The tension didn't move.
It stayed right there—
Between Jayden and Dre.
Cars passing.
People walking.
Normal life.
Nothing was normal.
"You got something to say—say it."
For the first time—
He didn't answer immediately.
Jayden noticed it.
"They got my brother."
Amara's eyes widened slightly.
The producer frowned.
"…what?"
"That night… everything…"
He exhaled.
"…it wasn't just me."
"They told me to bring you in."
"And you did."
"You think I wanted to?"
"They had him, Jayden."
A pause.
"I didn't have time to think."
Because this—
Wasn't the story Jayden expected.
"You still chose," Jayden said.
"I chose blood."
Now heavier.
Now real.
Trying to understand.
Trying to piece it together.
Running it through his head.
Anger.
Understanding.
Betrayal.
All at once.
"They not done," Dre said quickly.
"They coming for you."
Jayden's head turned slightly.
Scanning.
A car sped past—
Then slowed.
From the opposite sides
Dre's voice dropped.
"…that's them."
Doors flew open.
Men jumped out.
Fast.
Focused.
"Move!" Dre shouted.
Even injured—
Instinct kicked in.
Gunfire cracked through the air.
Screams.
Panic.
Everything breaking apart.
Too much.
Too fast.
"Come on!"
Fast.
No hesitation now.
Turning—
Facing them.
Returning shots.
Holding them off.
Sees it.
Understands it.
This wasn't betrayal anymore.
Not fully.
They duck behind a car.
Bullets hitting metal.
Sparks flying.
His body wasn't ready for this.
But he didn't stop.
Sliding into cover.
Breathing heavy.
"They not stopping," Dre said.
"When do they ever?"
"What do we do?!"
Because there wasn't one.
Serious.
Focused.
"If we don't move now…"
A pause.