Prologue

PROLOGUE

DIABLO

Age 16

"She shouldn't be out here on the streets," I mutter, watching the little girl from the shadows next to Jarrett.

"Yeah, she can't be more than twelve or thirteen tops," Jarrett agrees. "Makes you wonder what had her decide the streets were better than home."

I nod, thinking the same thing as my friend. Jarrett hadn't been on the streets long. I'd met him about seven months ago. The two of us clicked, and we've had each other's backs ever since. No one messes with either of us without the other stepping in. I don't know his full story, yet, just what he's told me so far. It's the same with what little I've shared with him about mine.

I don't talk about my past. It's not something I like to think about. I prefer being on the streets than being in a place that is worse than hell itself. My folks, they're some of the worst pieces of shit in the world.

I wouldn't even call them a mom and dad. To me, they're just Wayne and Teresa. They're both alcoholics. Wayne spends his days, or well, he did, on the couch watching TV while Teresa found some way to make some cash. Mostly, they relied on that monthly government check that they used to buy the booze. Teresa also spent her time being knocked around when she didn't get or do what Wayne needed or wanted.

I spent the first ten years of my life being subjected to that life. At ten, I finally learned it best to avoid home the best I could. That didn't mean I didn't get my ass handed to me when I was there. They made sure to beat me. I've got the scars on my back to prove they didn't give a damn about me.

When I hit fourteen, I had enough and figured I'd take my chances on the streets. It was better there than at home.

"Let's see what her deal is," I suggest, shoving the thoughts to the back of my head. Thinking of the past isn't something I need to ponder about. The thoughts aren't worth my time.

"You sure we won't scare her off?" Jarrett asks, watching the girl scavenger. "This is the decent area. We scare her off, she could end up in worse areas."

He's right, of course, but the girl needs to know people. She needs to have people that will have her back.

"We gotta look out for her," I say, nodding in her direction. "She probably doesn't have anywhere to sleep at night. We can at least offer her some suggestions of where to go."

"True," Jarrett mutters. "Alright, let's do it."

Moving out of the shadows together, we're cautious not to alarm the girl. The last thing she needs is to be freaked out.

"What's your name, kid?" I ask when we're close enough not to have to shout but keep enough distance between her and us.

She watches us closely and tightly holds the strap of her bookbag while wrapping another arm around it, holding it to her chest. "What do you want?" she asks, her voice trembling and soft.

"We're not gonna harm you," Jarrett tells her. "We just wanna make sure you're okay out here."

"How long have you been on the streets?" It can't be long. She's still got that look about her. That she's fresh meat. Easy prey for those who want to fuck with her. Out here could be dangerous for her if she doesn't know how to look out for herself. With one look at those doe eyes of hers, she definitely needs someone to look after her.

"Um, my name's London."

London. Who names their kid London?

"I'm Damari," I tell her and jerk my thumb in Jarrett's direction. "This is Jarrett."

"Ugh, okay. Hi."

"If you're living on the streets, you need to have a system and somewhere to go. You got a place you can do that?" I watch her closely. Her tangled mess of hair is everywhere, but I'm willing to bet that even brushed, it's still a mess with the wild ringlets.

"I haven't, ugh . . ." She licks bottom lip nervously. "Should I be talking to you?"

"London, it's better you talk to us, than some others on the streets. At least we will watch out for you," Jarrett remarks and leans against the side of the building.

"Like Jarrett said," I mutter. "You gotta be able to protect yourself out here. You don't have to trust us, but it's better to have someone than no one."

"Oh okay, yeah, that sounds like a good idea," London agrees. "I haven't found anywhere to stay yet. I've just been sleeping where I can."

"Dangerous," Jarrett grumbles.

"How about you stay with us?" I offer and look to Jarrett. "We found an extra tent that wasn't broken."

London stares at me for a moment, looking like she is trying to determine what the best course of action is. Finally, she nods and tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. "Okay," she agrees and then narrows her eyes. "But if you think to do something, I'll knee you in the nuts."

At her little threat, I can't help but grin. "Yeah, Chiquita, you don't have to worry about that."

"Good, then you have a deal," London murmurs, sticking her much smaller hand out.

I take it in mine. "Deal."