Chapter 9
Ajori
Idrove with the windows up, one hand on the wheel, the other in my lap. My GPS counted down the blocks like a heartbeat.
Turn right in 300 feet.
The road curved past a line of shuttered storefronts before opening into a small industrial strip—auto shops, a tire warehouse, and a couple of unmarked buildings with tinted windows. The address matched one of the latter.
I slowed my car as I pulled into the lot, my headlights sweeping across a building that looked more abandoned than operational.
The building wasn’t falling apart or anything, but it definitely gave the kind of vibe where people either made a lot of money… or disappeared. Seriously, nothing about that place screamedlegitimate employment. There was no sign or name on the building; just a black-painted front and a single security light over the door. There were only a few other cars—all black, all spotless. The kind seen in rap videos or behind velvet ropes at a club.
I checked the address again on my phone.
Yup… this is the right address.
I cut the engine and sat there for a moment, staring. My hands were sweating against the steering wheel.
“What the hell am I doing?” I muttered under my breath.
My fingers tapped nervously on the steering wheel.
“You still got time to turn around, Ajori,” I tried convincing myself.
For a second, I actually considered driving off.
Forget the card.
Forget Marcos.
Forget the whole crazy idea.
But then Kyrin’s face popped into my head.
You’re doing this for Kyrin.
And that thought alone was enough to keep me parked.
I grabbed my phone and pulled up Marcos’s number to send him a text.
Me:I’m outside.
Three dots appeared almost immediately.
Marcos:Come inside.
I took a deep breath. “Well… here goes nothing.”
But before I stepped out, I pulled up Lainey’s thread and sent her my location and a text.
Me:I’m here.
Lainey:Okay. Remember: pics, address, location ON, and if I don’t hear from you in 2 hours, I’m calling your mama… AND the news! Don’t argue with me!
Me:?? You’re ridiculous. Lol.
Lainey:I’m alive… you’re alive… we can laugh later! Now go make that money… don’t let it make you! I love you! Call me when you leave!