Episode 6 – Police Pressure

Detective Kareem was a different kind of cop. He wasn’t loud like the street police who chased boys with sticks; he was cold, sharp, calculating. He didn’t shout; he whispered, and his whispers ruined lives.

Jay first met him inside a dim interrogation room. The raid had scooped half the block, and though Jay hadn’t been caught, Kareem’s men had dragged him in days later.

Kareem leaned forward, adjusting his tie. “You’re a smart boy, Jay. Too smart to end up dead for Boss T.”

Jay clenched his jaw. “I don’t know wetin you dey talk.”

Kareem smirked. “Good liar. But you see, lies don’t last. Boss T will use you and dump you. Me? I can give you a way out.”

He slid a card across the table. “Be my ears. Bring me Boss T, and I’ll make sure you live long enough to enjoy your youth.”

Jay’s palms sweated. He stared at the card but didn’t touch it.

“Think about it,” Kareem said softly. “The streets don’t love anyone.”

When Jay was released, the block boys hailed him for keeping quiet. Boss T clapped his back. But deep inside, Jay’s mind burned. He hadn’t snitched — but the temptation hung heavy.

That night, Jay found Kareem’s card in his pocket. Someone had slipped it back to him.