e direction. The clattering distraction gave him the opening he needed. While the men turned to look away, he launched into action with acute precision. Connor sw

a knee to his jaw that followed. Both men paused in confusion-Connor, surprised that a t

. Why did you think it was wise

wiping the blood from his lips. "And don't think a sissy

as ready. With swift and decisive movements, he put the thug down, delivering a c

Connor e

to wake up, catching Connor's attention. He walked over, picked the man up, and slammed him into a chair, tying him up with some extension

u here?" Con

ith his bloody teeth. This enraged Connor, who began to beat the t

u guys killed Jim, right?

, I don't know anything. I was just sent to look f

o look for them

I say anything,"

my resolve on that matter. If you don't believe me, ask your

s he glanced at his fallen comrade

talking,"

ecover those files. That was it. He never told us

y-Jim had been killed because he had something these guys wanted. His train of thought was interrupted by a ring

trado?" (Have

ceeded to call the police. Twenty minutes later, the cops showed up. Connor was giving h

alled me first," J

Connor mocked. "Look, I thought I told you not to

n't just robbed," Connor said. "And

look on his face. "And

hose were his boys. He sent th

path, Connor. Keep his name out of your mouth

anything, I might as well do it for you," he said, walking away angrily. He left the scene behind him

But his mind quickly returned to the pressing issue at hand. He had a n

with the thugs had been a stark reminder of the danger he was facing, but it had also fueled his

dimly lit establishment was quiet, with only a few patrons scattered arou

o you know anyone around here who might have i

lightly. "Don Santino? That's not a name y

ice. "I have some unfinished business wi

omes in here sometimes. Goes by the name of Marco. He's got connections

pping her a tip. "When doe

ed. "Around 4 a.m. You migh

his thoughts drifted back to Eva. He wondered if she was safe, if those thugs would come after her

arista's description of Marco. Connor watched as he ordered a coffee and took

d, sitting down

rco replied, eyein

need information on

k forming on his lips. "A

thug's phone. "Because if you don't, I'll make s

to make sure no one was listening. "Alright, alrig

find him, what he's involved in, and why

ene. Drugs, arms dealing, you name it. He's got his hands in everything. As for the files, I don'

find him?" Co

s an old warehouse down by the docks. That's where he conduct

he information. "Thanks, M

of genuine concern in his voice. "Do

on now, a lead to follow. As he rode back to his apartment, he couldn't shake t

house later that day, gathering more information before making any moves. But for now, he needed rest

h, I'm free. Let's meet up." He felt a sense of relief at the thought

all the lessons Jim had taught him, the values he had instilled i