Later that night
The family sat together on the sofa, laughing and joking as if it was the norm. The boys teased one another, their laughter overpowering the TV, while Nicole sat in her own little bubble—watching, smiling from ear to ear. She wasn't smiling because of their jokes, or because she wanted to be part of their banter. She knew that was their thing. She was smiling because, for once, in what felt like a lifetime, her home finally felt complete again.
All her boys under one roof, smiling. For a fleeting moment they were happy— a happiness that filled Nicole's heart. But in this household, happiness could only last for so long before the thief of joy came knocking at their door once more.
Michael, the sports pundit, was midway through his usual halftime analysis when he pressed a hand to his earpiece. His expression hardened.
"We interrupt your regular halftime show to bring you breaking news on the Cleveland Brown case… Andrew, over to you."
Gabriel, Robert, and Daniel's hellish laughter was silenced instantly. Their demeanors shifted—mouths shut, eyes widened, tears wiped away in anticipation of what was about to break.
The reporter stood in the cold, long black trench coat hanging heavy, microphone at his mouth. He tried to steady himself, swallowing down the dryness in his throat.
"Thank you, Mike." He coughed lightly before continuing. "We have a major breakthrough in the Cleveland Brown murder. Police have arrested and charged Nicholas Martin—twenty-three, from Queens, New York. Nicholas Martin was part of the 60th Street crew in Brooklyn. Officers say he admitted to all charges and now awaits his court date."
Andrew stepped closer to the camera, staring straight into the lens, his eyes unblinking.
"To the Brown family—we send our condolences. I know nothing can bring your loved one back, but I hope the arrest of the perpetrator offers some measure of closure and allows the healing process to begin."
He paused, breathing out slowly, gathering himself before signing off.
"Reporting live from Brooklyn, I'm Andrew Kirk, Twenty-Four Seven News. Back to you, Mike, in the studio."
Michael sat frozen for a moment, trying to process it himself.
"We here at the studio send our deepest condolences to the Brown family at this devastating time."
Robert sat there with his hand over his mouth, stunned. He picked up the remote and shut off the TV.
"Boys… I'm sorry you had to hear that. Gabriel, I know this news must be devastating for you. I know you and Avery were close. I can't begin to imagine what he's going through right now."
Gabriel and Daniel turned, locking eyes. A silent acknowledgement. They both knew—but neither dared speak.
Daniel sat there, his mind spinning.
Someone arrested for a crime they didn't commit… how? And worse, he admitted to it? Why? Malakie? Derrick? None of this adds up. And now I just have to sit here, mouth shut, and let an innocent man go to jail—knowing he had nothing to do with this.
Robert glanced at Nicole in the corner. Tears streamed down her face. He leapt up and rushed to her, wrapping his arms around her trembling frame.
"How could someone do this?" Nicole sobbed through a fog of tears and a croaky voice. "This is what's wrong with the world. These young men with no ambition, no goals—just dripping poison into everything. They think they can do whatever they want, and now look at the consequences of their ideologies. Two lives lost. Two men gone. One from this world, another locked in a cage for the rest of his life, while both families suffer irreversible damage. For what? For what?" Her voice cracked as Robert held her tighter.
Daniel's throat tightened. The walls closed in around him.
"I need to step outside for a moment!" he shouted, bolting from the room. The door slammed behind him.
Outside, he bent over, one hand pressed against his chest, breathing fast, fighting to steady the panic attack tearing through him. Slowly, he regained control. He stood, walking through the night, trying to calm his thoughts.
Then—out of nowhere—a figure dropped down into the alleyway right in front of him.
Daniel threw up his arms instinctively. When he lowered them, Dragonblade stood there, looming.
"So you're following me now?" Daniel snapped. "You know I'm not a baby, right? I don't need you watching my every move." He brushed past him, but a faint smile crept across his lips. "But… thanks for caring, nonetheless."
Dragonblade turned, his voice calm but firm. "I'm not following you. I saw the news and needed to make sure you were okay."
Daniel scoffed. "No—you wanted to make sure I don't do anything stupid." His voice dropped to a whisper. "Don't worry. Malakie and his goons already made sure my mouth stays shut."
Dragonblade froze. "What did you just say?"
"Nothing," Daniel muttered quickly. "Nothing at all."
Dragonblade stepped closer, lowering his voice. "You know I meant every word I said on top of that building. I'm here for you, Daniel."
Daniel stopped in his tracks. "You're here for me?"
"Yes."
"Well, if you're really here for me, then tell me—who are you?"
"Daniel… you know I can't tell you that."
Daniel shot back with sarcasm. "Oh, here we go. Same old superhero clichés. 'I can't tell you, Daniel, because knowing my secret will put your life in danger.' Spare me."
Dragonblade's tone sharpened. "Look at the criminals out there. Look at the lengths the people you surrounded yourself with went to. If they ever found out you knew my secret, there's no length they wouldn't go to drag it out of you. I won't put you in that line of fire. This is my burden, and mine alone. It's a lonely path, but it's the one that keeps everyone safe."
Daniel wanted to throw something back, some sharp jab, but deep down he knew Dragonblade was right. His path was already dangerous enough. Adding more weight would be suicide.
"I get it," Daniel said quietly. "I'm not gonna pretend I don't want to know. But I get it. And… you're right."
"Thank you for understanding, Daniel."
Daniel gave a faint nod. "Well, I'd better get going before my family starts sending out a search party. See you soon, Dragonblade."
Dragonblade stayed behind, watching as his brother walked to the end of the alley. Only once Daniel disappeared from sight did he whisper to the night:
"See you soon, bro."
And then he was gone.
Only the silence remained, heavy as the secrets between them.