x
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYvvU43lHzb
[LUKA]
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicTrHXwOfW
Luka gazed out the window as Wyatt navigated the car through the dimly lit streets of Riverside. The neon signs of seedy bars and rundown shops cast a gaudy glow on the wet pavement.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrjTqimHnd
"So, you think you still know this city?" Luka asked, her voice laced with curiosity.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6hUDYIOMQ
Wyatt's eyes scanned the streets, taking in the familiar sights. "Most of it, yeah. I've been gone a while, but some things never change."
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQxV9BO5P7
Luka nodded, her eyes returning to the road ahead. "Riverside's always been a rough area. Never had much reason to come here before."
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBYcwcJYUD
"You've never been assigned a case here?"
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6lQZT436Pg
"Never. I hear only certain types of guys make the cut for these parts. "
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOeTpJOcvwT
"Yeah?" Wyatt's gaze lingered on a group of shady-looking characters loitering on the corner. "Not your typical tourist spot I'll tell you that." He made a left turn. "What about the Chen case? Any new leads?"
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbE0g6aWDfV
Luka's expression turned serious. "We've got some possibles. Witnesses reported a suspicious person near the scene, but nothing concrete yet. Word on the street is that Trolley Chen is offering a hefty reward for information leading to the killer's identity and whereabouts."
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRSaaAoqdQ
Wyatt's jaw clenched. "I know. With Chen's nephew being the victim, they're gonna want blood."
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWH4dpVL3S6
Luka's eyes narrowed. "You think it's gang-related?"
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAR7Sdnu0r
He hesitated. "On the face of it? I'd say yeah. But from my experience, no one makes a move like that without the backing of someone really high up. But there's too much at stake to say without more evidence you know?" He clenched the steering wheel tighter. "Especially considering how much Riverside has changed from back in the day. We lost too many good people to let it slip back into those dark times."
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcU0EjJDM6
Luka briefly glanced at Wyatt's stern expression and immediately knew not to inquire any further.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUKLT2leww
"Despite the authority and sway he may have, Chen's still got a lot of enemies." He took a deep breath and sighed, perhaps sensing the mood. "We'll need to watch our step around these parts. These guys don't play by the same rules we do."
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTyurpPjzzS
As they drove deeper into Riverside, the shadows seemed to grow longer, and the air thickened with tension. Luka's phone buzzed, breaking the silence. She answered, listening intently before responding, "Alright, get me the footage. I'll review it as soon as I can."
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MrFePrzPR
Wyatt raised an eyebrow. "Something new?"
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdoKi3KBX3
She nodded. "Possible surveillance footage near the crime scene. Might be our suspect."
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthCIQr5AsI
Wyatt's eyes locked onto the road ahead, his focus sharpening. "Let's get to work."
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehSUkglmrO
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJuVgWWMrQW
[MARCUS]
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvEkrVDJaTc
The station was a hive of activity, with passengers rushing to catch their trains, vendors hawking their wares, and the sound of train whistles piercing the air. The smell of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the crowded concourse, mingling with the scent of diesel fuel and grease. Newspaper stands lined the walls, their headlines shouting out the latest news in bold print. Something about some new discovery in the desert and the civil unrest down south. Long lines snaked in front of the ticket counters, with people patiently waiting to purchase their tickets.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzu14T2uBhI
Meanwhile, military personnel moved with purpose, their uniforms a stark contrast to the more casual attire of the passengers. They barked orders at each other, their voices carrying above the din of the station. The sound of crates being loaded onto the train's cargo cars echoed through the station, punctuated by the clang of metal on metal.8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3xDxjQXrP
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmzlLliEFI
Marcus navigated through the bustling train station, his eyes scanning the platforms for the steam engine train that would take Tondo south across the desert to La Olorica. The memory of Del Piero's words echoed in his mind. Tondo was likely to board this train to escape the bounty placed on his head by Trolley Chen.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJO3vq6vhX9
As Marcus approached the train, he noticed a group of military personnel loading crates of equipment onto the adjacent cars. He slowed his pace, trying to blend in with the crowd while keeping a watchful eye on the workers.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKtjlkzfTq
He spotted the steam engine, its massive wheels and copper pipes gleaming in the light. He knew he had to act quickly. With a casual air, he edged closer to the engine room, his mind racing with the plan.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKN8lhTK3KJ
As he reached for the door handle, a worker turned, his gaze narrowing. He froze, holding his breath as the worker's eyes swept over him. For a tense moment, their gazes locked, and Marcus prepared for the worst. But the worker seemed to dismiss him as a mere bystander and returned to his task.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wlz8Z7S4R
To gain entry to the engine room, he had to carefully pry open the door. He examined the lock closely, determining that it was a standard lever lock. He pulled out a set of lockpick tools from his pocket and began to work on the lock. Though faint, sound of the lock's mechanism clicking into place was music to his ears as he carefully turned the handle and pushed the door open.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDU5MjKHNn
Exhaling slowly, Marcus slipped into the engine room, his eyes adjusting to the dim light. He quickly put away the tools and set to work. The room was a maze of pipes, valves, and gauges. The air was thick with the smell of coal smoke and grease. The sound of hissing steam and clanking metal filled the air, creating a cacophony of noise. The engine room was dominated by the massive steam engine, the room still warm and stuffy from its countless journeys, its copper pipes gleaming in the dim light. Gauges and valves were scattered throughout the room, monitoring the engine's performance. A large control panel on the wall displayed the train's speed, pressure, and other vital signs.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rlqmOXR1S
Beads of sweat began to form on his forehead, slowly running down across his face as he worked. He kept a watchful eye on the door, his senses on high alert for anyone who might be unfortunate to return at that moment.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4Ay3Htrs8
He suddenly heard voices outside approaching the door. He froze, quickly collecting his tools and backing away to the side of the door where he would not be visible.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmuuspWGIfq
"Man, I'm counting down the minutes till our shift ends," one of the workers said. "I'm ready to grab a drink and forget about this place for a while."
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3rIUZCJyJ
"Same here," the other replied. "I've got a tab open at the usual spot. You're buying, right?"
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwm0IzgeiCm
"Didn't I get it the last time?"
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5m0Tqjh4Vd
Marcus composed himself as he slowly pulled out his gun and began to place a suppressor on it, ready to do what needed to be done.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34pibIZ8kF
"Did you check the engine room?"
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0gVrWpQlF
"That's Paul's jurisdiction, he's on engine duty this week remember?"
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGh4jCZWDd
"I hope he makes sure everything's ready for the next crew," one of the workers said. "Remember the last time you were on engine duty?"
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKscZv9Pnj
The other worker laughed. "I remember, the supervisor almost chewed my head off."
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUYqGuvX8k
The door handle turned, and the door slightly opened. Marcus swiftly took aim at where the head might emerge from behind the door, holding steady.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3r900wgHmH
"Why's the door unlocked?" one of the workers asked. "Paul's usually on top of this stuff."
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlaZ2rLjgHm
"Probably forgot to lock it." The other replied.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNL33lRAC0W
"Please, he's not a lazy bum like yourself."
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7P1K97HmwF
"First time for everything I guess."
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1ts3A3CD7
"No, he's usually pretty reliable." He briefly scanned the room ahead of him and took a step forward.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGbi9PYAf0
Marcus slowly pulled back the hammer.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7g3nVwsPTB
"Come on, Paul will sort this out. I sure he's already on his way. You really want more work on your plate?"
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntcagFhF5C
He turned and walked back out the room, closing the door behind him. The the voices continued. "Radio Paul and get him to sort this out ASAP."
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4yPRaeOuO
"Sure thing. Wait, I think I left my radio in the office."
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAUjunzeFt
"Really? This is why you're always getting in trouble with the higher ups."
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7006ahZlv
"Hey! Ease up on the criticism, okay? Not my fault they have it out for me. I must have left it on the desk during our lunch break."
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFzpaudBce
"Better pray that its still there. Its a wonder why you still got a job here."
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFiwk3Ou3k7
The other worker chuckled. "My friend, you work too hard. One day, it'll kill ya."
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KHt1fH9bp
The voices grew distant as they walked off. Marcus took a moment and peeked through the open space on the door to verify their departure. Satisfied, he returned to completing his task, this time with an extra hint urgency.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUbFxLf6LB
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOOwYmOLLX
[CHARLES]
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuPCzyLjjb
Charles stood across the road from the casino, its bright lights illuminating the evening sky like a beacon, oblivious to the recent homicide that had taken place within its walls. The pedestrian traffic flowed around him and the evening delights slowly unveiled. People went on about their business with a sense of normalcy that seemed almost jarring given the circumstances prior. A cue that the world does keep on spinning.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVzOAXKPAb
The sound of laughter and music drifted from the casino, mingling with the hum of the city. Charles's eyes were fixed on a vendor stand on the sidewalk that he identified as belonged to Vinny Goma, his client, who was currently being detained in connection to the murder pending his trial date.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7hMcgFZac3
Charles murmured in frustration, "Where's Sam when I need him?"
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEDv3XUwYd
His investigator had once more been unavailable to visit the scene and investigate the stand, forcing Charles to make the trip over himself. He recalled what Vinny had told him about the number he had received from the stranger, written on a piece of paper. This is where it all started. The paper had the number that had implicated Vinny in the murder. If he could just get a hold of it, he might be able to use it as leverage in his case. Vinny had been quite adamant that he had hidden the paper in a safe place, and Charles hoped that it was still there.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnQgfyNI4y
He glanced around for a moment, then bent down and reached underneath the lining of the edge of the stand, feeling around for the spare key Vinny told him was hidden there. His fingers probed the tight space occasionally wincing at the bruising caused to his fingers by the sharp edges. After a while, he began to lose hope and doubt what Vinny had told him about the key. Just as he was about to give up, his fingers brushed against something hard with a defined shape. Excitedly, he struggled to pull it out, his fingers straining against the tight space. Finally, the key emerged, old and coated in a layer of rust, clearly from the long periods of exposure to the elements. Charles stared at it for a moment, letting out a huge sigh of relief.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpR0ceyXbmo
He got up, dusted himself off, and proceeded to attempt to and open the door to the stand. He briefly struggled to insert the key which didn't turn easily. He gently jiggled the key back and forth for a while, slowly applying pressure towards turning the handle and it suddenly broke off.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVoWieUjtQp
He threw his head back in frustration and began cursing into the evening sky while pedestrians turned their heads in shock at the sudden outburst. Noticing the attention he was drawing, he quickly composed himself and tried to act normal.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXjma0bVXo
After the attention died down. He thought for a moment of what Sam would do in this situation. Drastic measures were now required. He took off his scarf and wrapped it around his elbow then proceeded to nonchalantly lean on the stand and swung his elbow towards the glass, breaking off some pieces.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnBO3Qak1l
Despite the scarf cushioning most of the impact, he felt a sharp pain run through his arm and groaned in discomfort. Reaching into the stand through the gap with a few moments of struggle, he finally managed to turn the knob from the inside and the door creaked open. Exhausted, Charles pushed the door open, and a faint scent of spoiled food, spice and cheap cologne wafted out.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡceq7oYOAG3
As the door swung open, Charles felt a sense of accomplishment. He had taken the first step in investigating the stand and potentially uncovering evidence that could help Vinny's case. Now, he just needed to search the stand thoroughly and find that piece of paper. He stepped inside, his eyes adjusting to the dim light, and began to search the stand from top to bottom.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkn0CiDoj7
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2doc8N7Fz
[Marcus]
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGKNLcl535
With his task complete, Marcus exited the engine room, his senses on high alert. As he walked away, he noticed the same worker who had spotted him earlier, now walking towards the engine room. Must have been the Paul fellow he overheard the workers talking about. They both froze for a moment, their gaze briefly locked onto each other, and Marcus's instincts kicked in. He turned and began walking in the opposite direction, his heart rate accelerating. He took a quick glance back and the worker's gaze remained fixed on him, a growing sense of unease evident in his expression. The worker quickly pulled out his radio and spoke into it, his voice low and urgent.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhiYeFXT1u
Marcus noticed the worker's actions and knew he had to move fast. He picked up his pace, weaving through the crowd of passengers and vendors. The worker's radio call had been brief, but Marcus knew it wouldn't take long for the authorities to respond.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBaTuWxNaY
Suddenly, a group of military personnel, clad in tactical gear and armed with rifles, emerged from the adjacent platform, their eyes scanning the crowd. The worker went over to them, briefly exchanged words and pointed in his direction, and they quickly gave chase.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNTvFrdtPc
Marcus dodged and weaved through the crowd, his pursuers closely closing in. He could see more military personnel approaching from the front, their faces set in determined expressions.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsgiJKp34Q
As he turned a corner, and realized he was almost cornered. They were right on him from both sides, their movements swift and coordinated. With a surge of adrenaline, Marcus reached into his pocket and triggered the explosive device he had planted in the engine room.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPPMR4bo9W
The explosion was massive, sending shockwaves through the station. The sound of shattering glass and screams filled the air as passengers and bystanders scrambled for cover. The blast ripped through the train, causing the steam engine to erupt in a plume of flame and smoke.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWFkL6muqx
He took advantage of the commotion, blending into the crowd as people ran wildly in all directions and slipped past the military personnel, who were momentarily stunned by the explosion. As he merged with the fleeing crowd, he vanished into the chaos, leaving his pursuers to deal with the aftermath of the blast.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfixpiG3kA0
Now the real work had begun.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuf8hPErKp8
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSESwj2TkY
[CHARLES]
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNPOHAJzuP
"Okay buddy, put your hands up." A deep voice order.8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrP9CpJw9g1
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwGLSjqeq3
Charles heard the voice from behind him as he was rummaging through the contents of the stand and froze. He turned to see who it was and was faced with a bright flashlight shone onto his face.8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfzUQypYdtX
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7kuFA2urc
"I said hands up!"8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6cxuVKxTI
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlxXGcisos
"Okay! Okay! They're up!" He slowly raised his hands and began backing up out the doorway. "I think there's been a big misunderstanding..." He started. Trying not to make any sudden movements. 8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMTHKvS2AT
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNdAoVNTRy
Once out, he felt a pair of hands frisk him with his back still turned away from the source of the light.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8ZuRvrJyf
"A misunderstanding?" The voice remarked.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJZndS4QlB
"I'm a lawyer, just following up on case I'm working on for my client. This is his stand, he sent me here."
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGIaLqNkw6
"Really? A lawyer?"
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUHNHespxL
"Yes. I can show you my bar membership card, its inside my wallet."
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZce9rwCzBC
The pair of hands once more reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet. There was a moment of silence, which he could only assume was them verifying his identity.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9g9zBinkoo
"Mr. Charles......Chance?"
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCT6u7bBy0
"That's me."
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnsFo0sGMs
The pair of hands motioned him to turn and face the two officer that were clad in uniform, once more blinding him with the bright light shone onto his face from flashlight.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTAvbLkWuV
"Well Mr. Chance, we received a report of an individual attempting to beak into a facility." He briefly glanced at the broken glass and Charles's bruised hand. "You'll have to come with us to the station and file a report to clear up the...misunderstanding."
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNm18bcK3KC
"I understand."
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN97VvCqQ9P
Suddenly the ground shook beneath their feet, a gentle tremor that grew in intensity as the shockwave from a distant explosion rippled through the earth. The vibrations were subtle at first, but soon became more pronounced, causing objects on nearby surfaces to rattle and shift. The sound of the explosion itself was muffled by the distance, but the physical sensation of the blast was unmistakable.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKn6KwNqqR3
"Holy shi-"
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolMXqAyffe
They all looked up, the night sky was illuminated by a brillant flash of light, casting an otherworldly glow over the landscape.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCedKoVjyqX
The combination of the ground shaking and the sky lighting up was both mesmerizing and unsettling. As the light began to fade, the sound of the blast finally reached them, a deep rumble that lingered in the air for a few seconds before dissipating into the night. The aftermath of the explosion was eerily quiet, with only the distant sounds of sirens and shouting voices breaking the silence.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPAdhiT9s3
