e tense, unresolved issues swirling in Connor's mind. As they pulled up to Eva's house, the weight of the situation pressed heavily on

?" she asked softly, he

Eva's abuela calling out from the kitchen, "Hola, chic

os a hablar un poco afuera." (Yes, grandma.

. Connor leaned against the wooden railing, looking down at his hands,

y, touching his arm, "wh

the chaos that had become his life. "Nothing, really," he started, but h

hut me out. I can see something'

eath and began to explain. "I saw someone today, at the park. A thug I had... de

surprise. "What do y

ued, "One of those guys was there. Walking around like nothing happened. I had

ing to her mouth. "A tra

story. "I managed to fight off some of his friends and escape. But

and determination. "Connor, you need to be caref

. "That's why I need to figure out what's going

or what she was about to say. "There's something

the mention of the name. "

some of Jimenez's... activities. But he wanted out, wanted a better life for us. When he tried

x of sorrow and anger bubbling within h

his cheek. "But you need to understand, Jimene

ow dangerous he is. I need to know why

g onto his. "Just promise me you'l

unwavering. "I promise. I jus

n, slowly, Eva leaned in and kissed him, a gentle reminder of the love and hope that still

d Eva smiled sadly. "I should go bac

he house. Before she disappeared inside, she turned

, watching her until

dialed Marco's number. The line rang a few time

," Connor said,

right. Meet me at the parking lot

nor replied, ending the call and sli

as fraught with danger. As he mounted his bike and revved the engine, he steeled himself for what was to come. He had promised Eva he would be careful, an

ght, the roar of his motorcycle echoing through the quiet streets. T

ing lot. Marco was already there, leaning against his car and checking hi

arco said, looking

lied. "I can't afford t

for Connor to follow him to a nearb

today. He was supposed to be in jail, b

ople on the inside. He's got cops in his pocket who can pull strings and get his

olice were corrupt, but this is beyon

He's got money, connections, and a lot of dirty cops on his pa

orward. "What's

be their base of operations for much longer," Marco sai

ed an eyebr

ng a new shipment of guns and drugs," Marco explained. "The guns are coming from a Russian

thoughtfully. "And ho

s. But here's the deal, Connor: if you get caugh

ed. "You ha

meaning to ask you something. How are you able to fight s

ting pit. Ran away from home when I was a kid and ended

n surprise. "A fightin

s. "It was either fight or die. And I fought. But I ne

w?" Mar

But it's more about staying ready for whatever comes my

at explains a lot. You're a tough guy, Con

know. But I need to know why Jim

Just don't get yourself

ing up. "Thanks for the infor

him a pat on the back. "And remember,

ng with the new information. He had a new lead,

etermination and apprehension. He knew he was walking into a lion's

ve. He needed to gather more intel, find a way to infiltrate the old church,

hone and dialed Marco'

d, his voice steady. "I n

nor, at this rate I feel as inv