#Chapter 24: Risk

Albert The hospital doors slid shut behind me, the sterile environment replaced by the cacophony of the city. Mia's words echoed in my mind, her fear and vulnerability were obvious. I had to protect her. But to do that, I needed to understand the full extent of the threat. As I walked towards my car, my gaze swept across the street. Something caught my eye - a group of men, their demeanor and attire unmistakably that of the underworld. They were out of place in this neighborhood. But maybe not. I thought back to what Mia said. It seemed like she knew who had control over the hospital area. Or at least, who once had control over it. Taking over the hospital area was one of the first things I did after finding out where Diane was being treated. Per Carmelo, it had once been neutral territory. But I knew as well as anyone did that neutral territory just meant territory that hadn't been claimed yet., a stark contrast to the mundane bustle of city life. A cold sense of unease settled