Jamal gives his first wide smile. “Thought I’d be dead, huh?”

Jamal’s joke falls flat with Steve, who chuckles uncomfortably. Jamal sizes Steve up. In many ways, Jamal and I are the same. He’s better at hiding it with a big grin, while at the same time he’s judging your weakness.

“This is Steve.” I fumble around, letting go of Jamal when the creases around his eyes settle. “From Innocence X.”

“Pleasure, man,” Steve says as he gets up to greet him. “You don’t know what it means to finally meet you in person.”

I don’t move until Jamal takes a seat in our family room. The boarded-up window still not replaced. His shoulders slump back and dig into the couch. I’m filled with hope, lightness inside, watching Steve and Jamal meet for the first time. The knots riding up my throat relax, and I can breathe normally.

Steve looks at me, asking for my permission to begin. I nod, taking a seat next to Quincy, who keeps his hand softly around my side. Jamal’s face looks suspect about this situation here, too.

I share with Jamal and Steve everything Quincy and I learned. That when we left the Pike, the police were searching for the gun. I just hope Chris and Justin were caught out there, too. Just like I was.

“Gun or not, I got you, Jamal,” Steve says.

“I got you, too, man.” Quincy gives Jamal a dap. “Forever.”

“I’m gonna ask you a few questions,” Steve says.

“I can’t go public,” Jamal says. “This might just be a case to you, but it’s my life. If I go in, I can’t trust I’m coming here of this alive. I don’t know what that gun means yet.”

“I’ve been in touch with my dad. He’s flying here tonight. We’re taking your case on, along with your dad’s.”

My heart swells. Steve hadn’t shared that with me yet. Quincy squeezes my hand.

“Thank you.” Jamal presses his palms to his heart. “That’s good for my dad.”

“It’s good for you, too,” I say.

Jamal shakes his head. “We don’t know what’s gonna happen when the cops find that gun. I can’t risk my life. My freedom. They could plant evidence, even if I’ve never seen that gun in my life.”

“I will do everything I can to protect your family,” Steve says. “Jamal, you think you can keep running for the rest of your life? Hide out forever?”

Jamal looks at me because he’s willing to take that chance.

“Tell me what happened at the Pike,” Steve says.

I’m expecting Jamal to jump up, resist. But he doesn’t. He’s been waiting to tell his story.