The news of Lucas's death reverberated through the dimly lit corridors of the Martinez Gang's headquarters. He was not part of us, yet everyone grieved as if he was a gang member. I felt it was because he came here to plead for protection and mercy. The gang, cloaked in shadows, awaited further instructions as the weight of the loss settled over them.

“I know why you mourn, and it is well within your place to do that. But we all knew that the Contractor was after him and the Contractor we ...