here to see Detective Montgomery regarding the Araya case,” I said.“And you are?”“Zamani Araya. Sister to the victim.”“Oh.” The officer nodded. “Detective Montgomery is not in right now. But I suggest you wait for him.”I shook my head in refusal, a soft smile plastered across my face. “I don't think I can wait. I have somewhere to be.”“Ma'am, if it's urgent, it

It was a cold morning. I could smell the freshly scythed grass from the kitchen open window and it filled me with contentment, that, and having the knowledge that whoever killed my brother was in Nightcore.“Zamani, are you still here?” Orion questioned, as he sat on the stool next to me at the kitchen island. “By the way, what time did you return yesterday?”“Midnight,” I answered, taking a long annoying slurp from the mug to irritate Orion.“Westwood is a dangerous place at night and it is inappropriate for a girl to walk alone at night.”“Oh no,” I waved his fake concern off and laughed. “Are you worried for me?”Orion turned to look at me, a glare plastered on his face. “Are you such a fool, Zamani?”My eyes widened and my jaw clenched in annoyance. “You don't have to be worried. Monty brought me home.”“That fucking slime,” Orion murmured under his breath. But not too much because I heard him.I shook my head. “Do you always have a problem with whatever I do or whoever I associat

“I am not supposed to indulge you in any conversation for now. However, Zamani, I'd like you to excuse Blackwood and I,” Tesfaye commanded, as he stared at Zamani, and then back to Orion.Zamani swallowed a lump forming in her throat and nodded. “Alright then. I'll be filling my stomach with free drinks.”Orion tensed. “Don't you get drunk, Zamani. You are already a tough case to deal with.”Zamani sneered at Orion and then flashed a smile at Tesfaye. She walked out, leaving the two tough men alone.“What were you thinking bringing that crazy girl here?” Tesfaye questioned, a hot steam of anger radiating from him. All his jokes and sweet words to Zamani were just pretense and thank God, she didn't fall for them.“She followed me. I intentionally lost her upstairs, but I don't know how she found this place,” Orion commented, his jaw tightening. He was as equally pissed as Tesfaye, for they saw Zamani as a big threat. But Orion was more pissed because Zamani engaged Tesfaye in a convers

North sped down the illuminated roads of Westwood and I sought that as a cue to rest my head on his back, fluttering my eyes close as the warm night breeze brushed down my cheeks.I tightened my grip around his waist to avoid my brains splattering on the road. As much as I loved pain, I cherish my life so much that I can die for myself, but, no thank you.“Zamani,” North coughed, as his back vibrated. The sound reverberated through my chest. “Allow me some air, please.”“Oof! Sorry,” I apologized and retracted my hands from around his enormous body a little bit.“All good,” he said and I felt my cheeks turn crimson like an overripe tomato.Some minutes later, North pulled up in a slum-like area. He parked under a street lamp post that was flickering and it got me nervous. I was not stupid enough to know that he gave me a gun and asked him to follow him in order to jump somebody.I hopped off the bike, holding North’s arm for balance. He pulled off his helmet and his gaze met mine. I s

A piercing noise kept on ringing inside my ear and I wondered where it was coming from. I fluttered my eyes open that was still heavy with sleep and found my phone on the nightstand, knocking over the lamp in the process.I grabbed my phone and checked the screen to see a ‘no caller ID,’ which was weird because I don't usually give anyone my contacts, even the police. “Who's this?”“Yo Zamani. How good are you at handling business?”I groaned at the person's nonchalance and disrespect. “North, is that you?”“Who else, Zamani? I'm running out of time,” North said and I could hear he was out of breath.“This…this is…” I checked the time on my bedside clock. “It's four thirty in the morning.”“Yes, and I need your help. Are you going to help me or not? It's important.”I sat up on my bed and let out a loud yawn. “I've got therapy at noon. Where should I meet you?”“Midnight Oasis. How fast can you get here, Zamani?” North asked.“Uh…in the next two hours,” I answered, feeling my energy s