The Whispers of 4th District

Chapter 26: The Calm Before the Storm

Teddy leaned against the cracked wall of the dimly lit alley, eyes scanning the streets ahead. The silence was deafening, each drop of rain echoing in his mind, a constant reminder that time was slipping away. He wiped the blood from his knuckles, the burn from the earlier fight still lingering, but it wasn't enough to numb the dread creeping up his spine. His mother was close. Too close.

Kane stood beside him, his expression unreadable as he surveyed the scene. "We don't have much time, man. They'll be looking for us soon."

Teddy's mind raced. The warehouse wasn't safe anymore. His mother's network was vast—too vast. Her goons had eyes everywhere, and every time they thought they were a step ahead, they were just one mistake away from being caught. He hated feeling cornered like this.

"We need to get to Lena," Teddy said, voice rough. "She's the key to everything. If we get her the evidence—"

"Then we take down your mother," Kane finished, cutting him off. "Yeah, I get it. But we're walking right into a trap. You know that, right?"

Teddy didn't answer at first. He didn't have to. He knew the risks. But at this point, he didn't care. His uncle was gone, and his mother was the reason. Nothing else mattered.

"Let's go," Teddy finally said. "We don't get a second shot at this."

They moved swiftly, their boots hitting the wet pavement in sync. The city seemed to be holding its breath, the air thick with the impending storm. As they reached the edge of the district, the oppressive weight of the night seemed to press harder on them. Teddy knew this wasn't just about bringing his mother down—it was about survival.