“If you know anything about his whereabouts, you should get him in here before—”

“Before what?” I breathe out heavy, angry.

“What exactly do you want my son for?” Mama tugs my arm back to take over the conversation.

“You’ll hear soon enough, but right now I’m going to ask you to get your daughter in line and bring your boy in.”

“I’ll bring my son in. Don’t worry about that.”

A Black officer tentatively steps inside. Relief shoots through me. It’s Beverly Ridges, Quincy’s older sister. Right after playing college basketball, she went to the police academy. Since joining the force, she’s kept her hair cropped short, so it takes me a second to recognize her. But everything else is the same, tall and fit.

Beverly looks at us, then up the stairs to Jamal’s room. She’s been in our house a dozen other times with Quincy. She’s Jamal’s oldest crush. Her senior year, she took Jamal to a dance because her date flaked on her. It was totally innocent, but as a freshman, Jamal couldn’t hide his crush on her. He’s always tried to play it off, but he loses all swagger around her.

“I came as soon as I heard,” Beverly says.

I can’t tell if she’s talking to Sheriff Brighton or us.

“We’re done here,” Sheriff Brighton answers. “Going to place an officer on-site in case he comes home.”

“I can take a shift,” Beverly says. “My mother’s house is on this side of town. Should be convenient enough.”

“I’m aware.” Sheriff Brighton quickly dismisses her.

He leaves the house, officers trailing behind. My shoulders settle once they’re finally gone.

“Mrs. Beaumont.” Beverly’s hands are clasped loosely behind her back.

Mama releases a soft smile before her eyes go dull again.

I know Jamal would feel some type of way that Bev is out here looking for him. We were all shocked when we heard Bev wanted to be on the same force that ruined our lives. Killed her dad.

“Why don’tcha put Corinne to bed, Tracy?” Mama asks.

“I wanna wait up for Jamal.” Corinne rubs at her eyes.

“He won’t be coming back tonight.” I put my arm around her, directing her to bed.

When I come downstairs, I catch Beverly telling Mama why they’re after Jamal.

“They found Angela Herron.” Beverly has a grim twist to her mouth. “Dead by the Pike.”

Nausea rolls through my body.

“Did you say dead?” I have to confirm.

Beverly nods, and my hand cups my mouth in shock. I’m stuck for a moment, eyes welling—I just saw Angela earlier today. Then I recall the blood on Jamal and the scratch on his neck. Fear wraps itself around my body because I don’t know what this means for Jamal.

“Oh my God.” Mama’s posture stiffens. “What happened?”

“She was murdered.”