Kei and Azul discreetly followed one of the members of The Hearts. The man, wearing a distinctive hat, moved quickly through the dark streets, unaware that he was being tailed. They tracked him to a secluded alleyway, where they decided to make their move.
Azul and Kei stepped out of the shadows, blocking the man’s escape. The alley was narrow, with high walls on either side, creating an oppressive atmosphere. The dim light from a flickering streetlamp cast eerie shadows, adding to the tension.
“Nice hat,” Azul said with a smirk, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “I think I’ll call you Beanie Boy.”
Beanie Boy glared at them, trying to maintain his composure. “What do you want?”
Kei stepped forward, casting an intimidating shadow that loomed over Beanie Boy. “We want information,”
Beanie boy flinched, but stood his ground. “Information? What information?”
“What you know about the Shadow Syndicate, the Mafia, and why would the Hearts be interested?” Kei growled, his eyes narrowing.
Beanie Boy crossed his arms defiantly, his eyes darting around as if looking for an escape route. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Azul’s smirk widened, a dangerous glint in his eyes. “Wrong answer, Beanie Boy.”
Beanie Boy remained silent, his jaw set stubbornly. Azul sighed, stepping closer until he was right next to the man’s ear. He whispered something so quietly that Kei couldn’t hear, but the effect was immediate. Beanie Boy’s face went pale, and he began to tremble.
“Alright, alright,” Beanie Boy stammered, his voice shaking. “I’ll set up a meeting with my boss. Just… just don’t hurt me.”
Azul stepped back, his smirk never fading. “Good choice. Now, make the call.”
Beanie Boy fumbled for his phone, his hands shaking as he dialed a number. Kei watched him closely, his eyes never leaving Beanie Boy’s face. After a brief conversation, Beanie Boy hung up and looked at them nervously.
“The meeting is set. Tomorrow night, at the old warehouse by the docks,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Kei nodded, satisfied. “Thanks, Beanster. You’ve been very helpful.”
Azul gave Beanie Boy a pat on the shoulder, his touch lingering just long enough to make the man flinch. “Remember, if you try anything funny, we’ll be back. And next time, I won’t be so nice.”
As they left the alleyway, the oppressive atmosphere seemed to lift slightly, but the tension between Kei and Azul remained palpable. They walked in silence for a few moments, each lost in their thoughts.
Kei finally broke the silence. “What did you say to him?”
Azul’s smirk returned, a hint of mischief in his eyes. “Just a little reminder of what happens to people who cross me. Let’s just say he won’t be sleeping well tonight.”
Kei chuckled, shaking his head. “You really know how to get under people’s skin, don’t you?”
Azul shrugged, his smirk widening. “It’s a gift. Now, let’s focus on this meeting. If the Surgeon is involved, things are about to get interesting.”52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSWBhjyz6z
The next night, Kei and Azul arrived at the old warehouse by the docks. The air was thick with the smell of saltwater and rust, and the sound of waves crashing against the pier added to the tension. They slipped inside, blending into the shadows as they waited for the meeting to begin.
The warehouse was dimly lit, with crates and machinery scattered around, creating plenty of hiding spots. Kei and Azul positioned themselves where they could observe without being seen. After a few minutes, Beanie Boy arrived, looking nervous and glancing around anxiously.
A few moments later, a group of figures entered the warehouse. At the front was a tall, imposing man with a surgical mask covering his face. His presence commanded attention, and the room fell silent as he approached Beanie Boy.
“Are the ones who wanted to meet here yet? I don't like to be kept waiting. ” the man asked, his voice cold and precise.
Beanie Boy nodded, his fear evident. “Yes, sir. They're here.”
The man, Kei could only assume was the infamous Surgeon of the Underworld, turned his gaze towards the shadows where Kei and Azul were hiding. “Come out. Let’s talk.”
Kei and Azul stepped forward, their expressions serious. Azul’s smirk had returned, a hint of satisfaction in his eyes as he faced the Surgeon.
“Long time no see, Dr. Lawson,” Azul said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
Dr. Lawson’s eyes narrowed, recognizing Azul. “Pyro. I should have known you’d be involved.”
Kei glanced between them, sensing the history and tension. “We have questions, why are you interested in the Shadow Syndicate and what is their connection to the Mafia?”
Lawson crossed his arms, his gaze unwavering and his demeanor cold and annoyed. “The Shadow Syndicate is corrupt and it runs runs deep. We plan to take them down. The real question is why do you care? Aren’t you yourselves members?”
Azul’s smirk widened, clearly amused by Lawson’s irritation. “Sounds like we might have more in common than I thought.”
Lawson nodded slowly, his annoyance barely concealed. “Do we now? Well, I’m intrigued. Very well, let’s talk.”52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfM75la3Pm5
During their conversations, Lawson reluctantly revealed a crucial piece of information. “The connection between the Syndicate and the Mafia is Liam Whitlock.”
Kei’s reaction was immediate. His relaxed demeanor vanished, replaced by a tense, almost rigid posture. His eyes narrowed, and his jaw clenched tightly. Azul noticed the change and shot him a concerned glance.
Lawson, observing Kei’s reaction, turned his attention back to Azul. “Which brings me to question, Why did you ask about Whitlock a few weeks ago?”
Azul tried to play it cool, his smirk never wavering. “That’s none of your business, Lawson.”
Lawson’s eyes narrowed, his annoyance evident. “It becomes my business when it involves a threat to our operations.”
Azul’s smirk faded slightly, replaced by a more serious expression. Kei, still tense, finally spoke up. “Whitlock is a dangerous man. If he’s involved, things are worse than we thought.”
Lawson nodded, his demeanor cold and calculating. “Oh I'm well aware. As I said before, I plan to put him six feet under."
Kei spoke with a little more determination, "Then we should work together. What do you know?"
Lawson reluctantly replied, "We have intel on Whitlock’s movements and his connections, but that information doesn't come free.” he then glared at Azul, waiting for a response.
Azul sighed, realizing the gravity of the situation. “Alright, Lawson. We’ll share what we know, but this doesn’t mean we trust you.”
Lawson’s expression remained unchanged. “Trust is earned, not given. I don’t fully trust you two either.”
Kei and Azul exchanged a glance, their silent agreement clear. They were stepping into a dangerous alliance, but it was a necessary step to bring down Whitlock and the corruption he represented.52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8kfHOTOp5N
After sharing information, Dr. Lawson leaned back, his expression still cold and calculating. “There’s one more thing. Whitlock is rumored to be in the area.”
Kei’s reaction was immediate and intense. His usual calm demeanor shattered, replaced by a look of sheer panic. His hands clenched into fists, and his breathing became shallow. Azul noticed the change and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
Azul turned to Lawson, his voice steady. “Do you know why he would be in the area?”
Lawson’s eyes narrowed, studying Kei’s reaction. “Rumor has it he’s looking for someone. His child, apparently.”
Kei’s anxiety spiked, and he stepped forward, his voice trembling. “Do you have any way to track him? Does anyone know who his child is?”
Lawson’s suspicion grew, his gaze shifting between Kei and Azul. “Why do you ask? Do you know who he’s looking for?”
Azul quickly interjected, trying to deflect the suspicion. We wish we did but unfortunately we do not. We just need to know if you have any leads.”
Lawson’s eyes narrowed further, clearly not convinced. “You know something, don’t you? You’re hiding something.”
Kei’s anxiety was palpable, but he managed to keep his composure. “Look, we have our reasons for chasing don't Whitlock. Just tell us if you have any way to track him.”
Lawson studied them for a moment longer before nodding slowly. “We have some leads, but nothing concrete. If Whitlock is looking for his child, it means he’s desperate. Desperate people make mistakes.”
Azul nodded, his smirk returning. “Good. Keep us informed.”
As they left the meeting, Kei’s mind was racing. Whitlock’s presence in the area meant that things were about to get even more dangerous. He needed to get to Rena to protect her, ASAP. 52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnfTLWnch6y
After Azul and Kei left the warehouse, Lawson remained behind, his mind churning through the implications of their conversation. He didn’t trust them completely, and their reactions had raised too many questions.
He turned to one of his trusted lieutenants, a shadowy figure who had been standing silently in the corner. “Follow them. I want to know what they’re hiding. Report back to me with anything you find.”
The lieutenant nodded, slipping out of the warehouse and into the night, his movements silent and precise. He trailed Azul and Kei from a distance, blending into the shadows as he kept them in his sights.
Kei and Azul, unaware that they were being followed, continued their conversation as they walked through the dark streets.
“Whitlock being in the area changes everything,” Kei said, his voice tense. “We need to find him before he finds her. The old man warned us to protect her, right? I need to get back quickly. Can you cover for me?”
Azul nodded, his smirk fading into a serious expression. “Yeah.”
“I’m going to the shop,” Kei replied, his voice tight with worry. “She’s working tonight and I need to check on her safety.”
“Be careful,” Azul said, his tone serious.
Kei nodded, his mind already focused on Rena. “I will. I’ll see you later.”
As Kei made his way to the coffee shop, his phone rang. He glanced at the screen and saw Rena’s name. Relief washed over him as he answered, but it was short-lived.
“Rena? Hey, I was just abo—” he began, his voice hopeful.
“Kei, it’s Lacy,” came the urgent reply. “There’s been an accident. Rena’s on her way to the hospital.”
Kei’s heart dropped, and he felt a surge of panic. “What? Is she okay? Which hospital?”
“She’s at St. Mary’s. Hurry, Kei. She needs you,” Lacy’s voice was filled with worry.
Back at The Hearts hideout, Lawson’s lieutenant finally arrived and relayed everything he had observed.52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVlmpyumeF
Lawson’s eyes narrowed, his mind racing with possibilities. “Interesting. It seems our friends are hiding more than they let on. Keep an eye on them. I want to know everything they’re up to.”
The lieutenant nodded and disappeared into the shadows once more, leaving Lawson to ponder his next move. He was broken out of his thoughts when his phone rang.
“What?” he answered, annoyance filling the air.
“Sir, you’re needed at the hospital. There’s an emergency,” the voice spoke in a rushed tone.
Rolling his eyes, Lawson stood up. “Fine. I’m on my way. I’ll be there in five minutes.”52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGxcorL1iL
Kei didn’t waste another second. He turned on his heel and sprinted towards the hospital, his mind racing with fear and concern for Rena. The thought of her being hurt was unbearable, and he pushed himself to move faster.
When he arrived at St. Mary’s, he rushed to the front desk, barely able to catch his breath. “Rena… Rena Reyes. Where is she?”
The nurse at the desk quickly checked the records. “She’s in the emergency room. Follow me.”
Kei followed the nurse, his heart pounding in his chest. When he reached the emergency room, he saw Lacy pacing outside, her face pale with worry.
“Lacy, what happened?” Kei asked, his voice trembling.
Lacy looked up, tears in her eyes. “She was attacked by some man. He came out of nowhere and stabbed her. The doctors are with her now.”
Kei felt a wave of helplessness wash over him. He wanted to be with Rena, to protect her, but all he could do was wait. He clenched his fists, trying to keep his emotions in check.
“She’ll be okay,” Lacy said, trying to reassure him. “The doctors are doing everything they can.”
Kei nodded, but the fear and worry in his heart were overwhelming. He couldn’t lose Rena. Not now, not ever.
As they waited for news, Kei’s mind raced with thoughts of Whitlock and the danger they were all in. He knew they had to find Whitlock and stop him before anyone else got hurt. But for now, all he could do was hope and pray that Rena would pull through.
Finally, the door to the emergency room opened, and a doctor stepped out. Kei’s heart skipped a beat when he recognized the man.
“Dr. Lawson?” Kei’s voice was filled with disbelief.
Lawson’s eyes narrowed as he recognized Kei. “It seems our paths cross again. Sooner than I thought.”
Kei’s mind raced, trying to process the coincidence. “How is she? How’s Rena?”
Lawson’s demeanor was cold and professional. “She’s stable for now. The wound was deep, but we managed to stop the bleeding. She’ll need time to recover.”
Kei felt a wave of relief wash over him, but it was tempered by the realization that Lawson was now involved in Rena’s care. “Thank you, Dr. Lawson.”
Lawson’s eyes remained fixed on Kei, suspicion evident. “You seem very concerned about her. Just who is she to you?”
Kei tried to maintain his composure. “She’s important to me. That’s all you need to know.”
Lawson’s gaze lingered on Kei for a moment longer before he nodded. “Very well. You can see her now, but she needs rest.”
Kei nodded, grateful for the chance to be with Rena. As he entered her room, he saw her lying on the bed, pale but breathing steadily. He took her hand gently, his heart aching at the sight of her in pain.
“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry I wasn’t there. I’m here now, dove,” he whispered, tears gracing his cheeks. “You’re going to be okay. You have to be okay.”52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAbjpwUn0i
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