The Shadows Within

Chapter 40

**Matthew's POV**

We walked for what felt like hours, our pace quickening as we tried to put distance between ourselves and the unknown figure. The city lights blurred around us, and I could feel my heart pounding in my chest.

Suddenly, Shameka grabbed my arm, her eyes fixed on something ahead. "What is it?" I whispered, my voice low.

"That way," she nodded towards a narrow alleyway between two buildings. "We can cut through there and lose them."

I nodded, and we led the others into the alley. The darkness seemed to swallow us whole, and for a moment, I felt like we were trapped.

But Shameka knew the way, and she led us through the narrow passage, our footsteps echoing off the walls. We emerged into a wider street, and I could see the familiar neon lights of Vinnie's hangout in the distance.

As we approached, I spotted Vinnie himself standing outside, his imposing figure blocking the doorway. He nodded as we approached, his eyes scanning our group.

"What's going on?" he asked, his voice low.

I filled him in on what happened, and he nodded grimly. "Let's get inside," he said. "We'll figure out what's going on."

We followed him into the dimly lit hangout, the smell of cigarette smoke and stale beer hanging heavy in the air. Vinnie led us to a back room, where a group of his boys were gathered around a makeshift table.

"What do you know about this?" Vinnie asked, his eyes scanning the group.

One of his boys spoke up. "We got word that one of the Masked Figure's people was seen in the area. We think they might be looking for you guys."

Shameka's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"

The boy shrugged. "We don't know exactly, but it looks like they're trying to get to you."

I felt a chill run down my spine. We were in deep trouble now.

Vinnie's voice was firm. "We'll take care of it. We have some... arrangements in place."

I nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. We were safe for now. But I knew that this was far from over.

As we sat there in the dimly lit room, waiting for whatever was to come next, I couldn't shake the feeling that we were playing with fire. And I wondered if any of us would make it out alive...

**To Be Continued...**