Chapter 11 – Shadows in the Alley
The streets were almost empty.
Luke walked with his hands in his pockets, eyes scanning every shadow.
Ryo followed behind, chewing gum.
"You really think the suspect came this way?" he asked.
Luke didn't answer. He stopped near an alley and crouched.
Fresh footprints.
"Yeah," Luke said, standing up. "We're close."
A sudden clang echoed from deeper inside the alley.
Both of them froze.
Luke turned to Ryo.
"Stay behind me."
They stepped into the darkness
The sound came from behind a stack of crates.
Luke moved closer, each step slow and careful.
A shadow shifted.
"Don't move!" Luke called.
Out stepped a small boy, clutching a torn backpack.
His eyes were wide with fear.
"I… I saw him," the boy stammered. "The man you're looking for."
Luke exchanged a quick glance with Ryo.
"Where did he go?"
The boy pointed toward the old train yard.
Luke's jaw tightened.
"Then that's where we're heading."
They took off, leaving the alley in silence.