re yellow and dim, casting long, skeletal sha

ed between her knuckles-a pathetic

footsteps

sped

up. Heavy boots.

ribs. She turned the corner toward

as e

om the alleyway ahead o

s Ne

as smooth,

dealer. A p

. He looked generic. Grey

Faith said, her

ty for the rival faction on the Board. "He wants the encryption

what you're

ng closer. "And we know about the boy. Give u

th backed away, but she bumpe

e desperation took over. "

military-grade tactical blade. Clic

opped br

e demanded. "Unlock it.

e. I c

orward. He grabbed her hoodie,

ad hit the wall. The knif

o God, Faith, I'll cut that pretty fa

ut, waiting for the pain.

wa

a rock hitt

an sc

on her ches

pened h

ound, clutching his hand. T

tood o

sound. He had m

attacker. He reached down, grabbed him by the collar of

man shrieked, swi

the fist.

ac

let him fall. He slammed him against the wall, p

nger. Just cold, hard facts. "Tell Black that if he sends anothe

ned in

entire division. And I

's arm. His eyes were bulging wi

d back. He

" Ear

. He scrambled up, cradling his broken wri

turned to

the wall, her

. The monster who had just broken a man's arm vani

d. "Look at me.

t speak. The adrenaline was crash

.. He knew about Oracl

t's gone.

come back. They

firmly. "They wo

of leather and safety. Faith buried he

you," she sobbed.

if she weighed nothing. He held her tight, rocking her slightly. He wi

y," he whispered into

, wiping a tear from he

t me do my job. Let me protec

y where the threat had disappeared. She looked a

eeded a partner. She needed

whispered. "