Dark mafia: kill or be killed

e Bowery, the streets seemed to pulse with an electric kind of energy. The neon signs of rundown bars and 24-hour bodegas cast a sickly glow over the cracked sidewalk

handler, Special Agent Lisa Monroe, before it was too late. He slipped into the shadows once more, his steps quick and quiet as he made his way to a nearby payphone. It was a relic of a bygone era, but it served its purpose-no digital trail, no way to trace the call. He dialed the number from memory, his pulse quickening as he waited for the connection. After a few rings, a familiar voice answered. "Monroe." "It's Ghost," Alex said, keeping his voice low. "I've got the package." There was a brief pause, and he could almost hear Lisa's mind working through the implications. "Good. Get to the safehouse. We need to debrief." "On my way," Alex replied, hanging up. He glanced around, ensuring he wasn't being watched, before heading toward the rendezvous point. The safehouse was a nondescript apartment building in a quieter part of the city, far removed from the chaos of the Bowery. Alex took a circuitous route, doubling back twice to ensure he wasn't followed. When he finally arrived, he was greeted by the sight of Lisa waiting for him, her expression a mix of relief and concern. Lisa Monroe was a seasoned FBI agent, her sharp features and piercing blue eyes giving her an air of authority. She was dressed in casual clothes, but there was no mistaking the steely determination in her gaze. She opened the door, allowing Alex to slip inside before locking it behind him. "You're late," she said, echoing Marco's earlier words. "Had to be sure," Alex replied, handing her the package. "It's all here." Lisa nodded, tearing open the package and scanning the contents. Her eyes widened as she took in the details, the significance of the information clear. "This is it," she said, looking up at Alex. "This could bring DeLuca down." Alex allowed himself a small smile. "Let's hope so." They spent the next hour going over the details, formulating a plan to intercept DeLuca's deal. It was a high-risk operation, but the potential rewards were worth it. As they worked, Alex couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched, that the shadows were closing in around him. Finally, as the first light of dawn began to filter through the windows, they had a plan in place. Alex stood, stretching out the kinks in his muscles. "Get some rest," Lisa advised, her tone softening slightly. "You've earned it." Alex nodded, but he knew rest would be fleeting. There was too much at stake, too many lives on the line. He left the safehouse, the weight of his mission pressing heavily on his shoulders. As he stepped out into the early morning light, he couldn't help but wonder if he would ever find peace-or if the shadows of his past would forever haunt him. The next few days were a blur of preparation and tension. Alex worked tirelessly, coordinating with Lisa and the rest of the team, ensuring every detail was accounted for. The safehouse became a hive of activity, agents coming and going, each piece of the puzzle falling into place. The night of the operation arrived, and Alex found himself once again slipping i