Chapter 27: Angel of Death

*Layla*

I opened my mouth to argue, to insist that her Uncle Caleb might be the only one powerful enough to stand up to Marco's twisted games. But Tamika kept talking, her expression turning serious. 

"Plus, I gotta ask, you sure you wanna risk everything, including that little one, trying to extract your mom from this? She made her own choices, Lay. As much as it sucks, she's gonna have to lie in the bed she made for herself."

The words struck me like a physical blow. Tamika's eyes were filled with gentle concern, but also a firm resolve. She really thought I should just abandon my own mother to her fate with Marco. 

"'Meeks..." I started haltingly. "You don't understand. Marco, he's not gonna just let her go, no matter what. If I don't get her out from under him somehow…"