A Web of Deceit, he thought to himself. Always more criminals, more mysterious.
The rain began as a light drizzle, but by the time Max, Rachel, and Evelyn reached the streets, it had turned into a relentless downpour. The city seemed to mourn its own miseries, each drop a reminder of the decay and corruption seeping through its veins. Max's arm throbbed from the bullet graze, but the pain was a dull ache compared to the weight of their task.
They ducked into a narrow alley, the neon lights from nearby bars casting eerie reflections in the puddles. Evelyn checked her weapon, her eyes scanning their surroundings. Rachel kept a close watch on the street, her face drawn and tense.
"We need a new plan," Rachel said, her voice barely audible over the rain. "The Serpent knew we were coming. He's always one step ahead."
Max nodded, wiping rain from his face. "He's playing us, but we've got one advantage. He thinks we're down for the count. We need to use that."
