Page 31 of Pointy Ears and Purple Glitter
“That’s…specific,” Tynan said quietly. “Rhino with a line through it.”
Malik examined the side door. The lock had been tampered with, but it had held. His security system was still armed according to his phone app, and no one had made it inside.
“This isn’t Grok’s usual tag,” Malik said, running a hand over his head. “But it’s definitely aimed at me specifically.”
“Do you think…” Tynan lowered his voice, glancing around the empty Sunday morning street. “Do they somehow know what you are? The rhino thing seems like more than a coincidence.”
That thought had occurred to Malik, too. “I’ve been careful. Never shifted anywhere near here. And that ridiculous outline only has one horn, not two.”
“It could just be a reference to your size,” Sparky offered from Tynan’s shoulder. “You are built like a brick building with legs.”
“Maybe,” Malik said, unconvinced. He pulled out his phone and scrolled to Grok’s number. “Time to find out what’s going on.”
The phone rang three times before Grok answered. “Bit early for social calls, Malik.”
“This isn’t social. Someone tagged my workshop last night. Tried to break in, too.”
A pause. “Wasn’t my crew.”
“Tag’s different but it’s on my street, which means it’s your territory.”
Another pause, longer this time. “I’ll look into it. But I’m telling you, my boys know better than to mess with your place.”
“There’s a crude rhino with a line through it sprayed on my door,” Malik said. “And the words ‘freaks out.’ Ring any bells?”
“Rhino?” Grok’s voice sharpened. “That’s definitely not one of our tags. Listen, I’ll be there in twenty. Don’t clean it up yet.”
The call ended. Malik looked at Tynan, who’d moved closer to examine the graffiti.
“He’s coming here to see it. Says it wasn’t his crew.”
Tynan frowned. “I believe him. This feels…different. More targeted.” He touched the paint, then pulled his hand back when it came away red. “Still fresh.”
“This isn’t random vandalism,” Malik agreed. “Someone’s sending a message.”
They waited outside, Malik taking photos of the damage while Tynan paced nervously. Sparky flew up to perch on the roof, keeping watch.
Grok arrived in a black Mercedes, stepping out in an impeccable suit despite the early hour. He surveyed the graffiti with narrowed eyes.
“Definitely not my work,” he said by way of greeting. “And not my crew’s style, either.”
“Then who?” Malik demanded. “You should know. You’re the one always making a big deal about controlling this area.”
Grok’s jaw tightened. “Things have been complicated lately. There’s a new player trying to move in on the east side. Been recruiting young punks, making noise.”
“And you didn’t think to mention this when we spoke about the incident with Tynan?”
Grok’s gaze flicked to Tynan, who stood slightly behind Malik. “Didn’t seem relevant at the time. They were sticking to their side of the line.”
“Well, they’re crossing it now.” Malik gestured to his door. “What’s with the rhino?”
Grok shrugged. “The new crew’s got weird symbolism. Animals for different neighborhoods they want to ‘clean out.’ Your block likely got tagged as rhino territory in their system.” He looked Malik up and down. “Probably because of your size. They’re targeting businesses they think are different.”
“Different how?” Tynan asked.
“Places that don’t fit their vision for the neighborhood. Apparently, they want to clean up the streets, bring in new development.” Grok’s lip curled in disgust. “Glorified thugs with real estate connections.”
Malik processed this. The explanation made sense, but something still felt off. “And the ‘freaks out’ part?”
