July 23, 2021 – Tivoli Gardens, Kingston
The alleys of Tivoli were alive with a rhythm Kyle had never felt before. Reggae thumped from distant speakers, kids darted past like shadows, but the silence around him was deafening. Every corner they turned, more eyes followed.
The guide in the faded polo led them deeper, weaving through narrow passageways lined with zinc fences and graffiti. Bullet holes dotted walls like constellations. Murals of fallen dons watched over them, saints of a kingdom built on survival.
Omar muttered under his breath. "This don't feel right, Kyle. Every man out here sizing us up. They ain't looking at you like a champion—they looking at you like prey."
Kyle stayed silent. The photo of Derrick burned in his pocket.
The CompoundThey stopped before a battered metal gate. Two armed men stood there, rifles slung casually like they were just another accessory. The guide exchanged a glance with them, then nodded toward Kyle.
"This the boy."
