Max Hartwell paced the grimy floor of his office, the dull light from a flickering neon sign outside casting eerie patterns on the walls. His mind churned over the night's events. Cassandra was gone, but her final words haunted him like the shadowy figures that prowled Neon City's streets.
The door creaked open, and Violet stepped in, her face a mask of determination. "We need to talk."
Max stopped pacing, meeting her gaze. "About what?"
"About the fallout. Cassandra's death won't go unnoticed. Her lieutenants will scramble to fill the void, and not all of them are as merciful."
Max sank into his chair, the leather creaking under his weight. "We'll handle them, one by one if we have to."
Violet shook her head. "It's not that simple, Max. The power vacuum will draw out the worst. And there's something else."
"What?"
"Rico's back in town. He's been making moves, gathering forces."
