Chapter 13: Chapter 13: Running from the Consequences
They didn't stop running until they reached the safety of their hideout, an abandoned building that had long since been forgotten by the rest of the city. The moment they stepped inside, they collapsed onto the worn-out couches and dusty floors, their bodies aching from the fight.
For a while, no one spoke. The weight of what they had done hung heavy in the air, suffocating them. Cole leaned back against the wall, staring up at the cracked ceiling, his mind racing. He had killed Crenshaw. They had taken down the most dangerous man in the slums.
But what now?
"We can't stay here," Zack said suddenly, breaking the silence. His voice was tense, his eyes darting around the room like he was expecting someone to come crashing through the door at any moment. "People are going to find out what happened. Crenshaw's men will come looking for us."
Ty groaned, running a hand through his sweat-soaked hair. "Man, can't we just have one night to breathe? We just took out Crenshaw. We deserve a break."
"Break or not, Zack's right," Cole said, his voice low and steady. "Crenshaw's men will come for us. We need to be ready."
Lina looked over at Cole, her eyes filled with concern. "What do we do? We can't fight off an entire gang."
Cole rubbed his temples, trying to force his brain to think through the fog of exhaustion. He hadn't planned for this. He hadn't thought past killing Crenshaw. Now, the reality of what they had done was crashing down on them like a tidal wave.
"We lay low for now," Cole said finally. "Stay off the streets, keep our heads down. We can't afford to draw any attention."
"That's your big plan?" Zack asked, his voice sharp with frustration. "Hide until Crenshaw's men find us? That's not going to work."
Cole clenched his fists, his temper flaring. "You got a better idea?"
Zack glared at him, but didn't say anything. They were all on edge, all scared, and Cole knew it. But they couldn't afford to fall apart now. Not after everything.
"We'll figure it out," Cole said, trying to sound more confident than he felt. "But for now, we need to stay together. No one goes anywhere alone."
Lina nodded, though the fear in her eyes hadn't faded. "Okay."
Ty leaned back on the couch, throwing an arm over his eyes. "Fine. But if we survive this, I'm taking a damn vacation."
Despite everything, Cole almost smiled.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone