The narrow alley behind the Kowloon hotel was quiet as Ethan and Lang slipped out into the early evening. The fading daylight cast long shadows, and the humid air clung to their skin. The tension was palpable, a constant reminder that they were deep in enemy territory with no margin for error.
They moved quickly, taking backstreets and alleyways to avoid drawing attention. Their destination was a private dock on the eastern side of the city, where Lang's contact had arranged a meeting with one of Li Wei Cheng's former associates. It was a risky move, but if they were going to get close to Li, they needed someone on the inside.
As they approached the docks, the air grew heavier with the smell of saltwater and diesel. The area was largely deserted, save for a few workers loading cargo onto a small freighter. Ethan scanned the surroundings, noting the possible escape routes and the locations of the few security cameras that dotted the area.