Burning empire

ight was dim, barely enough to see the cracks on the peeling walls. Outside, the city's n

l inside him. For a moment, the noise faded, and all he

secrets and danger. Matteo's fingers traced the edge

uld he hold it together? How long

en he thought he might find a second of peace

Knock.

d snapped up,

w?" he m

arp as a hawk. Jax wasn't just a friend. He was the street's unofficial look

rom the world," Jax said, stepping in

tuff?" Matteo a

t I heard things - people asking

omach twiste

garettes onto the table and sa

forehead. "No rest

re like no rest f

esperate's my middle name these day

hitters on the other side want that pouch back. They're not

we're dealing with gangsters n

don't do warnings

eight in his chest grow heavier. "And

care you, they'll use whatever's close

d his fists. "N

ed to move fast. Find a buyer, get ri

abby apartment. "Easy to say

buy it. Problem is, he's not exactly the 'frie

ed. "That sou

know me. Always f

mile breaking through. "I don't k

ot you to drag d

nd raw but real. "Alrigh

w night, we meet my guy near the docks. Quiet place, no

Backup? Since when

ade some new friends. Y

still there but mixed with a flick

the door. "Get some re

partment suddenly feeling smaller -