Page 76 of Babalon

“In some circumstances, I could see why you think of it that way. I won’t be warning her because she is an officer, I’d do it so she isn’t on property that day. I can’t afford to let her get hurt, you don’t get it.”

“I do though, you love her, don’t you.”

That was a statement, not a question, one that I not ready to answer to anyone except her. Therefore, I remain silent, letting him think whatever the hell he wants.

When he let out an exasperated breath, I know our friendship was winning over. The entire prison population would see it as snitching, no doubt, but I have no intention of telling her exactly what was happening. Just the days to call off.

“There is a lot you don’t know, and don’t see, Kace. Remember a long while ago when I told you the AB was trying to buy you? It’s not just details about you outside of here, it’s you in general.”

“What the fuck do you mean, and what does that have to do with the power shift I can feel?”

“The girl you killed, Governor Barclay’s daughter; he’s still pulling strings outside. I don’t know who it is, whoever has showed up to Darkwater, but they’re moving people around. The AB wants you in their faction and the Governor is paying large sums of money to get an eye-for-an-eye.”

“Go on—” I need to know everything, even if it’s not easy to hear. That fucking mistake is going to haunt me to the end of time, this I know. But since Michigan doesn’t have the death penalty, he wants to take matters into his own hands.

“The homies keep the AB busy, but somewhere along the way, the AB finished making contact with their connections outside of the Darkwater. They’re making moves to kill you, especially now that they know you’re distracted.”

My entire body tenses at that last bit, was he saying what I think he was saying? Surely not, I know I haven’t necessarily been safe when partaking in myextracurricular activitieswith Nadia, but there’s no way they fucking know.

“Distracted?” I ask, even though I have a gut feeling I know.

“They know you’re fucking Nadia. They want you dead, and they want her, too. She’s a prize and you’re the job.”

Fuck!

“What are the homies doing about it?”

“We’re on page with the kinfolk. This is going to turn into an all-out race war if things aren’t handled correctly, amigo. Whichis dangerous for more than just you and the girl. I suggest you two watch your backs because there is only so much we can do.”

“What about externally, is there something I can do to get outside help?”

“Actually, yeah, here.”

Reaching into the front pocket of his jumper, he retrieves the coveted burner and hands it to me. I don’t hesitate taking it, quickly shoving it into my own jumper.

“Be careful who you share it with. There is a contact saved in there as a Macaroon shop in the next town over. Call it and ask to talk to Xavier.”

“Got it, will do.”

“Kace, be careful. Xavier is going to ask for something for a show of good faith, which could get you killed. Make sure that phone call is worth it before you make it.”

“Thanks, Matias.”

“Don’t mention it, you owe me one.”

“I owe you more than that, and I promise to pay up.”

“And the new shot-callers?” I ask.

His dark eyes zeroed in on me when I inquire. Surely, he doesn’t think that I’m that stupid, I know there were leaders in here, despite not being aware of who.

“The AB is about to transition in a new one. Whoever’s been leading the past few years has terminal cancer and is passing on the torch. Who is vying for it, I don’t know.”

“Not that weird Lucien fucker, right?”

“Who?”

“I guess not. When he makes himself known, he’s hard to miss. Sneaky fucker. About yay tall, dark hair, looks like he hasn’t bathe through his entire childhood.”

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