“What happened with Veronica?” Lani asked before sipping her mug of steaming hot chocolate.

They sat at the kitchen table. Lani had fixed Casey a mug of hot chocolate too, and after his day, he wished he had something a lot stronger. Just remembering Veronica’s pretty face all bruised up broke his heart, but he couldn’t forget about her remarks and threats either.

What happened between them? When did she stop loving him? Maybe the drugs turned her into that horrible person. Casey wanted to believe that and not the truth, that it was possible she never even cared about him.

“A lot happened.” Casey sighed. “She admitted to sending August to spy on us, someone she considers loyal to her.”

Lani rolled her eyes. “There’s so much wrong with that woman. Isn’t there anything the police can do to get her to leave you alone?”

“Well, she’s doing this because someone put a hit out on our family,” Casey replied.

“Still, that’s really messed up. She sent someone to watch us! Not to mention, it’s possible the reason they put a hit on our family is because of her. Didn’t you consider that?”

Casey rubbed his chin. “I don’t know. I believe it’s someone who had a vendetta against Mom. Now that she’s gone, they might not even bother with us. Especially if they realize we don’t know much.”

“We don’t even know which gang is responsible,” Lani pointed out. “Not for sure, at least. Veronica and August could be pulling the wool over your eyes, and their gang’s actually the one responsible. I wouldn’t believe a word from either of them.”

“You’re right. I shouldn’t listen to any of them, but I can’t help it. Don’t you want to know what happened to Mom?” Casey asked.

“Of course I do,” Lani replied. “But this might be better left for the police to handle. These gangs are dangerous and you don’t need to be getting involved with them. Think about it for Wyatt’s safety, yeah?”

Casey nodded. “Yeah, I’ll stay away from them.”

The following morning, Casey prepared for his early shift at Mad Batter with his father and Xavier. Being back in the bakery felt normal, but he couldn’t bring himself to step outside in that alleyway. Maybe he’d never be comfortable walking out there again.

Casey had just taken a pan of cupcakes out of the oven when Xavier made his way into their kitchen. An aroma of vanilla drifted through the room. It brought a sense of peace to Casey’s troubled mind to bake again and put his worries aside for a bit. Casey slid the pan onto a shelf on the baker’s rack, removing his mittens.

“Hey, man. How’s it going?” Xavier asked.

“Good. I’m about to get the next batch of cupcakes in,” Casey replied.

“What about Wyatt? How’s he doing?”

“He’s okay. Lani was with him when the cops came to our house to tell them about Mom.” Casey rubbed the back of his neck. “It’s hard not being able to do anything. Mom would’ve bent over backwards if someone hurt any of us. She’d been working every day to get to the truth. Yet we’re here, doing nothing and moving on like she didn’t die.”

“But what can you really do?” Xavier pointed out. “You don’t have the resources your mom did. I’m sure the cops will catch the piece of shit who did this. They killed one of their own, and they won’t just let that go.”

“Yeah, I know.” Casey sighed.

“I’m sorry, man. If you ever need anything, I got you, okay?” Xavier told him.

“Thanks. I appreciate that.” Casey forced a half smile.