Chapter 13
Ajori
The warehouse door groaned ominously as it slid shut behind me, the heavy sound echoing in the stillness of the night. The cool night air hit my face like a stark reminder that my life had just taken a turn, whether I welcomed it or not.
Marcos told me my car for the job would be parked right out front. My own vehicle was tucked safely away in the garage until I returned.
As I stepped off the creaking dock, I exhaled a wave of relief when I spotted a dark gray Toyota Camry, waiting patiently. I didn’t want anything that screamed for attention.Too nicedrew curious eyes, and eyes were the last thing I needed that night. That one looked to be anywhere from five or six years old. It was nice enough, but not flashy… perfect for blending into the background.
Approaching the car, I reached for the key fob, unlocked it, and slid into the driver’s seat. Inside, the air carried a faint scent of lemon air freshener and something else. I took a moment to look around. The seats were soft and firm, like they’d been taken care of by somebody meticulous.
As the dashboard lights flickered to life, it confirmed my hopes: no check engine light, no warnings, and a full tank of gas. Lastly, a small sticker in the corner noted a recent oil change.
I checked the console, and it was empty. The backseat was clean, and I was sure the trunk had nothing in it but a spare tire and probably a flashlight.
I reached into my bag and pulled out the small black camera he gave me.
I flipped the visor down, found the exact spot he meant, peeled off the adhesive, and pressed it firmly into place. A small light blinked once, signaling that it was recording, and an anxious twist in my stomach reminded me of what was next.
I blew out a slow breath, unzipped the case, and stared at the gun for half a heartbeat before closing it again. I put the entire case into the glove compartment and shut it with more force than I meant to.
I adjusted the rearview mirror, fastened my seatbelt, and rested my hands on the wheel.
Then, taking a moment to gather my thoughts, I turned the key in the ignition. “Okay,” I whispered to myself. “You can do this.”
I shifted the car into drive, feeling a rush of adrenaline as I rolled out of the lot, the warehouse shrinking in my rearview mirror as I pulled onto the dark road.
The address on the paper led to a half-empty strip mall on the far side of the city. At night, it looked even more deserted. One nail salon still had a flickeringOPENsign in the window, the laundromat lights buzzed overhead, and somewhere nearby somebody was blasting slow R&B from a car that never appeared.
I pulled in six minutes early and parked where I could survey the entire lot. My fingers tapped a nervous rhythm against the steering wheel as I waited.
This is it… my first run.
After a few minutes, a pair of headlights sliced through the darkness and turned into the lot. A black Tahoe, with windows heavily tinted and chrome rims, came into view. It crept through the parking lot, moving slow and deliberate, as if observing every detail before it pulled up next to me. The engine idled for a moment, and then the driver’s window rolled down halfway, revealing the brim of a fitted hat and the shadow of a face obscured behind the glass, but not much else.
“Ajori,” The guy’s voice had a dark, low resonance to it, like he didn’t rush his words for anybody.
“That depends. You Drico?” I replied evenly, forcing my voice to stay calm, though, my nerves had definitely clocked in for their shift.
I had no idea what kind of man I was dealing with. For all I knew, he could've shot me just off the strength of me sounding a little too slick.
The driver’s door opened, and when the man stepped out, the first thought that crossed my mind was:
Damn. Marcos wasn’t lying.
A network of scars traced the contours of his face like old stories that begged to be told but remained shrouded in silence. His shoulders were broad, emphasizing a solid, imposing posture, and the way he moved told me all I needed to know.
He wasn’t the type to be startled easily or to show mercy if the mood didn’t take him there.
Still, I kept my expression neutral.
No wide eyes.
No staring too long.
No twisted-up face that might make him think I was scared… or worse, judging him.
Just calm.
