He laughs in disbelief. “That is no longer a possibility for you or for anyone you care about. Do you not understand the danger you are in?”
“What are you talking about?”
“Your name will be whispered around very important tables in this city. If it is not already so.”
“My adopted father is Jarod Cross.” I arch a brow. “Gossip isn’t frightening to me.”
“Thekindof people talking about you is…” He stops and takes a breath. “Your father has many enemies.”
That is one bit of information I am not surprised by.
“His enemies are now yours.” Dr. Kenji swallows so hard his Adam’s apple rolls all the way up to his jaw before falling down again. “And they would like an introduction.”
At his words, a puzzle piece falls into place. “The shooting outside Redwood Prep last night. You’re saying those bullets were for me?”
He nods.
“Who are they?”
“They’re called The Grave City Crew, a rival group who despises your father for taking over their territory. They were stomped out many years ago, but a small fragment carried on, gaining strength. And now they are back and want revenge.”
That explains why Kurosaki’s training ramped up. He wants me ready for a fight with the crew.
“I patched up Kurosaki’s men after a few rounds with the crew. They are ruthless and chaotic. And they have a young leader as well. He’s ambitious and he’s heard of you. He wants to draw you out and size you up.”
Something cold sweeps over me.
I glance at my freshly dressed arm and see tiny dots rising on my skin.
Goosebumps.
Is this fear I’m feeling?
“W-why are you still so calm?” Dr. Kenji’s eyes widen behind his glasses, and he leans away from me. “Has nothing I’ve said registered?”
Once again, I’m reminded that my face does not reflect my emotions at all. Why can’t people sense what I’m feeling?
How can they when you can’t understand your own emotions?
“Thanks.” I lift my newly wrapped arm. “Don’t tell my father I know about any of this.”
I get up to leave. The fish thrash in the water, eager for more blood.
“You should go to a hospital to check for infections,” Dr. Kenji yells at my back.
I lift a hand in acknowledgment.
“You might need stitches!”
Ignoring him, I hurry to my car and immediately look up The Grave City Crew. There are a surprising number of articles about their members being arrested. The photographs are all of burly,tattooed men with golden teeth and flashy chains. Murder, arson, sexual assault, and domestic violence are just a few items on their rap sheets.
These guys don’t screw around.
Before I joined the yakuza, I promised my brothers, Grey, and Cadence that I would never become the monster my father wanted me to be. I swore I would bring the yakuza down from the inside.
But now…
I lift my hand and see it slightly shaking.
