The neon lights flickered overhead, casting an eerie glow over the deserted streets of the city. Max Hartwell walked with purpose, his footsteps echoing against the pavement as he made his way through the maze of alleyways and backstreets.
He had been following the trail of clues for weeks now, each one leading him deeper into the heart of the city's underworld. But with each step he took, the mystery seemed to only grow more elusive, slipping through his fingers like smoke in the night.
As he turned a corner, Max found himself face to face with a familiar figure—a woman with dark hair and piercing eyes that seemed to see straight through him.
"Carmen," Max said, his voice betraying a hint of surprise. He hadn't expected to see her again so soon, especially not here, in the heart of the city's most dangerous district.
