Episode 18 – The Pier of No Return

The pier was silent except for the crash of waves. Mist rolled off the water, hiding shadows that might be friend or foe. Jay walked alone, hood up, heart pounding.

Kunle stood at the edge, staring out at the horizon. He didn’t turn when Jay approached.

“You came,” Kunle said softly.

Jay’s voice was sharp. “You told me to.”

Kunle finally faced him, eyes heavy with years of pain. “I called you because the block is reaching a breaking point. Boss T’s grip is slipping. The Strays are growing stronger. If we move now, we take everything. Together.”

Jay’s chest tightened. “You keep saying together. But together never works for us. It always ends in blood.”

Kunle stepped closer, voice low. “Not this time. This time, we end it on our terms.”

---

Before Jay could answer, headlights blazed from the road. Black SUVs roared onto the pier. Doors slammed, and Boss T himself stepped out, flanked by armed soldiers.

Jay froze. “You set me up?”

Kunle’s eyes widened. “No. I swear.”

Boss T’s voice boomed over the waves. “My two boys. Fighting like fools. Tonight, we settle it.”

He tossed two guns onto the wet wood. They clattered, gleaming under the moonlight.

“One bullet each. You want to prove loyalty? Kill the other. Last man standing walks free.”

Jay’s stomach turned. He looked at Kunle, then at Boss T’s cruel grin.

Kunle picked up a gun, spinning it in his hand. “He’ll never let us both walk away.”

Jay grabbed the other, sweat dripping down his face. Boss T’s men raised their weapons, ready to kill them both if they refused.

---

Time slowed. The ocean roared louder. Jay’s finger hovered on the trigger, his mind racing.

Kunle’s eyes softened. “No matter what happens… you’re still my brother.”

Jay whispered back, “Always.”

Then the gunfire erupted.

Shots cracked across the pier, echoing into the night. Boss T staggered back, clutching his chest — his own men’s eyes wide with shock. Smoke rose from Kunle’s gun, not Jay’s.

Boss T fell to his knees, blood pooling around him. His last words were a rasp: “Traitors… both of you.” Then silence.

The pier went still, the empire’s king lying dead at their feet.

---

For a second, Jay couldn’t breathe. The soldiers froze, unsure whether to avenge or kneel.

Kunle looked at Jay, gun still warm in his hand. “It’s done. The crown is yours, brother.”

Jay shook his head. “No. The crown is a curse. And now every gang in the city will come for us.”

Sirens wailed in the distance. Detective Kareem’s voice carried over a megaphone: “Jay! Kunle! Drop your weapons! The city is surrounded!”