Chapter 5
Chapter 5: The Morning After
In the aftermath of the confrontation at the mill road, Javier struggles with the reality that his past has been neutralized for now. He returns to Nia's house with her and the boys, where a quiet breakfast and a conversation with Isaiah reveal small steps toward trust. The day ends with Javier deciding to stay in Alabama permanently, but a new text from Marcus suggests trouble may not be over.
The deputies drove off with Dre and the other man, their taillights disappearing into the dark like fading embers. The old mill road fell quiet, the only sound the creak of rusted metal and the distant hum of cicadas. Javier stood in the headlights of Rafael's truck, his hands still trembling, his heart still hammering.
Nia hadn't moved from his side. She stood with her arms crossed, watching the empty road, her jaw set. She didn't say anything. She didn't need to.
Rafael walked over, Marcus behind him. Rafael's face was tight, but his eyes held relief. "They're taking them to the county jail. Sheriff says they'll be held until the federal marshals can come."
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