Chapter 14: Chapter 14: The Cold Cell
The sirens echoed through the slums before dawn.
Cole's eyes snapped open, his heart pounding in his chest. For a moment, he thought it was a dream—a nightmare born from the stress of the last few days. But then he heard the heavy thud of boots on the street outside, the bark of orders, the sound of doors being kicked in.
"Cops," Zack hissed from the doorway, his face pale. "They're here."
Cole bolted upright, his mind racing. They had been careful. They had kept their heads down. But it hadn't been enough. Someone had tipped off the cops. Maybe one of Crenshaw's men, maybe a rival gang looking to take advantage of the chaos. It didn't matter. They were out of time.
"We need to run," Ty said, grabbing his jacket and stuffing whatever supplies he could into a bag. "We can still get out of here before they find us."
"Too late," Zack said, his voice tight. "They're already on our block."
Cole's stomach dropped. They had no way out. They were trapped.
Lina looked at him, her eyes wide with fear. "What do we do?"
Cole didn't have an answer. He had always been the one with a plan, the one who knew how to get them out of trouble. But this time, there was no escape. The walls were closing in, and there was nowhere left to run.
"I'll go," Cole said suddenly, the words tumbling out of his mouth before he could stop them.
Zack stared at him. "What?"
"I'll turn myself in," Cole said, his voice steadier now. "I'll tell them I killed Crenshaw. They'll take me, and you guys can get out of here."
"No way," Ty said, shaking his head. "We're not leaving you behind."
"You don't have a choice," Cole said firmly. "If we all go down, it's over. But if I go, you might still have a chance."
Lina's eyes filled with tears. "Cole, you can't—"
"I can," Cole interrupted, his voice softening. "It's the only way. You know that."
For a moment, no one spoke. The reality of what was about to happen hung heavy in the air, suffocating them. But they all knew Cole was right. There was no other way.
"Go," Cole said, stepping toward the door. "Get as far away from here as you can."
Zack nodded, his jaw clenched. Ty looked like he wanted to argue, but he didn't. Lina wiped at her eyes, her voice barely more than a whisper. "We'll find you, Cole. We'll come for you."
Cole gave her a small, sad smile. "I know."
And then he walked out into the street, hands raised, as the sirens grew louder.
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